Washington, D.C. 20549
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
Thank you for your continued support.
Our stockholders may also transact such other business at the Annual Meeting as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Our stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please promptly vote your shares. The giving of your proxy will not affect your right to vote in person should you later decide to attend the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, you will receive instructions from the holder of record for you to follow in order to vote your shares.
Under the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, we are sending a Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to our stockholders as of the close of business on the Record Date. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or to request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice. The Notice also instructs you on how you may submit your proxy over the Internet or by mail. If you receive the Notice, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request one in the manner set forth in the Notice or as otherwise described in the Proxy Statement.
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors establishes broad corporate policies, has responsibility for our overall performance and strategy and authorizes various types of transactions but is not involved in the details of the day-to-day operations of the business. The Board of Directors maintains a focus on our Core Values (Safety, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Accountability) which we believe will create long-term value for our stockholders.
The Board of Directors has adopted a Policy Regarding Covered Transactions with Related Persons (“Related Person Policy”) that requires the approval or ratification by the Audit Committee of any Covered Transaction (as defined in the Related Person Policy). A Covered Transaction includes, but is not limited to, any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, including indebtedness and guarantees of indebtedness, in which (a) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $100,000 in any calendar year, (b) we are a participant and (c) any related person has or will have a direct or indirect interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity). The policy provides that any director, director nominee or executive officer must provide to the Chief Administrative Officer and Chair of the Audit Committee prior notification of all proposed terms of any Covered Transaction (other than related partyrelated-party transactions involving compensation matters and certain ordinary course transactions). Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee or director, among other limited exceptions, even if the aggregate amount involved exceeds $100,000, are deemed to have standing pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee must review the relevant facts and circumstances of the Covered Transaction, including if the terms and conditions of the transaction are generally available to third parties under similar terms or conditions, take into account the level of interest or relationship to the related person and the impact on a director’s independence, and either approve or disapprove the Covered Transaction. If the Audit Committee (or the Chairman of the Audit Committee Chair pursuant to such Chairman’sChair’s delegated authority) is unable to provide advance approval of a Covered Transaction, the transaction will be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Audit Committee. At the next meeting, the Audit Committee will evaluate all options, including, but not limited to, ratification, amendment or termination of the Covered Transaction. No director may participate in approval of a Covered Transaction for which such director is a related person.
The Board of Directors also has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Officers and Directors that applies to all of our directors, our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and other senior officers. The Code of Ethics for Senior Officers and Directors contains policies and procedures applicable to our directors and, as to our senior officers, supplements our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, which is applicable to all of our employees (together with the Code of Ethics for Senior Officers and Directors, the “Codes”). The purposes of the Codes, among other matters, are to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships. The Codes are designed to promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and other documents that we file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications. The Codes also require compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, insider trading laws. The Codes further require the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Codes to an appropriate person or persons and accountability for adherence to the Codes.
Newpark Resources, Inc.
The Audit Committee is responsible for the selection, evaluation, compensation and, when necessary, replacement of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also has responsibility for providing independent review and oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, the financial reporting process, our systems of internal accounting and financial controls, the performance of our internal audit function and the independent auditors, the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence and our compliance with ethics policies and legal and regulatory requirements and preparing the Audit Committee Report and disclosure required by the Audit Committee for inclusion in this Proxy Statement. The independent auditors report directly to the Audit Committee.
The Compensation Committee has responsibility for establishing, evaluating and administering our compensation arrangements, plans, policies and programs for our Board of Directors, CEO and other executive officers, and for administering our equity incentive plans. The Compensation Committee also has responsibility for making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the adoption, approval and amendment of the cash-based incentive plans for executives and senior managers and all equity-based incentive compensation plans.
The ESG Committee oversees the Company’s ESG programs, assists and advises the Board of Directors with respect to the size, composition and functions of the Board of Directors, identifies potential candidates for the Board of Directors and recommends to the Board of Directors a slate of qualified nominees for election as directors at each annual meeting of stockholders, oversees the annual evaluation of the Board of Directors as a whole and the committees of the Board of Directors, and develops and advises the Board of Directors with respect to corporate governance principles, policies and practices.
The following table sets forth information, as of the date indicated in the applicable Schedule 13G or Schedule 13D with respect to each stockholder identified as beneficially owning greater than 5% of our common stock, the number of outstanding shares of our common stock and the percentage beneficially owned. Except as otherwise indicated below, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by that person. Percentage ownership is based on 90,954,15786,327,090 shares of our common stock outstanding as of February 19, 2021.March 27, 2023.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our outstanding common stock as of February 19, 2021,April 1, 2023, by (i) each current director and each nominee for director, (ii) each named executive officer identified in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement, and (iii) all current directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated below, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by that person, except to the extent that authority is shared by spouses under applicable law. None of the shares reported below are pledged as security.
*Indicates ownership of less than 1%.
The Compensation Committee reviews the Compensation Committee charter annually to determine if there are any additional compensation or benefits issues it may need to address and to verify that the Compensation Committee has met all of its assigned responsibilities for the year. The Compensation Committee also undertakes a “self-evaluation” of its performance on an annual basis. This self-evaluation allows the committee members to assess areas for improvement in the compensation program and processes. The Compensation Committee establishes a calendar annually for specific compensation actions to address throughout the year.
(1) Long-term disability benefits per year until the earlier of no longer disabled or 18 months.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the equity compensation plans maintained by us as of December 31, 2020,2022, under which our equity securities may be issued in the future, and with respect to individual compensation arrangements as of December 31, 2020.2022.
The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the compensation of non-employee directors. Pearl Meyer provides the Compensation Committee with industry trends in board compensation and recommends retainers and fees based on the peer companyCompany proxy information as well as national board market data. The Compensation Committee then makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on the setting of Board compensation. The following table describes
(1) Number of awards is determined by dividing the pre-determined value by the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NYSE on the date of grant, which is the date of our annual meeting of stockholders. The awards are granted under our 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan.
The Board occasionally authorizes additional cash payments to non-employee directors for their service beyond Board and committee meetings, but no such payments were made to any non-employee directors in 2020.2022. Each of our non-employee directors is reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in attending Board and committee meetings. Due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, our non-employee directors incurred minimal travel expenses in 2020 as most of our Board and committee meetings were held virtually. Employee directors receive no additional cash consideration for serving as directors or committee members.
The following table shows the total cash and non-cash compensation attributed to each of our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Consistent with the 15% reduction in the annual cash retainer paid to non-employee directors that was effective April 1, 2020, the Board authorized a separate 15% reduction in the total annual grant date value of2022. The restricted stock awards to be issued to each of our non-employee directors in May 2020 under our 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan. The Board elected not only to decrease the overall value of such awards relative to 2019, but also to shift toward cash in order to preserve shares and dampen the dilutive effect of issuing equity awards at the Company’s then reduced stock price. For the first time, the Board elected to grant time-based cash to non-employee directors resulting in the May 2020 non-employee director awards consisting of 51% time-based cash and 49% restricted shares on a grant date value basis that all vest on May 20, 2021.19, 2023.
Seven directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting, each to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders andor until such director’s successor has been elected.duly elected and qualified. The Board of Directors has nominated for election as directors the seven persons named below based on the recommendation of the ESG Committee. All nominees are incumbent directors. Proxies solicited hereby cannot be voted for a greater number of vacancies than the nominees for director set forth below.
Please note that brokers may not vote your shares on the election of directors in the absence of your specific instructions as to how to vote. We encourage you to provide instructions to your broker regarding the voting of your shares.
Our Board members represent a desirable mix of diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences and we believe they all share the personal attributes of effective directors. They each hold themselves to the highest standards of integrity and are committed to the long-term best interests of our stockholders. No family relationships exist among any of our directors or executive officers.
Biographical information for each of the director nominees, including the key qualifications, experience, attributes and skills that led our Board to the conclusion that each of the director nominees should serve as a director, is set forth below.
The Dodd-Frank Act allows our stockholders to vote to approve, on an advisory or non-binding basis, the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act and the related rules of the SEC. Based on the stockholder advisory vote on the frequency of conducting an advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs that took place at our 2017 Annual Meeting, the Board determined to hold the advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs annually until the next stockholder vote on the frequency of such advisory vote. As a result,The Board will consider the results of Proposal No. 3, but currently expects the next advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation after our 2021 Annual Meeting is expected tofollowing the 2023 meeting will be held at our 2022 Annual Meeting.
As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, our compensation philosophy and objectives are designed to attract, motivate and retain key executives needed to implement our business strategy. We believe that aligning the Company’s short-term and long-term performance with executive compensation is crucial to the Company’s long-term success. We also believe that our executive compensation program should align the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders. We encourage you to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, along with the compensation tables and related narrative discussion contained in this Proxy Statement. The Compensation Discussion and Analysis discusses our executive compensation philosophy and programs and explains the compensation decisions relating to the NEOs.
The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the policies and programs are effective in implementing our compensation philosophy, are commensurate with the performance and strategic position of the Company and are reflective of the input that executive management and the Chairman of the Compensation CommitteeChair received during their stockholder engagement efforts. This advisory vote is not intended to address any specific element of compensation but rather relates to the overall compensation of our NEOs, as described in this Proxy Statement. Although this vote is advisory and therefore the outcome of this vote is non-binding on the Company or the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors will consider your decision when setting future compensation for our NEOs.
This advisory stockholder vote, commonly known as “say-on-pay,” gives our stockholders the opportunity to approve or not approve, on an advisory basis, our compensation policies and programs for our NEOs through the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Newpark Resources, Inc. APPROVE, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and related narrative discussions.”
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” approving the named executive officer compensation, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
The Audit Committee has selected the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and their respective affiliates (collectively, the “Deloitte Entities”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.2023. Deloitte has conducted the examination of the Company’s financial statements for each of the past 15 fiscal years. Consistent with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and SEC rules, our lead and concurring audit partners from Deloitte are required to rotate off of our account every five years and then are prohibited from working on our account for the next five years. Other audit partners at Deloitte who are not serving as our lead or concurring audit partners must rotate off of our account after seven years and then are subject to a two-year time out period. One or more representatives of the Deloitte Entities are expected to participate in the Annual Meeting either in person or electronically and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate questions from the stockholders.
The Audit Committee is directly responsible for selecting and retaining our independent registered public accounting firm. Although action by the stockholders is not required for the appointment, given the critical role played by the independent registered public accounting firm, we are providing stockholders the opportunity to express their views on this matter by electing whether to ratify the appointment. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment of the Deloitte Entities, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment, but the Audit Committee may still elect in its discretion to retain the Deloitte Entities. Conversely, even if the appointment of the Deloitte Entities is ratified by our stockholders, the Audit Committee in its discretion may appoint a different independent auditing firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that a change in auditors would be in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.2023.
public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval process and the fees for services performed to date.
As permitted by statute, the Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee to provide for the prompt handling of unexpected matters. The Chair will report any action taken pursuant to this delegated authority to the Audit Committee at or before the next Audit Committee meeting.
All services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm in 20202022 and 20192021 were approved in accordance with the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
This report is submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is composed of fivesix independent directors who satisfy the requirements of independence established by NYSE listing standards and the SEC. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are “financially literate” under applicable SEC rules and NYSE listing rules, and that each of Ms. Robeson and Mr. Finley is anMs. Meer are “audit committee financial expert”experts” as defined by applicable SEC rules.
The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on our website at www.newpark.com/governance and is also available in print upon request from our Corporate Secretary.
Management has primary responsibility for our financial statements and financial reporting processes and for the maintenance of internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, laws and regulations and ethical business standards. Our independent registered public accounting firm, the Deloitte Entities, is responsible for expressing an opinion on whether the Company’s consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and the results of its operations and its cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Additionally, the Deloitte Entities are responsible for expressing an opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes on behalf of the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee also is responsible for the engagement, compensation and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm.
In keeping with that responsibility, the Audit Committee meets regularly with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. Meetings with the independent registered public accounting firm are held both with and without management present, and the independent registered public accounting firm has direct access to the Audit Committee to discuss the scope and results of its work and its comments on the adequacy of internal controls and the quality of financial reporting. The Audit Committee met eight times during the year ended December 31, 2020.2022.
The Audit Committee reviewed, with the independent registered public accounting firm, the overall scope and plans for its audits. The Audit Committee has also reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 20202022 and internal controls over financial reporting with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence from our Company and our management. The Audit Committee also reviewed the non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm and concluded that the provision of those services is compatible with its independence.
We filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,2022, which we refer to as the 20202022 Annual Report, in a timely fashion with the SEC in 2021.2023. Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the 20202022 Annual Report. The Audit Committee also engaged the Deloitte Entities as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2021 fiscal year.year 2023. See above under the heading “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” for additional information on the decision to again appoint the Deloitte Entities as our independent registered public accounting firm.
Audit Committee:
Rose M. Robeson (Chair)*
G. Stephen Finley *
Roderick A. Larson
Michael A. Lewis**Lewis
Claudia M. Meer
John C. Mingé
Donald W. Young
*Ms. Robeson was appointed Chair of the Audit Committee effective March 1, 2021, taking over from Mr. Finley who served in such capacity since 2009 and remains a member of the Audit Committee.
** Mr. Lewis was appointed to the Board and the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2021.
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PROPOSAL NO. 45
AMENDMENT TOAPPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
2015 EMPLOYEE EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Amendment and Restatement to the Plan
We are asking our stockholders to approve thea second amendment and restatement of the Amended and Restated Newpark Resources, Inc. 2015 Employee Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective May 23, 2019, and as further amended effective May 20, 2021 and May 19, 2022 (the “2015 Plan”), to increase the number of shares that may be issued thereunder from 12,300,00015,300,000 shares to 14,300,000 shares.16,500,000 shares and to incorporate amendments made in 2021 and 2022.
Reasons for the Amendment to Increase Shares and Relevant Considerations
Long-term incentives have been critical to our compensation philosophy. The Board of Directors believes that the equity awards available under the 2015 Plan support our compensation philosophy, which includes (i) tying our executives' and employees' pay opportunities to variable compensation in that long-term value depends upon our stock price performance and (ii) stockholder alignment by closely aligning our executives’ and employees’ compensation opportunities with the interests of our stockholders.
During our stockholder engagement efforts over the past eighteen months, our senior management and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee Chair, when requested, discussed with our stockholders long-term incentives generally and share dilution specifically. Each of the stockholders with whom we spoke fully supported the issuance of restricted stock units to management as the best method of aligning management incentives with those of our stockholders. These same stockholders appreciated the dilutive effect that such issuances could have on their holdings, but advised us that they were willing to incur such dilution provided that the amount of restricted stock units being issued were reasonable in amount and being issued at fair market value. The number of restricted stock units granted at any time depends on our stock price with the total value of any grant targeted at median for executives with similar responsibilities within our peer group. Our restricted stock units are issued at fair market value on the date of grant and vest over three years.
The 2015 Plan enables the Compensation Committee to grant to key employees of the Company, including executive officers and other corporate and segmentdivision employees, a variety of forms of equity-based compensation, including grants of options to purchase shares of common stock, shares of restricted common stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards, and performance-based awards. For purposes of the upcoming annual awards to be granted in May 2021,2023, the Compensation Committee intends to grant to our senior management a mix of time-based restricted stock units and performance-based cash awards tied to relative TSR and grant time-based restricted stock units to all other participants.
TheOur 2015 Plan was initially adopted by the Board of Directors on April 6, 2015, approved by our stockholders at the 2015 Annual Meeting, and subsequently amended in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2017 and amended and restated in 2019.2022. The maximum number of shares of common stock currently authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan is currently set at 12,300,00015,300,000 shares. Approval of the proposed second amendment and restatement of the 2015 Plan is needed to replenish the pool of shares available for the grant of stock-based compensation. As of December 31, 2020,2022, approximately 1,700,0001,800,000 shares of our common stock remained available for grants under the 2015 Plan, which (assuming a grant price of $3.75$4.25 per share) is approximately 530,000fewer than the number of shares of common stock fewer thanthat our Compensation Committee believes will be needed to make the planned long-term incentive grants in May 20212023 in order to maintain target level executive, management, and key employee compensation at the median of our peer group.
On March 16, 2021,April 3, 2023, our Compensation Committee recommended and our Board of Directors authorized, subject to stockholder approval, ana second amendment toand restatement of the 2015 Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan by 2,000,000 shares.1,200,000 shares and to incorporate each of the amendment made in 2021 and 2022. If approved by the stockholders, the request to increase the number of shares for future issuance under the 2015 Plan will contribute to an additional potential dilution of approximately 10.4%1.4%. This additional potential dilution was calculated by dividing the requested increase of 2,000,0001,200,000 shares to the shareshares reserve by the sum of (i) the total number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan prior to its amendment and restatement, (ii) all unvested shares and unexercised stock options previously awarded and outstanding under the 2015 Plan and any prior plan, after giving effect to 447,063 unexercised stock options that are scheduled and expected to expire between May and July 2021, and (iii) the total number of shares of outstanding common stock of the Company as of March 16, 2021.27, 2023.
In considering this proposal, the stockholders should also be aware that the average number of shares granted under all long-term incentive plans over the last three fiscal years, divided by the number of shares outstanding as of March 26, 2021,27, 2023, is approximately 1.9%2.6% (unadjusted and excluding forfeitures). Given market volatility and challenging industry conditions, it is difficult to estimate how many years of grants will be provided by the shares remaining in the event of approval of the second amendment and restatement of the 2015 Plan. We believe that the requested allocation is critical over the next 24 months to
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ensuring our ability to attract and retain key talent and to provide our senior management with competitive reward opportunities that are aligned with our stockholders’ interests.
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Summary of Sound Governance Features of the 2015 Plan
The Board of Directors and Compensation Committee believe the 2015 Plan contains several features that are consistent with the interests of our stockholders and sound corporate governance practices, including the following:
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| ü | No "evergreen" provision. The number of shares of our common stock available for issuance under the 2015 Plan is fixed and will not adjust based upon the number of shares outstanding. |
| ü | Discounted stock options and stock appreciation rights are prohibited. The 2015 Plan prohibits granting stock options with exercise prices and stock appreciation rights with grant prices lower than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the grant date, except in connection with the issuance or assumption of awards in connection with certain mergers, consolidations, acquisitions of property or stock or reorganizations. |
| ü | No repricing or exchange of stock options or stock appreciation rights without stockholder approval. The 2015 Plan prohibits the repricing of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights, or the cancellation of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights for cash or awards with an exercise price less than the canceled award. |
| ü | Minimum Vesting for Awards to Employees. The 2015 Plan provides that awards are generally subject to a minimum one-year vesting requirement, with a limited exception applicable to no more than five percent of the shares available for awards under the 2015 Plan. |
| ü | No payment of dividends on unvested awards. The 2015 Plan prohibits the payment of dividends on unvested awards. |
In addition, in light of the dramatic decline in the value of the Company’s shares in 2020 and in an effort to limit the dilutive effect of the 2015 Plan, the value of equity awards granted to employees in 2020 was reduced by 48%, as compared to 2019. Also, asAs an added measure to help mitigate the dilutive effect of the 2015 Plan, oversince 2019, when our stockholders approved the past two years,first an amendment and restatement of our 2015 plan, we have repurchased a total of 2,537,833approximately 7.8 million shares on the open market, and also acquired a total of 957,6663,138,071 shares from employees, reflecting shares surrendered in lieu of taxes under vesting of restricted stock awards and shares forfeited due to employee resignations and terminations. These actions have been very effective in limiting dilution to our stockholders over the past two years. The Common Shares outstanding at the 20212023 Record Date is [ ],86,327,090 reflecting a [__]% increase7% decrease to the 90,296,70192,353,104 shares that were outstanding at the 20192022 Record Date.
Summary of Proposed Changes
If approved by our stockholders, the 2015 Plan will be amended and restated as set forth in the First Amendment to theSecond Amended and Restated Newpark Resources, Inc. 2015 Employee Equity Incentive Plan, effective May 23, 201918, 2023 (the “Amendment”“Second Amendment and Restatement”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A. The Second Amendment and Restatement increases the number of shares of our common stock available for awards under the 2015 Plan by 2,000,0001,200,000 to a total of 14,300,00016,500,000 shares, with approximately 3,700,0003,000,000 available for future awards.awards and incorporates amendments made in 2021 and 2022.
Summary of the 2015 Plan
The following description of the 2015 Plan is only a summary of certain provisions thereof and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2015 Plan,Second Amendment and Restatement, a copy of which is attached as Appendix BA to this Proxy Statement and filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 23, 2019, and the Amendment, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement, which should each be read in conjunction with the following summary. In the event the proposed Amendment is not approved, the 2015 Plan as it currently exists will remain in effect.
Purpose
The purpose of the 2015 Plan is to assist the Company in attracting, retaining and motivating designated employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, and to increase their interest in the success of the Company in order to promote the creation of long-term value for our stockholders by closely aligning the interests of such employees with those of our stockholders.
Administration
The 2015 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, all of whose members are “non-employee directors” as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and “independent directors” under the corporate governance rules of the NYSE. Members of the Compensation Committee are not eligible to receive awards under the 2015 Plan. The Compensation Committee has complete authority, subject to the express provisions of the 2015 Plan, to, among other things, (i) approve granting awards to our employees and the employees of our subsidiaries, (ii) determine the number of shares subject to awards to be granted to employees, (iii) set the terms and conditions of the awards, (iv) grant waivers of conditions and remove or adjust any restrictions and conditions upon the awards or otherwise amend or terminate an
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outstanding award, subject, in certain circumstances, to the award holder’s consent, (v) interpret and administer the 2015 Plan, (vi) adopt, amend, modify or rescind rules, regulations, procedures and forms related to the 2015 Plan, (vii) interpret,
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administer, correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the 2015 Plan or any award agreement or related instrument or agreement thereunder, (viii) determine whether an award has been earned, (ix) authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any agreement or document required to carry out the purposes of the 2015 Plan, and (x) make all other determinations, deemed necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2015 Plan.
Any of the powers and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee may be delegated to a subcommittee. These powers and responsibilities also may be delegated, subject to the provisions of the 2015 Plan and to the extent permitted by applicable law, to a committee consisting of one or more members of the Board of Directors or one or more officers of the Company, subject to terms that the Compensation Committee shall determine in any delegating resolutions.
The Compensation Committee will maintain ultimate responsibility for, and control of the operation of the 2015 Plan. At least annually, the Compensation Committee, in conjunction with the Audit Committee, will conduct or cause the conduct of an audit of the operation of the 2015 Plan to verify that it has been operated and awards have been documented and maintained by our officers in accordance with the directions of the Compensation Committee.
Eligibility
Only our employees and the employees of our subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the 2015 Plan. Non-employee directors and consultants are not eligible to receive awards under the 2015 Plan. In selecting participants in the 2015 Plan, consideration is given to factors such as employment position, duties and responsibilities, ability, productivity, length of service, morale, interest in the Company and supervisor recommendations, for both existing and future employees as applicable. Awards may be granted to the same employee on more than one occasion. Each award will be evidenced by an agreement in a form (which may be written or electronic) approved by the Compensation Committee. Although we cannot predict the number of future award recipients, we estimate that there will be approximately 175 to 225 employees of our Company (including employees of our subsidiaries) who will be eligible to receive awards under the 2015 Plan.
Shares Available for Awards
Subject to certain adjustments set forth in the 2015 Plan, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued or awarded under the 2015 Plan will be increased by 2,000,0001,200,000 shares for a total of 14,300,000,16,500,000, if the Second Amendment and Restatement is approved by the stockholders. As of March 16, 2021,25, 2022, grants totaling approximately 3,530,0004,300,000 unvested time-based restricted stock units were outstanding under the 2015 Plan.
For purposes of implementing the limitation on the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be covered by awards granted under the 2015 Plan, the following shares are considered to have been issued under the 2015 Plan, and may not again be available for grant of an award pursuant to the 2015 Plan: (i) shares not issued or delivered as a result of the net settlement of an outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right; (ii) shares withheld or tendered to the Company in satisfaction of the grant or exercise price or tax withholding requirements pursuant to a stock option or stock appreciation right; or (iii) shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of the stock option exercise price. All shares subject to a stock appreciation right, to the extent exercised, are considered issued regardless of the actual number of shares issued to the participant. In addition, shares subject to awards issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of any entity acquired in any form of business combination of the Company or any of our subsidiaries do not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan. Shares issued under the 2015 Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares.
To the extent shares cease to be issuable under an award made under the 2015 Plan, other than because of the exercise of the award or the vesting of a restricted stock award or similar award, such shares would become available under the 2015 Plan for the grant of additional awards in the same amount as they were counted against the limit on the date of grant.
Amendment and Termination
Unless terminated sooner, the term of the 2015 Plan expires on May 23, 2029. Except with respect to awards then outstanding, if not sooner terminated, the 2015 Plan will terminate on, and no further awards may be made, after May 23, 2029.19, 2032. The Board of Directors may at any time suspend, amend or terminate the 2015 Plan. Stockholder approval is required, however, to increase the number of shares of common stock which may be issued (except for adjustments under anti-dilution clauses) or to effectuate a change for which stockholder approval is required: (i) for the 2015 Plan to continue to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code; or (ii) under the corporate governance standards of any national securities exchange or automated quotation system applicable to the Company. The 2015 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to include in awards provisions that permit the acceleration of vesting under certain circumstances.
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Repricing
Except in connection with a corporate transaction (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares), 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
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stock options or stock appreciation rights with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original stock options or stock appreciation rights without stockholder approval.
Delivery and Execution of Electronic Documents
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company may: (a) deliver by email or other electronic means (including posting on a Web site maintained by the Company or by a third party under contract with the Company) all documents relating to the 2015 Plan or any award thereunder (including prospectuses required by the SEC) and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including annual reports and proxy statements), and (b) permit participants to electronically execute applicable plan documents (including award agreements and any required notices under the 2015 Plan) in a manner prescribed by our Compensation Committee.
Types and Maximum Number of Awards
Awards under the 2015 Plan may be in the form of stock options (which may be incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options), restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards. The 2015 Plan imposes individual limitations on the number of shares that may be covered by awards. The maximum number of shares that may be granted in the form of stock options and stock appreciation rights under the 2015 Plan to any one participant in any calendar year is 1,000,000 shares.
Stock Options
Stock options granted under the 2015 Plan may be either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. The exercise price of each stock option must be at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date the stock option is granted. The determination of fair market value of the common stock is based on the closing price for our common stock on the principal exchange or over-the-counter market on which such shares are trading. The stock option term is for a period of 10 years from the date of grant or such shorter period as is determined by the Compensation Committee. Each stock option may provide that it is exercisable in full or in periodic installments or upon the satisfaction of such performance criteria as the Compensation Committee may determine, and each stock option is exercisable from the date of grant or any later date specified in the option, all as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee’s authority to take certain actions under the 2015 Plan includes authority to accelerate vesting schedules and to otherwise waive or adjust restrictions applicable to the exercise of stock options.
Each stock option may be exercised in whole or in part (but not as to fractional shares) by delivering a notice of exercise to us, together with payment of the exercise price. The exercise price may be paid in cash, by cashier’s or certified check or, if the Compensation Committee permits, by surrender of shares of common stock owned by the holder of the option, by cashless exercise, or by a combination thereof.
Except as otherwise disclosed below or determined by the Compensation Committee either at the time of grant or thereafter, an optionee may not exercise a stock option unless from the grant date to the exercise date the optionee remains continuously in our employ. If the optionee’s employment terminates by reason of death or disability, the stock options then currently exercisable remain exercisable for 12 months after termination of employment, subject to earlier expiration at the end of their fixed term. If the optionee’s employment terminates by reason other than death or disability, or a termination for cause, the stock options then currently exercisable remain exercisable for 90 days after termination of employment (except that the 90-day period is extended to 12 months if the optionee dies during this 90-day period), subject to earlier expiration at the end of their fixed term. If the optionee’s employment is terminated for cause, the stock options held by the optionee, whether vested or not, will terminate concurrently with the first discovery by us of any reason for the optionee’s termination for cause and will not be exercisable thereafter.
An employee may receive incentive stock options covering shares of common stock of any value, provided that the value of all such option shares subject to one or more incentive stock options that are first exercisable in any one calendar year may not exceed the maximum amount permitted under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code (currently $100,000). In addition, in the case of incentive stock options granted to employees owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company and its affiliates, the exercise price at which such option shares may be purchased upon the exercise of such incentive stock options shall be equal to 110% of the fair market value per share of common stock at the time of grant, and such incentive stock option may not be exercised later than five years after the date of grant.
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We have not issued options to any employees, including any of our NEOs, since 2016. As of March 26, 2021,27, 2023, we have options outstanding under the 2015 Plan to purchase an aggregate of [2,297,702]1,037,774 shares, which have ten-year terms. The exercise prices of the options range from $4.32 to $11.43$9.00 per share. Of the remaining options outstanding 447,063 are scheduled and expected tounder the 2015 Plan, none will expire between May 2021 and July 2021.in 2023. The closing price of our common stock on March 26, 2021,27, 2023, as reported by the NYSE, was $___.
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Restricted Stock
The Compensation Committee may grant to any participant common stock, which we refer to as restricted stock, subject to forfeiture and vesting restrictions, restrictions on transferability and other restrictions that will apply to the award of restricted stock. Each participant who is awarded restricted stock will be required to enter into an agreement with us, in a form specified by the Compensation Committee, agreeing to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the grant and other matters consistent with the 2015 Plan as the Compensation Committee determines appropriate. Generally, the restrictions on restricted stock will lapse over a period of time, which we refer to as the restriction period, as specified by the Compensation Committee and set forth in the award agreement. The Compensation Committee’s authority to take certain actions under the 2015 Plan includes authority to accelerate vesting and to otherwise waive or adjust restrictions applicable to awards of restricted stock.
The Compensation Committee will determine the manner in which the restricted stock granted under the 2015 Plan will be evidenced. If certificates representing restricted stock are registered in the name of the participant, the Compensation Committee may require that those certificates bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to the restricted stock, that we retain physical possession of the certificates, and that the participant deliver a stock power to us, endorsed in blank, relating to the restricted stock. Any uncertificated shares of restricted stock will be held at the Company’s transfer agent in book-entry form or held for the benefit of the participant by a broker engaged by the Company to provide such services for the 2015 Plan.
Unless otherwise set forth in the award agreement, a participant holding restricted stock shall be entitled to the right to vote and to receive (i) any regular cash distributions declared and paid with respect to shares subject to an award of restricted stock, and (ii) any shares distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and any other cash and property (including our securities and securities of other issuers) distributed as a dividend, with respect to shares subject to a restricted stock award. In the case of restricted stock, the vesting of which is conditioned only upon the continuous employment of, or provision of services by, the participant for a specified future period, such dividends and distributions shall be paid to the participant at the same time they are paid to our stockholders unless otherwiseaward; provided in the award agreement; providedhowever, that if any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares or other securities, such shares or other securities shall be subject to the same restrictions and forfeiture conditions to the same extent as the restricted stock with respect to which such shares or other securities have been distributed. In the case of restricted stock, the vesting of which is conditioned on the achievement of performance criteria, such dividends and distributions shall be withheld by us and shall vest and be paid only if and to the extent, and at the time, the underlying shares of restricted stock shall vest. To the extent dividends or distributions are withheld with respect to shares of restricted stock that are forfeited, the dividends and distributions shall also be forfeited.
The Compensation Committee generally may provide any other terms, conditions and restrictions with regard to the restricted stock that it deems appropriate and that are not inconsistent with the terms of the 2015 Plan.
Restricted Stock Units
The Compensation Committee may make awards of restricted stock units in amounts, at times and to such designated employees as the Compensation Committee may determine. A participant granted restricted stock units shall not have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to the award of restricted stock units, including any right to vote or to receive other distributions on the shares, until the shares subject to the award are issued in the participant’s name in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement.
At the time of grant of each award of restricted stock units, the Compensation Committee will determine the restriction period that will apply to the award and will specify the maturity date applicable to each grant of restricted stock units. During the restriction period, restricted stock units will be subject to restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions as the Compensation Committee may impose, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances (including based on achievement of performance criteria or future service requirements or both), in installments or otherwise as the Compensation Committee may determine in its discretion. If the terms and conditions specified in the award agreement have not been satisfied by the end of the restriction period, the restricted stock units subject to the restriction period will become null and void, and the participant will forfeit all rights with respect to the award.
Subject to the terms of the 2015 Plan and award agreement, on the maturity date, we will deliver to the participant one share of common stock for each restricted stock unit scheduled to be issued on that date and not previously forfeited.
If the award agreement so provides, a participant holding restricted stock units shall be entitled to receive, but only if, to the extent, and at the time that the restricted stock units vest and are settled, (i) any regular cash distributions declared and paid with respect to shares subject to a restricted stock unit, and (ii) any shares distributed in connection with a stock split or stock
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dividend, and any other cash and property (including our securities and securities of other issuers) distributed as a dividend, with respect to shares subject to an award of restricted stock. In the case of restricted stock units, the vesting of which is
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conditioned on the achievement of performance criteria, any such dividends or distributions shall be withheld and shall vest and be paid, without interest, only if and to the extent, and at the time, the restricted stock units shall vest. Dividends or distributions relating to any forfeited restricted stock units shall also be forfeited.
The Compensation Committee generally may provide any other terms, conditions and restrictions with regard to the restricted stock units that it deems appropriate and that are not inconsistent with the terms of the 2015 Plan.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Compensation Committee may make awards of stock appreciation rights in amounts, at times and to such designated employees as the Compensation Committee may determine. A stock appreciation right confers on the participant the right to receive in shares of common stock, cash or a combination thereof the value equal to the excess of the fair market value of one share of common stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price for the stock appreciation right, with respect to every share for which the stock appreciation right is granted. We refer to this value as the SAR settlement value. At the time of grant, the stock appreciation right must be designated by the Compensation Committee as either a tandem stock appreciation right or a stand-alone stock appreciation right. If not so designated, it will be deemed to be a stand-alone stock appreciation right. A tandem stock appreciation right is a stock appreciation right that is granted in tandem with a stock option and only may be granted at the same time as the stock option to which it relates. The exercise of a tandem stock appreciation right will cancel the related stock option for a like number of shares, and the exercise of the related stock option similarly will cancel the tandem stock appreciation right for a like number of shares. Except as specifically set forth in the 2015 Plan or in the applicable award agreement, tandem stock appreciation rights will be subject to the same terms and conditions as apply to the related stock option. Except as specifically set forth in the 2015 Plan or in the applicable award agreement, stand-alone stock appreciation rights will be subject to the same terms and conditions generally applicable to non-qualified stock options as set forth in the 2015 Plan.
The exercise price of each stock appreciation right will be determined by the Compensation Committee, but will not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The term of each stock appreciation right is for a period of 10 years from the date of grant or such shorter period as is determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also determines the circumstances under which a stock appreciation right may be exercised, the method of exercise and settlement, and the form of consideration payable in settlement. Each stock appreciation right may be exercised in whole or in part (but not as to fractional shares) by delivering an executed notice of exercise (which maybe in electronic format) to us. The Compensation Committee may provide for stock appreciation rights to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise (including, without limitation, upon the satisfaction of performance criteria), as to such number of shares or percentage of the shares subject to the stock appreciation right as the Compensation Committee determines. Upon exercise, the participant will be entitled to receive the SAR settlement value for each share as to which the stock appreciation right has been exercised. We will pay the SAR settlement value in shares, in cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Compensation Committee and the terms of the award.
The Compensation Committee generally may provide any other terms, conditions and restrictions with regard to the stock appreciation rights that it deems appropriate and that are not inconsistent with the terms of the 2015 Plan.
Other Stock-Based Awards
The Compensation Committee may grant to eligible employees equity-based or equity-related awards not otherwise described in the 2015 Plan, alone or in tandem with other awards, in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee shall determine. These other stock-based awards may (i) involve the transfer of restricted or unrestricted shares of common stock to participants, either at the time of grant or thereafter, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of shares of common stock, (ii) be subject to performance-based or service-based vesting requirements, (iii) be granted as, or in payment of, a bonus, or to provide incentives or recognize special achievements or contributions, and (iv) be designed to comply with applicable laws of jurisdictions other than the United States; provided, that each such stock-based award must be denominated in, or have a value determined by reference to, a number of shares of common stock that is specified in the award agreement. In the case of other stock-based awards, the vesting of which is conditioned on the achievement of performance criteria, if the award agreement provides participants with dividend rights, any dividends or distributions shall be withheld and shall vest and be paid, without interest, only if and to the extent, and at the time, the other stock-based awards shall vest. Dividends or distributions relating to any forfeited other stock-based awards shall also be forfeited.
Performance-Based Awards
The Compensation Committee may make an award pursuant to the 2015 Plan conditioned upon the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria. The Compensation Committee will set forth the performance
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criteria based upon our business and financial objectives during the award period and a schedule describing the relationship between the achievement of such performance goals and the awards granted to participants.
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The performance criteria, including the level or levels of performance targeted, are determined by the Compensation Committee and relate to one or more of the following performance measures:
•revenues or net sales;
•earnings before or after deduction for all or any portion of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or other items, whether or not on a continuing operations or an aggregate or per share basis;
•return on equity, investment, capital or assets;
•margins;
•one or more operating ratios;
•borrowing levels, leverage ratios or credit ratings;
•market share;
•capital expenditures;
•cash flow;
•stock price, growth in stockholder value or total stockholder return;
•budget and expense management;
•working capital turnover and targets;
•sales of particular products or services, market penetration, geographic expansion or new concept development;
•customer acquisition, expansion and retention;
•acquisitions and divestitures (in whole or in part), joint ventures, strategic alliances, spin-offs, split-ups and the like;
•reorganizations, recapitalizations, restructurings and financings (debt or equity);
•transactions that would constitute a “change in control”;
•any other measure or criteria determined by the Compensation Committee; or
•any combination of the foregoing.
Performance criteria measures, and targets with respect thereto, determined by the Compensation Committee need not be based upon an increase, a positive or improved result or avoidance of loss. Any performance criteria may be used to measure the performance of the Company as a whole or with respect to any business unit, subsidiary or business segment of the Company, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and may be measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous period results or to a designated comparison group, in each case as specified by the Compensation Committee in the award. During the award period, the Compensation Committee may adjust the performance goals as it deems appropriate to compensate for, or reflect, certain situations that are set forth in the 2015 Plan.
Adjustments Upon Certain Events
In the event the Compensation Committee determines that any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, extraordinary dividend of cash or assets, merger, consolidation, spin-off, recapitalization (other than the conversion of convertible securities according to their terms), reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate change, or any other increase, decrease or change in our common stock without receipt or payment of consideration, affects the common stock, then the Compensation Committee will adjust, as it deems to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits made available under the 2015 Plan, any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares of common stock, or other securities, with respect to which an award may be granted under the 2015 Plan; (ii) the number and kind of shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards; (iii) the grant, exercise or other purchase price per share under any outstanding awards; and (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding awards. No such adjustments may change the value of the benefits available under a previously granted award (i) if the effect would be to increase the value of the benefits available under such award, without the approval of the stockholders if such is required by the 2015 Plan or applicable laws, or (ii) if the effect would be to materially and adversely affect the value of the benefits available under such awards, without the participant’s consent to that adjustment.
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If a change in control occurs, unless otherwise provided in the award agreement or other employment, severance or change in control agreement approved by the Compensation Committee to which the participant is a party, in which case such agreement shall control, the outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan must be assumed or replaced by the successor entity in
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connection with the change in control. If the outstanding awards are assumed or replaced, then the vesting schedule will remain the same, subject to full acceleration if the employee’s employment after the change in control is terminated by the successor entity without “cause” or by the employee for “good reason” within 24 months from consummation of the change in control. However, if the outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan are not assumed or replaced by the successor entity in the change in control, then the Compensation Committee has the discretion to either partially or wholly accelerate the vesting of the awards or cancel the awards in exchange for a cash payment to the employee equal to the then fair market value of the award, less any purchase or exercise price, except that for performance-based awards the Compensation Committee only has discretion to accelerate vesting to the extent the performance criteria are actually achieved, and if achievement is not determinable, then at target.
The 2015 Plan contains a provision that limits total benefits payable in connection with a change in control as necessary to mitigate the adverse impact of the golden parachute excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code on participants.
A change in control in the 2015 Plan is defined to include any of the following:
•any election of directors takes place and a majority of the directors in office following such election are individuals who were not nominated by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors or its nominating committee immediately preceding such election;
•the Company effectuates a complete liquidation or a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets unless immediately following any such sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the surviving corporation or entity (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the holding company) for a period of not less than 12 months following the closing of such transaction;
•one or more occurrences or events as a result of which any “person” becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 30% or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities; or
•a merger or consolidation of the Company with, or an acquisition by the Company of the equity interests of all or substantially all of the assets of, any other corporation or entity, other than a merger, consolidation or acquisition in which the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the surviving corporation or entity (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the holding company) for a period of not less than 12 months following the closing of such transaction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any award subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and payable upon a change in control, the term “change in control” shall mean any such event described above but only if it also constitutes a “change in control event” within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 409A.
For purposes of the above change in control discussion, and pursuant to the 2015 Plan, the terms:
•“Cause" generally means any of the following: (i) the employee’s conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere for, an act on the employee’s part constituting a felony, dishonesty, willful misconduct or material neglect by the employee of his or her employment obligations to the Company that results in material injury to the Company; (ii) appropriation (or an overt act attempting to appropriate) of a material business opportunity of the Company by the employee; (iii) theft, embezzlement or other similar misappropriation of funds or property of the Company by the employee; or (iv) the failure of the employee to follow the reasonable and lawful written instructions or policy of the Company with respect to the services to be rendered and the manner of rendering such services by the employee, provided the employee has been given reasonable and specific written notice of such failure and opportunity to cure and no cure has been effected or initiated within a reasonable period of time, but not less than 90 days, after such notice.
•“Good reason” generally means any of the following: (i) the Company (or its successor) adversely changes the employee’s title or changes in any material respect the responsibilities, authority or status of the employee without prior notice and acceptance; (ii) the substantial or material failure of the Company (or its successor) to comply with its obligations under the 2015 Plan or any other agreement that may be in effect that is not remedied within a reasonable time after specific written notice thereof by the employee to the Company; (iii) the diminution of the
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employee’s base salary; and (iv) requiring the employee to relocate more than 50 miles from his or her location of employment immediately prior to the change in control. However, “good reason” shall only exist in the prior (i) through (iv) if the employee has given reasonable and specific written notice to the Chief Executive Officer of such failure, the Company has been given a reasonable opportunity to cure, and no cure has been effected or initiated within a reasonable time after such notice.
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Transferability
Except as otherwise provided in the 2015 Plan, no award and no right under the 2015 Plan may be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during a participant’s lifetime, an award requiring exercise may be exercised only by such participant (or in the event of a disability, on behalf of such participant). Awards, other than incentive stock options and stock appreciation rights granted in tandem therewith, may be transferred to one or more transferees during the lifetime of the participant, and may be exercised by such transferee, only if and to the extent the transfers are permitted by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. Any attempted transfer of an award in violation of the 2015 Plan is prohibited and will be ineffective.
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NewAmended Plan Benefits
The actual amount of awards to be granted under the 2015 Plan is not determinable in advance because the size and type of awards to be made in any year is determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. In addition, the specific performance criteria and targets are selected each year by the Compensation Committee. There were 792,077 stock options previously granted under the 2015 Plan that were outstanding on December 31, 2022, including 431,107 for Mr. Howes, 69,896 for Mr. Lanigan, 115,535 for Mr. Piontek, 28,043 for other current executive officers and 147,496 for all other current employees.
Registration of Securities
The Company intends to file a registration on Form S-8 to register the additional shares requested pursuant to the Second Amendment and Restatement in May of 2023.
Summary of Federal Income Tax ConsequencesOther Stock-Based Awards
The following summary is intended as a general guideCompensation Committee may grant to U.S. federal income tax consequences under current law for certaineligible employees equity-based or equity-related awards under the 2015 Plan, and does not attempt to describe all possible federal or other tax consequences of participationotherwise described in the 2015 Plan, alone or tax consequences based on particular circumstances.
Tax Consequencesin tandem with other awards, in such amounts and subject to Participants
Incentive Stock Options
Stock options granted undersuch terms and conditions as the 2015 Plan are intendedCompensation Committee shall determine. These other stock-based awards may (i) involve the transfer of restricted or unrestricted shares of common stock to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, if so designated on the date of grant. Stock options that are not designated or do not qualify as incentive stock options are non-qualified stock options and are not eligible for the tax benefits applicable to incentive stock options.
An optionee recognizes no gross income for federal income tax purposes (“taxable income”) upon the grant of an incentive stock option. In addition, the optionee will not recognize taxable incomeparticipants, either at the time of exercisegrant or thereafter, or payment in cash or otherwise of an incentive stock option if the optionee has been in our employ at all times during the period beginningamounts based on the date of grant and ending on the date three months before the date of exercise (longer if the optionee dies or becomes disabled), unless the alternative minimum tax rules apply. Upon the exercise of an incentive stock option, an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of shares of common stock, (ii) be subject to performance-based or service-based vesting requirements, (iii) be granted as, or in payment of, a bonus, or to provide incentives or recognize special achievements or contributions, and (iv) be designed to comply with applicable laws of jurisdictions other than the option shares at the exercise date over the exercise price mayUnited States; provided, that each such stock-based award must be treated as an adjustmentdenominated in, or have a value determined by reference to, alternative minimum taxable income for purposesa number of the alternative minimum tax.
Gain recognized upon a disposition of the option shares generally will be treated as long-term capital gain as long as the shares are not disposed of within (i) two years after the date of grant of the incentive stock option and (ii) one year after the exercise date. Unless both of these conditions are satisfied, the disposition is a “disqualifying disposition.” In that event, gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares at the exercise date over the exercise price generally will be taxed as ordinary income and any further gain will be taxed as long-term capital gain if the shares are held more than 12 months; however, if the shares are disposed of for less than their fair market value on the exercise date, the amount treated as ordinary income is generally limited to the excess, if any, of the amount realized on disposition over the optionee's adjusted basis in such shares. Different rules apply if an optionee exercises an incentive stock option by surrendering shares of common stock that were previously acquired uponis specified in the exerciseaward agreement. In the case of an incentive stock optionother stock-based awards, if the award agreement provides participants with dividend rights, any dividends or distributions shall be withheld and with respect to which the optionee did not satisfy certain holding periods.
Shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option by the payment of cash will have a basis equalshall vest and be paid, without interest, only if and to the exercise price of the stock option, plus any amount the participant is required to include as ordinary income from a disqualifying disposition of stock. Different rules apply if an optionee exercises an incentive stock option by surrendering previously owned shares of common stock.
Incentive stock options exercised by an optionee who has not satisfied the applicable requirements as to continuous employment do not qualify for the tax treatment discussed above. Instead, the exercise of such options will be subject to the rules which apply to the exercise of non-qualified stock options.
Non-Qualified Stock Options
An optionee recognizes no taxable income upon the grant of a non-qualified stock option. In general, upon the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, the optionee will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the exercise date over the exercise price.
Shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of a non-qualified stock option by the payment of cash will have a basis equal to the exercise price of the stock option plus the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee upon exercise. Different rules apply if an optionee exercises a non-qualified stock option by surrendering previously owned shares of common stock.
The optionee will be subject to income tax withholdingextent, and at the time, the optionee recognizes ordinary income (i.e.,other stock-based awards shall vest. Dividends or distributions relating to any forfeited other stock-based awards shall also be forfeited.
Performance-Based Awards
The Compensation Committee may make an award pursuant to the exercise date). Generally, we2015 Plan conditioned upon the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria. The Compensation Committee will be entitled to a tax deduction atset forth the same time the optionee recognizes income and in the same amount.performance
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Restricted Stockcriteria based upon our business and financial objectives during the award period and a schedule describing the relationship between the achievement of such performance goals and the awards granted to participants.
The tax consequencesperformance criteria, including the level or levels of a grantperformance targeted, are determined by the Compensation Committee and relate to one or more of restricted stock depend uponthe following performance measures:
•revenues or net sales;
•earnings before or after deduction for all or any portion of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or other items, whether or not on a continuing operations or an aggregate or per share basis;
•return on equity, investment, capital or assets;
•margins;
•one or more operating ratios;
•borrowing levels, leverage ratios or credit ratings;
•market share;
•capital expenditures;
•cash flow;
•stock price, growth in stockholder value or total stockholder return;
•budget and expense management;
•working capital turnover and targets;
•sales of particular products or services, market penetration, geographic expansion or new concept development;
•customer acquisition, expansion and retention;
•acquisitions and divestitures (in whole or in part), joint ventures, strategic alliances, spin-offs, split-ups and the like;
•reorganizations, recapitalizations, restructurings and financings (debt or equity);
•transactions that would constitute a “change in control”;
•any other measure or criteria determined by the Compensation Committee; or
•any combination of the foregoing.
Performance criteria measures, and targets with respect thereto, determined by the Compensation Committee need not be based upon an increase, a positive or improved result or avoidance of loss. Any performance criteria may be used to measure the performance of the Company as a whole or with respect to any business unit, subsidiary or business segment of the Company, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and may be measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous period results or to a designated comparison group, in each case as specified by the Compensation Committee in the award. During the award period, the Compensation Committee may adjust the performance goals as it deems appropriate to compensate for, or reflect, certain situations that are set forth in the 2015 Plan.
Adjustments Upon Certain Events
In the event the Compensation Committee determines that any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, extraordinary dividend of cash or assets, merger, consolidation, spin-off, recapitalization (other than the conversion of convertible securities according to their terms), reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate change, or any other increase, decrease or change in our common stock without receipt or payment of consideration, affects the common stock, then the Compensation Committee will adjust, as it deems to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits made available under the 2015 Plan, any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares of common stock, or other securities, with respect to which an award may be granted under the 2015 Plan; (ii) the number and kind of shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards; (iii) the grant, exercise or other purchase price per share under any outstanding awards; and (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding awards. No such adjustments may change the value of the benefits available under a previously granted award (i) if the effect would be to increase the value of the benefits available under such award, without the approval of the stockholders if such is required by the 2015 Plan or applicable laws, or (ii) if the effect would be to materially and adversely affect the value of the benefits available under such awards, without the participant’s consent to that adjustment.
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If a change in control occurs, unless otherwise provided in the award agreement or other employment, severance or change in control agreement approved by the Compensation Committee to which the participant electsis a party, in which case such agreement shall control, the outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan must be assumed or replaced by the successor entity in connection with the change in control. If the outstanding awards are assumed or replaced, then the vesting schedule will remain the same, subject to full acceleration if the employee’s employment after the change in control is terminated by the successor entity without “cause” or by the employee for “good reason” within 24 months from consummation of the change in control. However, if the outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan are not assumed or replaced by the successor entity in the change in control, then the Compensation Committee has the discretion to either partially or wholly accelerate the vesting of the awards or cancel the awards in exchange for a cash payment to the employee equal to the then fair market value of the award, less any purchase or exercise price, except that for performance-based awards the Compensation Committee only has discretion to accelerate vesting to the extent the performance criteria are actually achieved, and if achievement is not determinable, then at target.
The 2015 Plan contains a provision that limits total benefits payable in connection with a change in control as necessary to mitigate the adverse impact of the golden parachute excise tax under Section 83(b)4999 of the Internal Revenue Code on participants.
A change in control in the 2015 Plan is defined to be taxed at the time of the grant.
If no timely election is made under Section 83(b), the participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of the grant of the restricted stock. Instead, if the restrictions on the restricted stock lapse, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income on the date the restrictions lapse in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock as of the same date, less the purchase price, if any, paid by the participant.
If an election is made under Section 83(b) within 30 days after the grant of the restricted stock, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income at the time of the grant in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock (determined without regard toinclude any of the restrictions)following:
•any election of directors takes place and a majority of the directors in office following such election are individuals who were not nominated by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors or its nominating committee immediately preceding such election;
•the Company effectuates a complete liquidation or a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets unless immediately following any such sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the surviving corporation or entity (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the holding company) for a period of not less than 12 months following the closing of such transaction;
•one or more occurrences or events as a result of which any “person” becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 30% or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities; or
•a merger or consolidation of the Company with, or an acquisition by the Company of the equity interests of all or substantially all of the assets of, any other corporation or entity, other than a merger, consolidation or acquisition in which the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the surviving corporation or entity (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the holding company) for a period of not less than 12 months following the closing of such transaction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any award subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and payable upon a change in control, the term “change in control” shall mean any such event described above but only if it also constitutes a “change in control event” within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 409A.
For purposes of the above change in control discussion, and pursuant to the 2015 Plan, the terms:
•“Cause" generally means any of the following: (i) the employee’s conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere for, an act on the dateemployee’s part constituting a felony, dishonesty, willful misconduct or material neglect by the employee of his or her employment obligations to the Company that results in material injury to the Company; (ii) appropriation (or an overt act attempting to appropriate) of a material business opportunity of the grant, less the purchase price, if any, paidCompany by the participant. The participant willemployee; (iii) theft, embezzlement or other similar misappropriation of funds or property of the Company by the employee; or (iv) the failure of the employee to follow the reasonable and lawful written instructions or policy of the Company with respect to the services to be rendered and the manner of rendering such services by the employee, provided the employee has been given reasonable and specific written notice of such failure and opportunity to cure and no cure has been effected or initiated within a reasonable period of time, but not recognize further ordinary income whenless than 90 days, after such notice.
•“Good reason” generally means any of the following: (i) the Company (or its successor) adversely changes the employee’s title or changes in any material respect the responsibilities, authority or status of the employee without prior notice and acceptance; (ii) the substantial or material failure of the Company (or its successor) to comply with its obligations under the 2015 Plan or any other agreement that may be in effect that is not remedied within a reasonable time after specific written notice thereof by the employee to the Company; (iii) the diminution of the
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employee’s base salary; and (iv) requiring the employee to relocate more than 50 miles from his or her location of employment immediately prior to the change in control. However, “good reason” shall only exist in the prior (i) through (iv) if the restrictionsemployee has given reasonable and specific written notice to the Chief Executive Officer of such failure, the Company has been given a reasonable opportunity to cure, and no cure has been effected or initiated within a reasonable time after such notice.
Transferability
Except as otherwise provided in the 2015 Plan, no award and no right under the 2015 Plan may be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during a participant’s lifetime, an award requiring exercise may be exercised only by such participant (or in the event of a disability, on behalf of such participant). Awards, other than incentive stock options and stock appreciation rights granted in tandem therewith, may be transferred to one or more transferees during the restricted stock later lapse. If the restricted stock is forfeited before the restrictions lapse,lifetime of the participant, and may be exercised by such transferee, only if and to the extent the transfers are permitted by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. Any attempted transfer of an award in violation of the 2015 Plan is prohibited and will generally not be entitledineffective.
Amended Plan Benefits
The actual amount of awards to a deduction.
Restricted stockbe granted under the 2015 Plan may or mayis not include rightsdeterminable in advance because the size and type of awards to dividends payable on the underlying shares. In the case of restricted stock that includes this right, dividends are generally treated as ordinary income recognizedbe made in any year is determined at the timediscretion of their receipt.the Compensation Committee. In addition, the specific performance criteria and targets are selected each year by the Compensation Committee. There were 792,077 stock options previously granted under the 2015 Plan that were outstanding on December 31, 2022, including 431,107 for Mr. Howes, 69,896 for Mr. Lanigan, 115,535 for Mr. Piontek, 28,043 for other current executive officers and 147,496 for all other current employees.
Registration of Securities
The participant will be subjectCompany intends to income tax withholding atfile a registration on Form S-8 to register the time when ordinary income (including any dividends taxed as ordinary income, other than dividends on restricted stock with respect to which an election was made under Section 83(b)) is recognized. Subjectadditional shares requested pursuant to the restrictions under Section 162(m)Second Amendment and Restatement in May of the Internal Revenue Code, discussed below, generally we will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the participant recognizes ordinary income and in the same amount (excluding any dividends on restricted stock with respect to which an election was made under Section 83(b)).2023.
Gain or loss recognized on a disposition of the shares of common stock generally will qualify as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have a holding period of more than 12 months. In the case of restricted stock, the holding period begins when the restrictions lapse if the participant did not make an election under Section 83(b) or, if the participant did make such an election, on the date of the grant of restricted stock.
Restricted Stock Units
A participant will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a restricted stock unit. Instead, if the restrictions under the restricted stock unit lapse, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income on the date the underlying shares of stock are issued in settlement of the vested award, and the amount of such ordinary income will be equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares as of the same date.
The participant will be subject to income tax withholding at the time when the ordinary income is recognized. Subject to the Section 162(m) restrictions discussed below, generally the Company will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the participant recognizes ordinary income and in the same amount.
Gain or loss recognized on a disposition of the shares of common stock generally will qualify as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have a holding period of more than 12 months. The holding period for shares from restricted stock units begins upon receipt of the shares after the restrictions on the restricted stock units have lapsed.
Stock Appreciation Rights
A participant does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a stock appreciation right. When a stock appreciation right is exercised, in general, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the exercise date over the exercise price.
Any shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right will have a basis equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee upon exercise.
The participant will be subject to income tax withholding at the time when ordinary income is recognized. Generally, we will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the participant recognizes ordinary income and in the same amount.
Other Stock-Based Awards
The Compensation Committee may grant to eligible employees equity-based or equity-related awards not otherwise described in the 2015 Plan, alone or in tandem with other awards, in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee shall determine. These other stock-based awards may (i) involve the transfer of restricted or unrestricted shares of common stock to participants, either at the time of grant or thereafter, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of shares of common stock, (ii) be subject to performance-based or service-based vesting requirements, (iii) be granted as, or in payment of, a bonus, or to provide incentives or recognize special achievements or contributions, and (iv) be designed to comply with applicable laws of jurisdictions other than the United States; provided, that each such stock-based award must be denominated in, or have a value determined by reference to, a number of shares of common stock that is specified in the award agreement. In the case of other stock-based awards, if the award agreement provides participants with dividend rights, any dividends or distributions shall be withheld and shall vest and be paid, without interest, only if and to the extent, and at the time, the other stock-based awards shall vest. Dividends or distributions relating to any forfeited other stock-based awards shall also be forfeited.
Performance-Based Awards
The Compensation Committee may make an award pursuant to the 2015 Plan conditioned upon the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria. The Compensation Committee will set forth the performance
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criteria based upon our business and financial objectives during the award period and a schedule describing the relationship between the achievement of such performance goals and the awards granted to participants.
The performance criteria, including the level or levels of performance targeted, are determined by the Compensation Committee and relate to one or more of the following performance measures:
•revenues or net sales;
•earnings before or after deduction for all or any portion of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or other items, whether or not on a continuing operations or an aggregate or per share basis;
•return on equity, investment, capital or assets;
•margins;
•one or more operating ratios;
•borrowing levels, leverage ratios or credit ratings;
•market share;
•capital expenditures;
•cash flow;
•stock price, growth in stockholder value or total stockholder return;
•budget and expense management;
•working capital turnover and targets;
•sales of particular products or services, market penetration, geographic expansion or new concept development;
•customer acquisition, expansion and retention;
•acquisitions and divestitures (in whole or in part), joint ventures, strategic alliances, spin-offs, split-ups and the like;
•reorganizations, recapitalizations, restructurings and financings (debt or equity);
•transactions that would constitute a “change in control”;
•any other measure or criteria determined by the Compensation Committee; or
•any combination of the foregoing.
Performance criteria measures, and targets with respect thereto, determined by the Compensation Committee need not be based upon an increase, a positive or improved result or avoidance of loss. Any performance criteria may be used to measure the performance of the Company as a whole or with respect to any business unit, subsidiary or business segment of the Company, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and may be measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous period results or to a designated comparison group, in each case as specified by the Compensation Committee in the award. During the award period, the Compensation Committee may adjust the performance goals as it deems appropriate to compensate for, or reflect, certain situations that are set forth in the 2015 Plan.
Adjustments Upon Certain Events
In the event the Compensation Committee determines that any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, extraordinary dividend of cash or assets, merger, consolidation, spin-off, recapitalization (other than the conversion of convertible securities according to their terms), reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate change, or any other increase, decrease or change in our common stock without receipt or payment of consideration, affects the common stock, then the Compensation Committee will adjust, as it deems to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits made available under the 2015 Plan, any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares of common stock, or other securities, with respect to which an award may be granted under the 2015 Plan; (ii) the number and kind of shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards; (iii) the grant, exercise or other purchase price per share under any outstanding awards; and (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding awards. No such adjustments may change the value of the benefits available under a previously granted award (i) if the effect would be to increase the value of the benefits available under such award, without the approval of the stockholders if such is required by the 2015 Plan or applicable laws, or (ii) if the effect would be to materially and adversely affect the value of the benefits available under such awards, without the participant’s consent to that adjustment.
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If a change in control occurs, unless otherwise provided in the award agreement or other employment, severance or change in control agreement approved by the Compensation Committee to which the participant is a party, in which case such agreement shall control, the outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan must be assumed or replaced by the successor entity in connection with the change in control. If the outstanding awards are assumed or replaced, then the vesting schedule will remain the same, subject to full acceleration if the employee’s employment after the change in control is terminated by the successor entity without “cause” or by the employee for “good reason” within 24 months from consummation of the change in control. However, if the outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan are not assumed or replaced by the successor entity in the change in control, then the Compensation Committee has the discretion to either partially or wholly accelerate the vesting of the awards or cancel the awards in exchange for a cash payment to the employee equal to the then fair market value of the award, less any purchase or exercise price, except that for performance-based awards the Compensation Committee only has discretion to accelerate vesting to the extent the performance criteria are actually achieved, and if achievement is not determinable, then at target.
The 2015 Plan contains a provision that limits total benefits payable in connection with a change in control as necessary to mitigate the adverse impact of the golden parachute excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code on participants.
A change in control in the 2015 Plan is defined to include any of the following:
•any election of directors takes place and a majority of the directors in office following such election are individuals who were not nominated by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors or its nominating committee immediately preceding such election;
•the Company effectuates a complete liquidation or a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets unless immediately following any such sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the surviving corporation or entity (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the holding company) for a period of not less than 12 months following the closing of such transaction;
•one or more occurrences or events as a result of which any “person” becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 30% or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities; or
•a merger or consolidation of the Company with, or an acquisition by the Company of the equity interests of all or substantially all of the assets of, any other corporation or entity, other than a merger, consolidation or acquisition in which the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the surviving corporation or entity (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the holding company) for a period of not less than 12 months following the closing of such transaction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any award subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and payable upon a change in control, the term “change in control” shall mean any such event described above but only if it also constitutes a “change in control event” within the meaning of the applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 409A.
For purposes of the above change in control discussion, and pursuant to the 2015 Plan, the terms:
•“Cause" generally means any of the following: (i) the employee’s conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere for, an act on the employee’s part constituting a felony, dishonesty, willful misconduct or material neglect by the employee of his or her employment obligations to the Company that results in material injury to the Company; (ii) appropriation (or an overt act attempting to appropriate) of a material business opportunity of the Company by the employee; (iii) theft, embezzlement or other similar misappropriation of funds or property of the Company by the employee; or (iv) the failure of the employee to follow the reasonable and lawful written instructions or policy of the Company with respect to the services to be rendered and the manner of rendering such services by the employee, provided the employee has been given reasonable and specific written notice of such failure and opportunity to cure and no cure has been effected or initiated within a reasonable period of time, but not less than 90 days, after such notice.
•“Good reason” generally means any of the following: (i) the Company (or its successor) adversely changes the employee’s title or changes in any material respect the responsibilities, authority or status of the employee without prior notice and acceptance; (ii) the substantial or material failure of the Company (or its successor) to comply with its obligations under the 2015 Plan or any other agreement that may be in effect that is not remedied within a reasonable time after specific written notice thereof by the employee to the Company; (iii) the diminution of the
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employee’s base salary; and (iv) requiring the employee to relocate more than 50 miles from his or her location of employment immediately prior to the change in control. However, “good reason” shall only exist in the prior (i) through (iv) if the employee has given reasonable and specific written notice to the Chief Executive Officer of such failure, the Company has been given a reasonable opportunity to cure, and no cure has been effected or initiated within a reasonable time after such notice.
Transferability
Except as otherwise provided in the 2015 Plan, no award and no right under the 2015 Plan may be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during a participant’s lifetime, an award requiring exercise may be exercised only by such participant (or in the event of a disability, on behalf of such participant). Awards, other than incentive stock options and stock appreciation rights granted in tandem therewith, may be transferred to one or more transferees during the lifetime of the participant, and may be exercised by such transferee, only if and to the extent the transfers are permitted by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. Any attempted transfer of an award in violation of the 2015 Plan is prohibited and will be ineffective.
Amended Plan Benefits
The actual amount of awards to be granted under the 2015 Plan is not determinable in advance because the size and type of awards to be made in any year is determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. In addition, the specific performance criteria and targets are selected each year by the Compensation Committee. There were 792,077 stock options previously granted under the 2015 Plan that were outstanding on December 31, 2022, including 431,107 for Mr. Howes, 69,896 for Mr. Lanigan, 115,535 for Mr. Piontek, 28,043 for other current executive officers and 147,496 for all other current employees.
Registration of Securities
The Company intends to file a registration on Form S-8 to register the additional shares requested pursuant to the Second Amendment and Restatement in May of 2023.
Summary of Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary is intended as a general guide to U.S. federal income tax consequences under current law for certain awards under the 2015 Plan, and does not attempt to describe all possible federal or other tax consequences of participation in the 2015 Plan or tax consequences based on particular circumstances.
Tax Consequences to Participants
Incentive Stock Options
Stock options granted under the 2015 Plan are intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, if so designated on the date of grant. Stock options that are not designated or do not qualify as incentive stock options are non-qualified stock options and are not eligible for the tax benefits applicable to incentive stock options.
An optionee recognizes no gross income for federal income tax purposes (“taxable income”) upon the grant of an incentive stock option. In addition, the optionee will not recognize taxable income at the time of exercise of an incentive stock option if the optionee has been in our employ at all times during the period beginning on the date of grant and ending on the date three months before the date of exercise (longer if the optionee dies or becomes disabled), unless the alternative minimum tax rules apply. Upon the exercise of an incentive stock option, an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares at the exercise date over the exercise price may be treated as an adjustment to alternative minimum taxable income for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
Gain recognized upon a disposition of the option shares generally will be treated as long-term capital gain as long as the shares are not disposed of within (i) two years after the date of grant of the incentive stock option and (ii) one year after the exercise date. Unless both of these conditions are satisfied, the disposition is a “disqualifying disposition.” In that event, gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares at the exercise date over the exercise price generally will be taxed as ordinary income and any further gain will be taxed as long-term capital gain if the shares are held more than 12 months; however, if the shares are disposed of for less than their fair market value on the exercise date, the amount treated as ordinary income is generally limited to the excess, if any, of the amount realized on disposition over the optionee's adjusted basis in such shares. Different rules apply if an optionee exercises an incentive stock option by surrendering shares of common stock that were previously acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option and with respect to which the optionee did not satisfy certain holding periods.
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Shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option by the payment of cash will have a basis equal to the exercise price of the stock option, plus any amount the participant is required to include as ordinary income from a disqualifying disposition of stock. Different rules apply if an optionee exercises an incentive stock option by surrendering previously owned shares of common stock.
Incentive stock options exercised by an optionee who has not satisfied the applicable requirements as to continuous employment do not qualify for the tax treatment discussed above. Instead, the exercise of such options will be subject to the rules which apply to the exercise of non-qualified stock options.
Non-Qualified Stock Options
An optionee recognizes no taxable income upon the grant of a non-qualified stock option. In general, upon the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, the optionee will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the exercise date over the exercise price.
Shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of a non-qualified stock option by the payment of cash will have a basis equal to the exercise price of the stock option plus the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee upon exercise. Different rules apply if an optionee exercises a non-qualified stock option by surrendering previously owned shares of common stock.
The optionee will be subject to income tax withholding at the time the optionee recognizes ordinary income (i.e., the exercise date). Generally, we will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the optionee recognizes income and in the same amount.
Restricted Stock
The tax consequences of a grant of restricted stock depend upon whether or not the participant elects under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to be taxed at the time of the grant.
If no timely election is made under Section 83(b), the participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of the grant of the restricted stock. Instead, if the restrictions on the restricted stock lapse, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income on the date the restrictions lapse in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock as of the same date, less the purchase price, if any, paid by the participant.
If an election is made under Section 83(b) within 30 days after the grant of the restricted stock, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income at the time of the grant in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock (determined without regard to any of the restrictions) on the date of the grant, less the purchase price, if any, paid by the participant. The participant will not recognize further ordinary income when and if the restrictions on the restricted stock later lapse. If the restricted stock is forfeited before the restrictions lapse, the participant will generally not be entitled to a deduction.
Restricted stock granted under the 2015 Plan may or may not include rights to dividends payable on the underlying shares. In the case of restricted stock that includes this right, dividends are generally treated as ordinary income recognized at the time of their receipt.
The participant will be subject to income tax withholding at the time when ordinary income (including any dividends taxed as ordinary income, other than dividends on restricted stock with respect to which an election was made under Section 83(b)) is recognized. Subject to the restrictions under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, discussed below, generally we will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the participant recognizes ordinary income and in the same amount (excluding any dividends on restricted stock with respect to which an election was made under Section 83(b)).
Gain or loss recognized on a disposition of the shares of common stock generally will qualify as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have a holding period of more than 12 months. In the case of restricted stock, the holding period begins when the restrictions lapse if the participant did not make an election under Section 83(b) or, if the participant did make such an election, on the date of the grant of restricted stock.
Restricted Stock Units
A participant will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a restricted stock unit. Instead, if the restrictions under the restricted stock unit lapse, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income on the date the underlying shares of stock are issued in settlement of the vested award, and the amount of such ordinary income will be equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares as of the same date.
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The participant will be subject to income tax withholding at the time when the ordinary income is recognized. Subject to the Section 162(m) restrictions discussed below, generally the Company will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the participant recognizes ordinary income and in the same amount.
Gain or loss recognized on a disposition of the shares of common stock generally will qualify as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have a holding period of more than 12 months. The holding period for shares from restricted stock units begins upon receipt of the shares after the restrictions on the restricted stock units have lapsed.
Stock Appreciation Rights
A participant does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a stock appreciation right. When a stock appreciation right is exercised, in general, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the exercise date over the exercise price.
Any shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right will have a basis equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee upon exercise.
The participant will be subject to income tax withholding at the time when ordinary income is recognized. Generally, we will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the participant recognizes ordinary income and in the same amount.
Other Stock-Based Awards
The timing of taxable income to a participant who is granted other stock-based awards depends on the individual award and whether any restrictions or conditions are placed upon the award when granted.
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The participant will be subject to income tax withholding at the time when the ordinary income is recognized. Subject to the Section 162(m) restrictions discussed below, generally the Company will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the participant recognizes ordinary income and in the same amount.
Performance-Based Awards
A participant will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a performance-based award. Rather, taxation will be postponed until the performance-based award becomes payable, generally upon the participant’s attainment of performance criteria. At that time, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the value of the amount payable.
The participant will be subject to income tax withholding when ordinary income is recognized and, generally, subject to Section 162(m) restrictions discussed below, we will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the amount of the income recognized.
Withholding
A participant will be required to pay to us, or make arrangements satisfactory to us, to satisfy all federal, state and other withholding tax requirements related to awards under the 2015 Plan. We may permit or require a participant to satisfy the tax withholding obligation by paying cash, by withholding an amount from the participant’s cash compensation, by withholding shares from shares of common stock issued or that vest under the award, or by any other method deemed appropriate by the Compensation Committee. The use of our shares of common stock to satisfy any withholding requirement will be treated, for federal income tax purposes, as a sale of those shares for an amount equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date when the amount of taxes to be withheld is determined.
Section 409A
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code governs the taxation of certain types of compensation, including compensation from certain awards authorized under the 2015 Plan. Failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A can result in adverse income tax consequences to a participant in the 2015 Plan, including the accelerated recognition and taxation of noncompliant compensation, the imposition of an additional 20 percent tax payable by the participant on such noncompliant compensation, and the imposition of interest on those taxes. The Compensation Committee and Board of Directors have taken steps intended to help ensure compliance with Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.
Minimum Vesting for Awards to EmployeesEmployees; Acceleration of Awards Upon Death or Disability
Except as otherwise provided in the 2015 Plan or an award agreement in connection with a change in control or a participant’s death or disability, (i) no performance-based vesting condition shall be based on performance over a period of less than one year, and (ii) no service-based vesting condition shall lapse more quickly than one year from the date of grant of the award. The 2015 Plan provides for a limited exception to this minimum vesting requirement applicable to no more than five percent of the shares available for awards under the 2015 Plan.
Excess Parachute Payments
Generally, if any award under the The 2015 Plan is granted or modified in connection with a change in control, or if thealso provides for an exception to this
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minimum vesting or payment of an award under the 2015 Plan is accelerated, directly or indirectly, by or in connection with a change in control, the award may be deemed to give rise to an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, which would resultrequirement in the impositionevent of death or disability, and further, provides for the accelerated vesting of awards in the event of a 20 percent nondeductible excise tax on the participant.participant’s death or disability.
Tax Consequences to the Company
Prior to 2018, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally limited the annual tax deduction to $1.0 million for compensation paid by a publicly-held company to its Chief Executive Officer and each of its three other most highly compensated named executive officers other than the Chief Financial Officer, unless certain performance-based compensation requirements are met. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”), effective for our taxable year beginning January 1, 2018, the exception under Section 162(m) for performance-based compensation will no longer be available, subject to transition relief for certain grandfathered arrangements in effect as of November 2, 2017. In addition, the “covered employees” subject to Section 162(m) limitations were expanded by the 2017 Tax Act to include our Chief Financial Officer, and once one of our named executive officers is considered a covered employee, the named executive officer will remain a covered employee so long as he or she receives compensation from us. To the extent practicable, we intend to preserve future deductions related to existing compensation arrangements that are eligible for transition relief under the 2017 Tax Act, but we reserve the right to use our judgment to authorize compensation payments that are not deductible under Section 162(m) when we believe that such payments are appropriate and in the best interests of the stockholders.
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In addition, generally, if any award is granted under the 2015 Plan or modified in connection with a change in control, or if the vesting or payment of an award under the 2015 Plan is accelerated, directly or indirectly, by a change in control, all or a portion of the compensation from that award may be treated as an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, which would cause that compensation to be non-deductible by us.
Interests of Certain Persons in the Proposal
To the extent our executive officers may in the future receive awards under the 2015 Plan, they may be deemed to have an interest in the 2015 Plan.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approvalApproval of the First Amendment to theCompany’s Second Amended and Restated 2015 Employee Equity Incentive Plan.Plan
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PROPOSAL NO. 56
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED 2014 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS’ RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN
Amendment and Restatement of the Plan
We are asking our stockholders to approve an amendment toAmendment and Restatement of the Newpark Resources, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan, as amended effective May 20, 2021 and May 19, 2022 (the “2014 Director Plan”) which wouldto increase the number of shares that may be issued thereunder from 1,000,0001,400,000 to 1,200,0002,000,000 shares and to extendincorporate amendments made in 2021 and 2022.
Reasons for the term of the 2014 Director PlanAmendment to ten years from the effective date of the amendment.Increase Shares and Relevant Considerations
The Board of Directors believes that receiving restricted stock under the 2014 Director Plan links the personal interests of our non-employee directors to the interests of our stockholders by providing such directors with an incentive to make significant and extraordinary contributions to the long-term performance and growth of our Company.
The maximum number of shares of common stock currently authorized for issuance under the 2014 Director Plan is set at 1,000,0001,400,000 shares. Approval of the proposed amendment and restatement of the 2014 Director Plan is needed to replenish the pool of shares available for the grant of restricted shares. As of December 31, 2020,2022, approximately 157,00086,000 shares of our common stock remained available for grants under the 2014 Director Plan, which (assuming a grant price of $3.75$4.25 per share) is approximately 88,000fewer than the number of shares of common stock fewer thanthat our Compensation Committee believes will be needed to make the planned long-term incentive grants to our non-employee directors in May 20212022 in order to maintain target level director compensation at the median of our peer group.
On March 16, 2021,April 3, 2023, our Compensation Committee recommended and our Board of Directors authorized, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment toand restatement of the 2014 Director Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2014 Director Plan by 200,000 shares.600,000 shares and to incorporate the amendment made in 2021 and 2022. If approved by the stockholders, the request to increase the number of shares for future issuance under the 2014 Director Plan will contribute to an additional potential dilution of approximately 0.2%1%. This additional potential dilution was calculated by dividing the requested increase of 200,000600,000 shares to the share reserve by the sum of (i) the total number of shares available for issuance under the 2014 Director Plan prior to its amendment and restatement, (ii) all unvested shares previously awarded and outstanding under the 2014 Director Plan and any prior plan, and (iii) the total number of shares of outstanding common stock of the Company as of April___, 2021.March 27, 2023.
In considering this proposal, the stockholders should also be aware that the average number of shares granted under all long-term incentive plans over the last three fiscal years, divided by the number of shares outstanding as of March 26, 2021,27, 2023, is approximately 1.9%2.6% (unadjusted and excluding forfeitures). Given market volatility and challenging industry conditions, it is difficult to estimate how many years of grants will be provided by the shares remaining in the event of approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2014 Director Plan. We believe that the requested allocation is critical over the next 24 months to ensuring our ability to attract and retain key talent on our Board of Directors and to provide competitive reward opportunities that are aligned with our stockholders’ interests.
The 2014 Director Plan was adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on April 10, 2014, subject to approval by the stockholders at the 2014 Annual Meeting.Meeting, and was further amended effective May 20, 2021 and May 19, 2022.
Summary of Proposed Changes
If approved by our stockholders, the 2014 Director Plan will be amended and restated as set forth in the First Amendment to the Newpark Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan, effective April 10, 2014May 18, 2023 (the “Amendment”“Amendment and Restatement”), a copy of which is attached as Appendix CB to this Proxy Statement.
The proposed changes to the 2014 Director Plan in the Amendment will:
•Increase Share Reserve. The Amendment would increaseand Restatement increases the number of shares of our common stock available for awards under the 2014 Director Plan by 200,000600,000 to a total of 1,200,0002,00,000 shares, with approximately 357,000686,000 shares of our common stock available for grants under the 2014 Director Plan.future awards and incorporates amendments made in 2021 and 2022.
•Extended Term. The term of the 2014 Director Plan is scheduled to expire on the tenth anniversary of the original approval of the 2014 Director Plan by our Board of Directors. If the amendment is approved by our stockholders, the term of the 2014 Director Plan would be extended through May 20, 2031, the tenth anniversary of such stockholder approval.
Principal Features of the 2014 Director Plan
The following summary of the principal features of the 2014 Director Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the 2014 Director Plan,Amendment and Restatement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix D to this Proxy Statement and is filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 22, 2014, and the Amendment, a copy of which is attached as Appendix CB to this Proxy Statement, which should each be read in conjunction with the following summary.
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summary. In the event the proposed 2014 Director Plan is not approved, the 2014 Director Plan as it currently exists will remain in effect.
Administration
The 2014 Director Plan will be administered by our Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors or its committee has complete authority, subject to the express provisions of the 2014 Director Plan: to approve awards of restricted shares to non-employee directors; to determine the number of restricted shares to be granted; to determine the time or times which restricted shares will be granted and become vested; to remove or adjust any restrictions and conditions upon the awards; to specify, at the time of grant, provisions relating to the vesting of restricted shares and to accelerate or otherwise modify the vesting of restricted shares; to interpret the 2014 Director Plan and any instrument or agreement related thereto; and to adopt such rules and regulations and to make all other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2014 Director Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the 2014 Director Plan or any restricted shares shall be within the sole discretion of the Board of Directors or its committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all persons.
Eligibility
Each member of the Board of Directors who is not an employee or executive officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries will be eligible to receive shares under the 2014 Director Plan.Plan, currently eight individuals.
Grants
Each non-employee director will receive restricted shares based on a pre-determined dollar amount on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders at which such non-employee director is elected commencing with the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If no annual meeting of stockholders (or stockholder action in lieu thereof by which the Board of Directors is elected) occurs in any calendar year, and the non-employee director continues in office as a non-employee director at the end of such calendar year, then the non-employee director automatically shall be granted, on the last business day of such calendar year, restricted shares based on a pre-determined dollar amount subject to the terms and conditions of the 2014 Director Plan. However, a non-employee director shall not receive a grant of restricted shares pursuant to the 2014 Director Plan if he or she received a grant upon his or her initial election as a director within six months before the date on which that non-employee director would have otherwise become entitled to receive an automatic grant thereafter. The pre-determined dollar amount for determining the numbers of restricted shares granted is subject to change by the Board of Directors or its committee but is initially set at $150,000$125,000 for each non-employee director, except for the Chairman of the Board Chair who will receive an annual grant of restricted shares equal to $170,000.$145,000.
The periodic grant of restricted shares under the 2014 Director Plan is an award of nontransferable shares of common stock that remain forfeitable until vested. Subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors or its committee, a non-employee director who has served as a director of the Company for at least 60 consecutive months may retain all shares subject to an award upon the voluntary termination of service.
In addition to the automatic grants of restricted shares describe above, the Board of Directors or its committee has authority, subject to the express provisions of the 2014 Director Plan, to award restricted shares to one or more non-employee directors and to determine the number and vesting of such restricted shares.
Awards of stock options are not authorized and have not been granted under the 2014 Director Plan.
Shares Subject to the 2014 Director Plan
Subject to certain adjustments set forth in the 2014 Director Plan, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued or awarded under the 2014 Director Plan will be increased by 200,000600,000 shares for a total of 1,200,0002,000,000 if the Amendment and Restatement is approved by stockholders. If the shares subject to an award are forfeited or the award terminates without delivery of the shares, the shares not received under that award are available for future grants. No non-employee director may be granted during any calendar year restricted shares having an aggregate fair market value, determined on the date of grant for the applicable award, in excess of $500,000.
Price Paid for Restricted Shares
Each award of restricted shares made to a non-employee director under the 2014 Director Plan will be granted for no consideration other than the provision of services (or a minimum payment if required under applicable law) or for other consideration as the Board of Directors or the committee may determine.
Vesting of Restricted Shares
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Vesting of Restricted Shares
Each restricted share granted to a non-employee director vests in full on the earlier of (i) the day prior to the annual meeting of stockholders next following the date of grant or (ii) the one-year anniversary of its date of grant; provided the non-employee director continues to serve as a director through such applicable date.
Voting of Restricted Shares
All voting rights appurtenant to the restricted shares will be exercisable by the non-employee director, unless provided otherwise in the applicable award agreement.
Dividends on Restricted Shares
Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable award agreement, a non-employee director holding restricted shares will be entitled to receive cash distributions and stock dividends on such restricted shares atshares; provided that, any such dividends or distributions will be subject to the same timerestrictions and forfeiture conditions to the same extent as the underlying restricted shares with respect to which such amounts are paid to stockholders generally.dividends and distributions have been distributed. To the extent such amountsdividends or distributions are to be withheld until the time of vesting of the relatedwith respect to restricted shares such amounts will be paid or forfeited at the same time any related restricted shares vest orthat are forfeited, as applicable.the dividends and distributions will also be forfeited.
Termination of Restrictions Relating to Restricted Shares
Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors or its committee, in its sole discretion, upon the voluntary termination of the directorship of a non-employee director who has served as our director for at least 60 consecutive months, the transfer and forfeiture restrictions shall terminate with respect to restricted shares held by that non-employee director, and the non-employee director may retain all restricted shares held by him or her, subject to any agreement with us governing the transfer of the restricted shares.
Restrictions on Transfer
If a restricted share has not vested, the non-employee director cannot sell, assign, exchange, transfer, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of that share and any interest therein during the applicable restriction period. Neither the right to receive restricted shares nor any interest under the 2014 Director Plan may be assigned by a non-employee director.
Acceleration of Awards; Change in ControlControl; Death
Upon a change in control of the Company or in the event of a participant’s death, the vesting of all outstanding awards under the 2014 Director Plan will fully accelerate and all restricted shares will become vested. For this purpose, a change in control is defined to include certain changes in the majority of the Board, an acquisition by an individual of 30% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all assets, or the approval of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution.
Termination of or Changes in the Director Plan
The Board of Directors may at any time suspend, amend or terminate the 2014 Director Plan. Stockholder approval is only necessary when required by federal or state law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or notional quotation system on which the common stock is then listed. If the Amendment is approved by stockholders, no restricted shares may be granted under the 2014 Director Plan after May 20, 2031,19, 2032, which is 10 years from the date of the stockholders’ approval of the Amendment.
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Awards under the 2014 Director Plan
The following discussion is a brief summary of federal income tax consequences relating to the awards under the 2014 Director Plan. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and, among other considerations, is only provided for general information.
The tax consequences of a grant of restricted stock depend upon whether or not the participant elects under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to be taxed at the time of the grant.
If no timely election is made under Section 83(b), the participant will not recognize taxable income at the time of the grant of the restricted stock. Instead, if the restrictions on the restricted stock lapse, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income on the date the restrictions lapse in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock as of the same date, less the purchase price, if any, paid by the participant.
If an election is made under Section 83(b) within 30 days after the grant of the restricted stock, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income at the time of the grant in an amount equal to the fair market value of the
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underlying stock (determined without regard to any of the restrictions) on the date of the grant, less the purchase price, if any, paid by the participant. The participant will not recognize further ordinary income when and if the restrictions on the
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restricted stock later lapse. If the restricted stock is forfeited before the restrictions lapse, the participant will generally not be entitled to a deduction.
Restricted stock granted under the 2014 Director Plan may or may not include rights to dividends payable on the underlying shares. In the case of restricted stock that includes this right, dividends are generally treated as ordinary income recognized at the time of their receipt.
The participant will be subject to income tax withholding at the time when ordinary income (including any dividends taxed as ordinary income, other than dividends on restricted stock with respect to which an election was made under Section 83(b)) is recognized. Generally we will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time the participant recognizes ordinary income and in the same amount (excluding any dividends on restricted stock with respect to which an election was made under Section 83(b)).
Gain or loss recognized on a disposition of the shares of common stock generally will qualify as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have a holding period of more than 12 months. In the case of restricted stock, the holding period begins when the restrictions lapse if the participant did not make an election under Section 83(b) or, if the participant did make such an election, on the date of the grant of restricted stock.
Amended Plan Benefits
Each of the current non-employee directors have been granted the following numbers of restricted shares since the inception of the 2014 Director Plan: Rose Robeson, 135,745; Roderick A. Larson, 219,708; Michael A. Lewis, 70,795; Claudia M. Meer, 36,496; John C. Mingé, 135,745; and Donald W. Young, 36,496. No employees have ever been granted any awards under the 2014 Director Plan.
The following table sets forth the combined value of the restricted cash and restricted share awards that the Compensation Committee intends to grant to non-employee directors under the 2014 Director Plan during the fiscal year 2023, if the Amendment and Restatement is approved by our stockholders.
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| Name | Dollar Value | Number of Shares Covered by Awards (1) |
| Rose Robeson (anticipated Board Chair) | $ | 145,000 | | - |
| Roderick A. Larson | $ | 125,000 | | - |
| Michael A. Lewis | $ | 125,000 | | - |
| Claudia M. Meer | $ | 125,000 | | - |
| John C. Mingé | $ | 125,000 | | - |
| Donald W. Young | $ | 125,000 | | - |
(1) The number of restricted shares will be determined based upon the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
Registration of Securities
The Company intends to file a registration on Form S-8 to register the additional shares requested pursuant to the Amendment and Restatement in May of 2023.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the Amended and Restated 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan.
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PROPOSAL NO. 7
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Amendment to the Plan
We are asking our stockholders to approve an amendment to the Newpark Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") which would increase the number of shares that may be issued thereunder from 2,000,000 shares to 3,500,000 shares.
Reasons for the Amendment to Increase Shares and Relevant Consideration
The Board believes that the ESPP is an important but underutilized part of our compensation mix. We believe that it is in the best interests of our stockholders to encourage broad-based stock ownership by our employees which provides an incentive to contribute to the success of our company. Employees' continuing economic interest, as stockholders, in our performance and success enhances the entrepreneurial spirit of the company, which greatly contributes to our long-term growth and profitability. Additionally, the ESPP is intended to benefit the Company as a tool for recruiting, retaining and rewarding high quality employees.
The ESPP provides a means for eligible employees of the company and its designated subsidiaries to authorize payroll deductions on a voluntary basis to be used for the periodic purchase of our common stock at a 15% discount to its fair market value. The ESPP uses the lower of the fair market value of our common stock on (i) the grant date for the offering period or (ii) the last trading day of the offering period. The ESPP is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code for employees subject to U.S. taxation; provided, the Company may establish one or more sub-plans of the ESPP which do not qualify as a Internal Revenue Code Section 423 employee stock purchase plan for employees of designated subsidiaries located and established in countries outside of the United States.
The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP is currently set at 2,000,000 shares. As of March 27, 2023, approximately 197,000 shares of our common stock remained available for issuance under the ESPP. Approval of the proposed amendment of the ESPP will replenish the pool of shares available for issuance under the ESPP for offering periods on or after June 15, 2023, enable us continue to offer this important incentive and retention program to our employees and will encourage greater participation amongst eligible employees of the company and its subsidiaries, including our global employees who contribute to our success.
On April 3, 2023, our Board of Directors authorized, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to the ESPP to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the ESPP by 1,500,000 shares. As of March 27, 2023, approximately 197,000 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the ESPP. If approved by the stockholders, the request to increase the number of shares for future issuance under the ESPP will contribute to an additional potential dilution of approximately 1.7%. This additional potential dilution was calculated by dividing the requested increase to the share reserve of 1,500,000 by: (i) the total number of shares available for issuance under the ESPP prior to its amendment and (ii) the total number of shares of outstanding common stock of the Company as of March 27, 2023.
Summary of the Proposed Amendment to the ESPP
If approved by our stockholders, the ESPP, as amended by the proposed amendment, will be set forth in the amendment to the Newpark Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Amendment"). The full text of the Amendment is attached hereto as Appendix C. The amendment increases the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the ESPP by 1,500,000 shares to a total of 3,500,000 shares.
Summary of the ESPP
The following summary of the principal provisions of the ESPP is set forth below and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the ESPP, the complete text of which is set forth in Appendix C-1 hereto, the Amendment, the complete text of which is set forth in Appendix C.
Administration. The ESPP is administered, at our expense, by an administrator, which is our Compensation Committee (or another committee appointed by the Board) comprised of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and which is otherwise constituted to comply with applicable law, unless the Board otherwise assumes, or delegates, authority for administration of the ESPP. All questions of interpretation or application of the plan and any rights granted pursuant to the plan are determined by the administrator, whose decisions are final and binding upon all participants. The administrator of the plan has final authority to interpret any provision of the plan. The administrator also has the power to establish sub-plans of the ESPP for purposes of effectuating the
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participation of eligible employees employed by subsidiaries of the Company located and established in countries outside of the United States that are designated for participation in the ESPP.
Eligibility. All employees of the Company and certain subsidiaries designated from time to time by the Administrator are eligible to participate in the ESPP unless they are excluded as one of the following: (i) an employee who, immediately after rights under the Amended ESPP are granted, owns stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock; (ii) an employee whose customary employment is less than 20 hours per week; (iii) an employee whose customary employment is for five (5) months or less in any calendar year; (iv) an employee who has been employed by the Company or any designated subsidiary less than ninety days at the beginning of an offering period; and (v) if expressly designated by the Compensation Committee, employees who are highly compensated employees.
No employee may purchase more than $25,000 worth of the Company's common stock (determined based on the fair market value of the shares at the time such rights are granted) under all of the Company's employee stock purchase plans and any employee stock purchase plans of the Company's subsidiaries for each calendar year during which such rights are outstanding. Employees who choose not to participate or are not eligible to participate at the start of an offering period but who become eligible thereafter may enroll in any subsequent offering period. As of March 27, 2023, we and our subsidiaries had approximately 1,300 employees worldwide.
Shares Subject to the ESPP. If the Amendment is approved by stockholders, the aggregate number of shares of common stock available for sale under the plan will be increased by 1,500,000 shares for a total of 3,500,000 shares (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and certain other corporate events, as described below under “Adjustments”). Such shares may be authorized and unissued or reacquired shares or shares bought on the market for purposes of the ESPP. To the extent shares are set aside for purchase by employees at the beginning of an offering period but are not purchased by such employees, those shares will again be available for purchase under the ESPP. The ESPP is perpetual and can be terminated as described under “Amendment, Modification and Termination of the ESPP” below. Any shares that are not subject to purchase upon termination of the plan will cease to be subject to the plan. The ESPP had approximately 197,000 shares available for issuance as of March 27, 2023.
Purchase Rights and Offering Periods. Under the ESPP, each eligible employee is granted a nontransferable right to purchase shares of common stock at the end of each offering period. The ESPP generally provides for two six-month purchase periods each year beginning on June 15 and December 15. Unless and until the plan administrator changes the duration of the offering periods under the ESPP in accordance with the terms of the plan, each offering period will be a six-month period. Once the participant has enrolled in the plan, the payroll deductions will continue until he or she notifies the company otherwise. On the last trading day of each offering period, the participant’s purchase right will be deemed to have been exercised in full at which time he or she will purchase the number of shares subject to the purchase right for that offering period, subject to the limitations of the plan.
Enrollment in the ESPP. An eligible employee may enroll in the ESPP for any offering period by completing the online enrollment process through the Company's designated broker prior to the enrollment date for the offering period with respect to which his or her participation is to commence. In general, the first day of an offering period will be June 15 or December 15. The payroll deduction authorization will remain in effect for successive offering periods unless it is revised or revoked by the participant or the participant becomes ineligible to participate in the plan.
Participant Contributions. A participant may contribute through payroll deductions not less than 1% nor more than 10% of his or her eligible compensation per pay period (subject to applicable restrictions). For this purpose, eligible compensation means cash compensation a participant receives for services rendered to the Company, including, among other things, commissions and payments for overtime. We will take such deductions from the participant’s paycheck each pay period during the offering period. Participants may not reduce or increase payroll deductions during an offering period with respect to that offering period, except in the event of a withdrawal from the plan. The participant will not receive any interest on the amounts of his or her compensation that we accumulate for the purchase of shares under the plan. We may use all funds held by the company under the plan for any corporate purpose.
Purchase Price of the Common Stock. Under the ESPP, the purchase price will be 85% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock as of the first day of the offering period or the last day of the offering period, whichever is lower. For purposes of the ESPP, provided that our common stock continues to be traded on the NYSE or another exchange, the “fair market value” of a share of our common stock as of a given date will be the closing price of a share of stock on such date, or if no trading occurred on that date, the last preceding date on which a sale was reported.
Withdrawal from the ESPP. A participant may withdraw from the ESPP by completing the online withdrawal process through the Company's plan broker. The payroll deductions will stop, and the balance in the participant’s account (without interest) will be paid to such participant within a reasonable time period. If the participant does withdraw from the plan, he or she cannot rejoin until the next offering period.
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Shares Purchased under the ESPP. As soon as practicable after each purchase date, our transfer agent will make an entry on its books and records indicating that the shares of common stock purchased by the participant on that purchase date have been duly issued and transferred or recorded to a brokerage account established in the participant’s name in connection with the plan. Individual accounts will be maintained for each participant in the ESPP.
Termination of Employment. Upon termination of a participant’s employment for any reason the payroll deductions credited to such participant’s account will be returned to the participant.
No Rights as Employee. Nothing in the ESPP will give any person, including any eligible employee or participant, any right to remain an employee of the company or any of our subsidiaries or will interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of any such entity to discharge any person, including any eligible employee or participant, at any time.
Transferability. Neither the payroll deductions credited to a participant’s account nor any rights with respect to a purchase right granted under the ESPP may be assigned, transferred, pledged, or otherwise disposed of by the participant. Any such attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, or other disposition will be ineffective and we may treat any such act as an election to withdraw from participation in the ESPP.
Adjustments. In the event of any increase or decrease in the number of shares of our common stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification or any other similar corporate event affecting our common stock, the number of shares reserved under the ESPP, the maximum number of shares that a participant may purchase in an offering period or a purchase period, and the price per share and number of shares of common stock covered by each outstanding purchase right will be adjusted proportionately. Such adjustments will be made by the Board of Directors whose determination in that respect will be final, binding and conclusive.
In the event of the company’s proposed dissolution or liquidation, the offering period then in progress will be shortened by setting a new purchase date immediately prior to the proposed dissolution or liquidation, unless otherwise provided by the plan administrator. In the event of our company’s merger with or into another corporation, or the sale of all or substantially all of our company’s assets, outstanding purchase rights may be assumed or an equivalent purchase right may be substituted by the successor corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation). In the event that the successor corporation does not agree to assume or substitute the outstanding purchase rights, the offering period then in progress will be shortened by setting a new purchase date for outstanding purchase rights and the offering period then in progress will end on the new purchase date. This new purchase date will be prior to the date of consummation of the merger or sale.
Amendment, Modification and Termination of the ESPP. Our Board of Directors or the administrator may terminate or amend the ESPP. No termination may affect outstanding purchase rights and generally no amendment may impair the rights of any participant under an outstanding purchase right without the participant’s consent, except that our Board of Directors or the administrator may terminate an offering period if the Board or the administrator determines that the termination of the offering period or the plan is in the best interests of the company and our stockholders. We will seek stockholder approval for any amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code or any other applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule.
The ESPP will continue in effect until terminated by the Board.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The federal income tax consequences of the ESPP under current federal income tax law are summarized in the following discussion which deals with the general tax principles applicable to the ESPP and is intended for general information only. The following discussion of federal income tax consequences does not purport to be a complete analysis of all of the potential tax effects of the ESPP. It is based upon laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change. Foreign, state and local tax laws and estate, gift and employment tax considerations are not discussed, and may vary depending on individual circumstances and from locality to locality.
The following summary assumes that the ESPP qualifies as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although the plan is intended to be an “employee stock purchase plan,” no assurance is given that the plan will qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan.”
Grant of Purchase Right; Exercise of Purchase Right. A participant will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a purchase right on the date of grant. In addition, the participant will not recognize taxable income upon the exercise of a purchase right on the date of exercise.
Sale of Common Stock After the Holding Period. The tax treatment resulting from the sale or other disposition of the shares of common stock that a participant purchased upon the exercise of a purchase right under the ESPP will depend on whether such sale or disposition occurs before or after the later of: (1) two years after the date of grant of the purchase right, or (2) one year after the date such shares are transferred to the participant (the “Holding Period”). If the participant sells or disposes of the shares of common stock that he or she purchased upon the exercise of a purchase right under the ESPP after the Holding Period, the participant will be taxed in the year in which he or she sells or otherwise disposes of such shares of
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| 2023 Proxy Statement | 87 |
common stock, as follows: The participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the lesser of: (i) the excess, if any, of the amount realized upon the disposition of such shares, over the purchase price he or she paid for such shares of common stock; or (ii) 15% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date of grant of the purchase right; and any remaining gain (or any loss) from the disposition will be treated as capital gain (or loss). We (or our designated subsidiary) will not be entitled to any deduction as a result of the participant’s sale or other disposition of the shares of common stock after the expiration of the Holding Period for such shares.
Sale of Common Stock During the Holding Period. If a participant sells or disposes of the shares of common stock that he or she purchased upon the exercise of a purchase right under the ESPP before the Holding Period expires, the participant will be taxed in the year in which he or she sells or otherwise disposes of such shares of common stock, as follows:
•The participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of such shares of common stock on the date of the exercise of the purchase rights, over the purchase price the participant paid for such shares of common stock; and
•The participant will recognize capital gain if and to the extent the amount he or she realizes from the sale or other disposition of the shares of Common Stock is more than their fair market value on the date such shares were transferred to him or her, or capital loss if and to the extent the amount he or she realizes from the sale or disposition of the shares of common stock is less than their fair market value on the date such shares were transferred to the participant.
We (or our designated subsidiary) will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income that is recognized by the participant as a result of his or her sale or disposition of the shares of common stock before the Holding Period expires for such shares. The ESPP is not subject to any provision of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and is not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Special rules may apply to a participant who is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
New Plan Benefits
The following table sets forthbenefits that will be received by all eligible employees under the combined valueESPP are not determinable in advance because the number of shares of common stock that a participant may receive under the restricted cash and restricted share awards thatESPP is based on the Compensation Committee intends to grant toamount of payroll deductions elected by the participant. Our non-employee directors will not receive any benefits under the 2014 Director Plan during the fiscal year 2021, if the Amendment is approved by our stockholders.ESPP.
| | | | | | | | |
Name | Dollar Value | Number of Shares Covered by Awards (1)
|
Anthony J. Best | $ | 170,000 | | - |
G. Stephen Finley | $ | 150,000 | | - |
Roderick A. Larson | $ | 150,000 | | - |
Michael A. Lewis | $ | 150,000 | | - |
John C. Mingé | $ | 150,000 | | - |
Rose M. Robeson | $ | 150,000 | | - |
(1) The number of restricted shares will be determined based upon the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approvalApproval of the First Amendmentan amendment to the 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ RestrictedCompany’s Amended and Restated Employee Stock Plan.
Purchase Plan
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| 20212023 Proxy Statement | 8088 |
PROPOSAL NO. 6
APPROVAL OF THE EXCLUSIVE FORUM SELECTION PROVISION IN THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
We are seeking ratification of the provision of the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) designating Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain litigation.
On August 12, 2020, the Board of Directors adopted and approved the Bylaws of the Company. As a result of the amendment and restatement, Article X of the Bylaws (the “Exclusive Forum Selection Provision”) provides that, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (i) the Delaware Court of Chancery or, if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, will be the sole and exclusive forum with respect to (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, stockholder, employee or agent of the Company to the Company or its stockholders, including a claim alleging the aiding and abetting of such a breach of fiduciary duty, (c) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any current or former director, officer, stockholder, employee or agent of the Company arising out of or relating to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, (d) any action asserting a claim related to or involving the Company or any director, officer, stockholder, employee or agent of the Company that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware, or (e) any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL; and (ii) the U.S. Federal District Court in Wilmington County, Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for any action arising under the Securities Act of 1933. Pursuant to the Bylaws, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of the Company’s capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and consented to the Exclusive Forum Provision. Section 27 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision does not apply to claims arising under the Exchange Act.
The Board of Directors committed to submit the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision to the Company’s stockholders at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Company for ratification.
The Exclusive Forum Selection Provision is intended to avoid subjecting the Company to multiple lawsuits in multiple jurisdictions on matters relating to the corporate law in Delaware, the Company’s state of incorporation. Because the Company’s operations are located throughout the country, there is a heightened risk that we will encounter such duplicative litigation. The ability to require such actions to be brought in a single forum provides numerous benefits to the Company and its stockholders, as noted below.
The Exclusive Forum Selection Provision addresses plaintiff forum shopping and the related, well-documented phenomenon of plaintiffs’ attorneys filing parallel lawsuits in multiple jurisdictions, primarily to obtain additional attorneys’ fees. The Board of Directors approved the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision in light of the incidence of such frivolous “strike” suits and multi-forum litigation. The Board of Directors believes that the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision will reduce the risk of the Company’s involvement in duplicative litigation with the associated duplication of litigation expenses, the potential for inconsistent outcomes of cases brought in multiple forums and the possibility that courts in other states will misconstrue Delaware law. The Board of Directors believes that, by ensuring that lawsuits relating to intra-corporate disputes are heard in a state or federal court located in Delaware, an exclusive forum selection provision furthers the Company’s goal of fair, predictable and cost-effective outcomes. The Exclusive Forum Selection Provision also allows the Company to consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, which consent would be granted in the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Although exclusive jurisdiction provisions such as the one the Board has adopted are becoming increasingly common, and the Board knows of no reason a court in another state would not be willing to enforce its terms, the Board cannot be sure that all state courts would enforce the provision and transfer any covered proceeding to the Delaware courts designated in the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision.
After consideration of the matters noted above, the Board of Directors has determined that the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and recommends that it be ratified by the stockholders.
The Exclusive Forum Selection Provision of the Bylaws is attached as Appendix E to this Proxy Statement.
2021 Proxy Statement | 81
The Exclusive Forum Selection Provision was approved and adopted by the Board of Directors on August 12, 2020, and stockholder approval of the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision is not required by Delaware law, the Bylaws or the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. Nevertheless, the Board considers the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision an important issue and so is asking the Company’s stockholders to ratify the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision. If the proposal for ratification is not approved by stockholders, the Board will amend the Bylaws to remove the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision within ten business days following the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” ratifying the Exclusive Forum Selection Provision.
2021 Proxy Statement | 82
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals intended to be considered for inclusion in our proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act for the 20222024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by us by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on December 9, 2021. Proposals8, 2023. Such proposals should be directed to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, Newpark Resources, Inc., 9320 Lakeside Boulevard, Suite 100, The Woodlands, Texas 77381. Any such proposals will be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules (including Rule 14a-8) adopted under the Exchange Act as well asAct. SEC rules and regulations provide that if the procedures indate of our bylaws, and must include a brief description and text2024 Annual Meeting is advanced or delayed more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the proposal,2023 Annual Meeting, stockholder proposals intended to be included in the name and addressproxy materials for the 2024 Annual Meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the stockholder submittingExchange Act must be received by us within a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail the proposal,proxy materials for the class and number of shares of stock owned2024 Annual Meeting. Upon determination by us that stockholder, and any material interestthe date of the stockholder2024 Annual Meeting will be advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the 2023 Annual Meeting, we will disclose that change in the proposal.earliest possible Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or as otherwise permitted by the Exchange Act.
For proposals not intended to be submittedincluded in next year’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, but sought to be presented at our 20222024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our Bylaws provide that stockholder proposals, including director nominations, must be delivered to or mailed to and received at our principal executive offices nonot earlier than 5:00 pm Eastern Time on the day that is 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting date or later than 5:00 pm Eastern Time on the date that is 90 days prior to the date of our annual meeting;such date; provided, that if the date of the meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 70 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year, such notice will be considered timely if properly delivered not publicly announced moreearlier than 100 daysthe 120th day prior to the datemeeting and not later than 5:00 pm Eastern Time on the later of the annual90th day prior to the meeting the notice by the stockholder will be timely if delivered to our principal executive offices no later than the close of business onor the 10th day following the day on which such notice ofpublic announcement regarding the date of the meeting was communicatedis first made by the Company. Accordingly, for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, unless the date of the meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 70 days from the anniversary date of the 2023 Annual Meeting, such notice must be delivered to or mailed to and received at our principal executive offices not earlier than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 19, 2024 and no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 18, 2024. Any such proposal must be a proper matter for stockholder action and must comply with the stockholders.procedures, terms and conditions set forth in our Bylaws (which include timing and information required under Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act). If a stockholder fails to meet these deadlines and fails to satisfy the requirements of Rule 14a-4 of the Exchange Act, we may exercise discretionary voting authority under proxies we solicit to vote any such proposal as we determine appropriate. A copy of our Bylaws may be obtained upon written request to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices, 9320 Lakeside Boulevard, Suite 100, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.
SEC rules and regulations provide that if (In addition to satisfying the datedeadlines in the advance notice provisions of our 2022 Annual Meeting is advanced or delayed more than 30 days fromBylaws, a stockholder who intends to solicit proxies in support of nominees submitted under these advance notice provisions must provide the anniversary datenotice required under Rule 14a-19 of the 2021 Annual Meeting, stockholder proposals intendedExchange Act to be included in the proxy materials forCompany no later than March 19, 2024.)
We reserve the 2022 Annual Meeting must be received by us within a reasonable time before we beginright to printreject, rule out of order or take other appropriate action with respect to any nomination or proposal that does not comply with these and mail the proxy materials for the 2022 Annual Meeting. Upon determination by us that the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting will be advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the 2021 Annual Meeting, we will disclose that change in the earliest possible Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or as otherwise permitted by the Exchange Act.other applicable requirements.
OTHER MATTERS
We do not presently know of any matters other than those described above that may be presented for stockholder action at the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote in accordance with their judgment on these matters, subject to direction by the Board of Directors.
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APPENDICES
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| | 20212023 Proxy Statement | 8390 |
APPENDICES
Appendix A
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2015 EMPLOYEE EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Effective May 18, 2023)
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 (this “Amendment”) to the Amended and Restated 2015 Employee Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Plan”) is made by Newpark Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to the Plan, as follows:
WHEREAS, the Company previously adopted the Plan for the benefit of its eligible participants;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 17 of the Plan, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) has the power and authority to amend the terms of the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to increase the maximum number of shares of common stock of the Company (“Shares”) that may be issued in connection with awards granted under the Plan from 12,300,000 to 14,300,000 Shares.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the Plan, the Board hereby amends the Plan in the following respects:
1. Shares Subject to the Plan. Section 4.1 of the Plan is hereby amended to increase the number of Shares that may be issued in connection with awards under the Plan from 12,300,000 to 14,300,000.
2. Full Force and Effect. Except as otherwise set forth in this Amendment, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.
3. Effectiveness Subject to Stockholder Approval. This Amendment shall not become effective unless the stockholders of the Company approve the increase to the share reserve of the Plan, as set forth in 1 above, and if approved, then this Amendment shall become effective as of such meeting.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this Amendment on May 20, 2021.
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
By: ____________________
Name:
Title:
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Appendix BTABLE OF CONTENTS
| | | | | | | | |
| 1 | Purpose. | 1 |
| 2 | Definitions. | 1 |
| 3 | Administration of the Plan. | 1 |
| 4 | Number of Shares Issuable in Connection with Awards. | 4 |
| 5 | Eligibility and Participation. | 5 |
| 6 | Award Agreements. | 5 |
| 7 | Options. | 6 |
| 8 | Restricted Stock. | 9 |
| 9 | Restricted Stock Units. | 11 |
| 10 | Stock Appreciation Rights. | 12 |
| 11 | Other Stock‑Based Awards. | 13 |
| 12 | Performance Based Awards. | 14 |
| 13 | Restrictions on Transfer. | 15 |
| 14 | Withholding and Other Tax Provisions. | 16 |
| 15 | Effect of Certain Corporate Changes and Changes in Control. | 17 |
| 16 | Regulatory Compliance. | 19 |
| 17 | Amendment or Termination of the Plan. | 21 |
| 18 | Term of the Plan. | 21 |
| 19 | No Right to Awards or Continued Employment. | 21 |
| 20 | Effect of Plan Upon Other Awards and Compensation Plans. | 21 |
| 21 | General Provisions. | 22 |
AMENDED AND RESTATED
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
2015 EMPLOYEE EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Effective May 23, 2019)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | | | | | | | |
| 1 | Purpose. | 1 |
| 2 | Definitions. | 1 |
| 3 | Administration of the Plan. | 1 |
| 4 | Number of Shares Issuable in Connection with Awards. | 4 |
| 5 | Eligibility and Participation. | 5 |
| 6 | Award Agreements. | 5 |
| 7 | Options. | 6 |
| 8 | Restricted Stock. | 9 |
| 9 | Restricted Stock Units. | 11 |
| 10 | Stock Appreciation Rights. | 12 |
| 11 | Other Stock‑Based Awards. | 13 |
| 12 | Performance Based Awards. | 14 |
| 13 | Restrictions on Transfer. | 15 |
| 14 | Withholding and Other Tax Provisions. | 16 |
| 15 | Effect of Certain Corporate Changes and Changes in Control. | 17 |
| 16 | Regulatory Compliance. | 19 |
| 17 | Amendment or Termination of the Plan. | 21 |
| 18 | Term of the Plan. | 21 |
| 19 | No Right to Awards or Continued Employment. | 21 |
| 20 | Effect of Plan Upon Other Awards and Compensation Plans. | 21 |
| 21 | General Provisions. | 22 |
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SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
2015 EMPLOYEE EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Effective May 23, 2019)18, 2023)
1.Purpose.
This Second Amended and Restated Newpark Resources, Inc. 2015 Employee Equity Incentive Plan, effective May 23, 2019,18, 2023, is intended to assist Newpark Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in attracting, retaining and motivating designated Employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to increase their interest in the success of the Company in order to promote the creation of long‑term value for the Company’s stockholders by closely aligning the interests of Employees with those of the Company’s stockholders. The Plan is designed to meet this intent by providing eligible Employees with a proprietary interest in pursuing the long‑term growth, profitability and financial success of the Company.
2. Definitions.
In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in the Plan, Exhibit A, which is incorporated by reference, defined terms used in the Plan and sets forth certain operational rules related to those terms.
3. Administration of the Plan.
3.1. General. The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee. Each member of the Compensation Committee shall be a “non‑employee director” as that term is defined in Rule 16b‑3 and an “independent director” under the corporate governance rules of any stock exchange or similar regulatory authority on which the Common Stock is then listed, but no action of the Compensation Committee shall be invalid if this requirement is not met. The Compensation Committee shall select one of its members as chairmanchair and shall act by vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present or by unanimous written consent. A majority of the members of the Compensation Committee shall constitute a quorum. The Compensation Committee shall be governed by the provisions of the Company’s bylaws and of Delaware law applicable to the Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided herein or determined by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee’s decisions and determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Participants, whether or not the Participants are similarly situated.
3.2. Authority of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall have full discretionary power and authority, subject to the general purposes, terms and conditions of the Plan, to implement, carry out and administer the Plan. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Compensation Committee shall have the authority to:
(a) interpret and administrator the Plan, any Award Agreement and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to the Plan;
(b) adopt, amend, modify or rescind rules, procedures and forms relating to the Plan;
(c) select, subject to the limitations set forth in this Plan, persons to receive Awards;
(d) determine the number of Shares subject to Awards, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock and the other terms and conditions of each Award (which need not be uniform), including, without limitation, the type of Award to be granted, vesting requirements, forfeiture restrictions and other terms and conditions relating to the exercisability of Awards, and all other provisions of each Award Agreement;
(e) determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination, or in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, other Awards under the Plan or any other incentive or compensation plan of the Company or any Subsidiary;
(f) grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions and remove or adjust any restrictions or conditions upon Awards, including accelerating or otherwise modifying the date or conditions upon which any Award becomes vested, exercisable or transferable and extending the term of any Award (subject to the maximum term limitations set forth in the Plan), including extending the period following the termination of a Participant’s employment during which any Award may continue to vest, remain outstanding or be exercised (but not beyond the original maximum term of such Award);
(g) amend any outstanding Award Agreement, including for the purpose of modifying the time, manner or conditions of vesting, exercise or settlement; provided, however, that if any provision of any such amendment would materially and adversely affect the rights of the Participant under the affected Award, the amendment shall not be effective without the Participant’s consent to that provision; and provided further that no Option or Stock
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Appreciation Right may be amended or terminated to reduce the exercise price of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right except in accordance with Section 21.4;
(h) interpret, administer, correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, any Award, any Award Agreement or any related instrument or agreement;
(i) determine whether an Award has been earned;
(j) to authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any agreement or document required to carry out the purposes of the Plan; and
(k) make any other determination and take any other action that the Compensation Committee deems necessary or desirable for administration of the Plan.
All decisions, determinations and other actions of the Compensation Committee made or taken in accordance with the terms of the Plan shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties having an interest therein.
3.3. Delegation of Authority. Any of the powers and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee may be delegated to any subcommittee, in which case the acts of the subcommittee shall be deemed to be acts of the Compensation Committee hereunder. In addition, the Compensation Committee may, subject to the following provisions and to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, delegate some or all of its authority and powers under the Plan, including the authority to grant Awards under the Plan, to a committee consisting of one or more members of the Board of Directors or one or more officers of the Company; provided, however, that (a) the Committee may not delegate its authority to (i) make awards to any Employee who is, or is expected to become, a Section 16 Insider, (ii) interpret the Plan or any Award, or (iii) amend any Award or accelerate the vesting or lapse of any restrictions on any Award, and (b) any delegation of authority to an officer of the Company shall be subject to the provisions of Section 157 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Any action taken by any such subcommittee, committee of the Board of Directors or officer within the scope of the authority delegated by the Compensation Committee shall be deemed for all purposes to have been taken by the Compensation Committee, and, to the extent consistent with the terms and limitations of such delegation, references in the Plan to the Compensation Committee shall include any such officer or Employee. In addition, the Compensation Committee may delegate to one or more officers or Employees, subject to such terms as the Compensation Committee may determine, the authority to perform such administrative functions as determined necessary or appropriate by the Compensation Committee. Any delegation hereunder shall be subject to such other restrictions and limitations that the Compensation Committee specifies at the time of such delegation or thereafter. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed as obligating the Compensation Committee to delegate authority as herein provided and the Compensation Committee may at any time rescind the authority delegated hereunder.
3.4. Monitoring Awards. Notwithstanding any delegation of authority by the Compensation Committee pursuant to Section 3.3, it shall maintain ultimate responsibility for, and control of, the operation of the Plan. At least annually, the Compensation Committee, in conjunction with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, shall conduct or cause the conduct of an audit of the operation of the Plan to verify that the Plan has been operated and Awards have been documented and maintained by the officers of the Company in accordance with the directions of the Compensation Committee. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, one of the purposes of such an audit will be to determine that the final Award Agreements are consistent with the Awards made by the Compensation Committee and properly reflect the names of the Participants to whom such Awards were granted, the applicable Dates of Grant, vesting provisions and expiration dates, the type and quantity of Awards granted to each Participant and, if applicable, the applicable exercise prices.
3.5. Limitation on Liability.
3.5.1. The Compensation Committee may employ attorneys, consultants, accountants, agents and other persons, and the Compensation Committee shall be entitled, in good faith, to rely and act upon the advice, opinions and valuations of any such persons.
In addition, the Compensation Committee shall be entitled, in good faith, to rely and act upon any report or other information furnished to it by any officer, director or Employee of the Company.
3.5.2. No member of the Compensation Committee, nor any person acting pursuant to authority delegated by the Compensation Committee, nor any officer, director or Employee of the Company acting at the direction or on behalf of the Compensation Committee, shall be liable for any action, omission or determination relating to the Plan, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Compensation Committee, each person acting pursuant to authority delegated by the Compensation Committee, and each other officer, director or Employee of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been delegated against any cost, expense (including counsel fees), liability or other
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| | 2023 Proxy Statement | 94 |
pecuniary loss (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Compensation Committee) arising out of any action, omission or determination relating to the Plan.
4. Number of Shares Issuable in Connection with Awards.
4.1. Shares Subject to the Plan. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued in connection with Awards granted under the Plan is 12,300,000,16,500,000, and the number of Shares that are subject to Awards outstanding at any one time under the Plan may not exceed the number of Shares that then remain available for issuance under the Plan. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued in connection with Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan is 12,300,000.16,500,000. The Company at all times shall reserve and keep available sufficient Shares to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. Shares issued under the Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares.
4.2. Share Counting Rules. For purposes of Section 4.1, if any Shares subject to an Award granted under the Plan are forfeited or such Award is settled in cash or otherwise terminates without the delivery of such Shares, the Shares subject to such Award, to the extent of such forfeiture, settlement or termination, shall again be available for the grant of additional Awards under the Plan; provided, that, in the case of an Award granted prior to May 23, 2019, the forfeited, cash-settled or terminated Shares subject to such Award shall again be available in the same amount as the Shares applicable to such Award were counted against the limit set forth in Section 4.1 upon grant. Shares that (a) are issued or delivered upon the settlement of an Award, (b) cease to be Restricted Stock upon the vesting of an Award of Restricted Stock, or (c) are withheld for taxes in excess of the minimum statutory tax withholding rate under Section 14.1 from an Award of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock-Based Award, shall no longer be subject to any further grant under the Plan. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the following Shares shall be considered to have been issued under the Plan and may not again be made available for issuance as Awards under the Plan: (x) Shares not issued or delivered as a result of the net settlement of an outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right; (y) Shares withheld by the Company from Shares that would otherwise have been delivered upon exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, or Shares tendered to the Company, in each case, in satisfaction of the grant or exercise price or tax withholding requirements of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right; or (z) Shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of the Option exercise price. With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, when a Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, the full number of Shares exercised pursuant to such Stock Appreciation Right shall be counted against the Shares available for issuance under the Plan notwithstanding that the number of Shares issued to settle the Stock Appreciation Right upon exercise is less than the number of Shares exercised. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, Shares subject to Awards issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of any entity acquired in any form of business combination by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be counted against the Shares available for issuance pursuant to the Plan.
4.3. Individual Award Limits. The maximum number of Shares that may be covered by Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (in the aggregate) granted under the Plan to any single Participant in any calendar year shall not exceed 1,000,000, and the maximum number of Shares that may be covered by all other Awards (in the aggregate) granted under the Plan to any single Participant in any calendar year shall not exceed 1,000,000.
4.4. Adjustments. The limits provided for in this Section 4 shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15.
5. Eligibility and Participation.
The Compensation Committee will select Participants from among those Employees who, in the opinion of the Compensation Committee, are in a position to make significant contributions to the long‑term performance and growth of the Company and its Subsidiaries. In addition, the Compensation Committee may grant Awards in connection with the engagement of an Employee who is expected to make significant contributions to the long‑term performance and growth of the Company, provided that a prospective Employee may not receive any payment or exercise any right relating to an Award until such person’s employment with the Company has commenced. An Employee on leave of absence may be considered as still in the employ of the Company for purposes of eligibility for participation in the Plan, if so determined by the Compensation Committee. Directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are not also Employees of the Company or a Subsidiary shall not be eligible to receive Awards under the Plan.
6. Award Agreements.
Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in a form approved by the Compensation Committee. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan, shall include such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, consistent with the provisions of the Plan, and shall be executed or approved by the Participant and an officer of the Company or other person designated by the Compensation Committee. An Award Agreement and any required signatures thereon or authorization or acceptance thereof may be in electronic format.
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7. Options.
7.1. Grant of Options. The Compensation Committee may grant Options in such amounts, at such times and to such Employees as the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may determine in accordance with the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 5. The Compensation Committee shall designate at the time of grant whether the Option is intended to constitute an Incentive Stock Option or a Non‑Qualified Stock Option.
7.2. Option Price. The Option Price of the Shares subject to each Option shall be determined by the Compensation Committee, but shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant, except in the case of replacement or substitute Options issued by the Company in connection with an acquisition or other corporate transaction.
7.3. Option Period. The Award Agreement shall specify the term of each Option. The term shall commence on the Date of Grant and shall be ten (10) years or such shorter period as is determined by the Compensation Committee. Each Option shall provide that it is exercisable over its term from the Date of Grant or over time in such periodic installments, or based on the satisfaction of such criteria (including, without limitation, upon the satisfaction of Performance Criteria), as the Compensation Committee in its discretion may determine. The vesting provisions for Options granted under the Plan need not be uniform. Unless the Compensation Committee specifies otherwise in the applicable Award Agreement, if an Option is subject to vesting and becomes exercisable in periodic installments and a Participant shall not in any period purchase all of the Shares that the Participant is entitled to purchase in such period, the Participant may purchase all or any part of such Shares as to which the Option has become exercisable at any time prior to the expiration or other termination of the Option.
7.4. Exercise of Options. Each Option may be exercised in whole or in part (but not as to fractional shares) by the delivery of an executed notice (“Notice of Exercise”) in the form prescribed from time to time by the Compensation Committee, which may be in written or electronic form, accompanied by payment of the Option Price and any amounts required to be withheld for tax purposes under Section 14. If an Option is exercised by any person other than the Participant, the Compensation Committee may require satisfactory evidence that the person exercising the Option has the right to do so. The Compensation Committee may require any partial exercise of an Option to equal or exceed a specified minimum number of Shares.
7.5. Payment of Exercise Price. The Option Price shall be paid in full in cash or by check acceptable to the Compensation Committee or, if and to the extent permitted by the Compensation Committee, (a) through the delivery of Shares which have been outstanding for at least six months or such other minimum period as may be required by applicable accounting rules to avoid a charge to the Company’s earnings for financial reporting purposes (unless the Compensation Committee approves a shorter period) and which have a Fair Market Value on the date the Option is exercised equal to the Option Price due for the number of Shares being acquired, (b) to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, by a Cashless Exercise, or (c) by any combination of the foregoing permissible forms of payment.
7.6. Employment Requirements. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, either at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, and except as otherwise provided in Section 7.7, an Option may not be exercised unless from the Date of Grant to the date of exercise the Participant remains continuously in the employ of the Company. The Compensation Committee shall determine, in its discretion in the particular case and subject to any requirements of Applicable Laws, whether and to what the extent the period of continuous employment shall be deemed to include any period in which the Participant is on leave of absence with the consent of the Company. Unless the Compensation Committee expressly provides otherwise, a Participant’s service as an Employee with the Company will be deemed to have ceased upon termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries (whether or not the Participant continues in the service of the Company or its Subsidiaries in some capacity other than that of an Employee).
7.7. Exercise of Options on Termination of Employment.
7.7.1. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, either at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, upon the termination of a Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries by reason of death or Disability, (a) all Options then held by the Participant, to the extent exercisable on the date of termination of employment, shall remain in full force and effect and may be exercised pursuant to the provisions thereof at any time until the earlier of the end of the fixed term thereof and the expiration of 12 months following termination of the Participant’s employment, and (b) all Options then held by the Participant, to the extent not then presently exercisable, shall terminate as of the date of such termination of employment and shall not be exercisable thereafter.
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7.7.2. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, either at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, upon the termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason other than the reasons set forth in Section 7.7.1 or a termination for Cause, (a) all Options then held by the Participant, to the extent exercisable on the date of termination of employment, shall remain in full force and effect and may be exercised pursuant to the provisions thereof at any time until the earlier of the end of the fixed term thereof and the expiration of 90 days following termination of the Participant’s employment (except that the 90‑day period shall be extended to 12 months from the date of termination if the Participant shall die during such 90‑day period), and (b) all Options then held by the Participant, to the extent not then presently exercisable, shall terminate as of the date of such termination of employment and shall not be exercisable thereafter.
7.7.3. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, either at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, in the event of a Participant’s termination for Cause, all Options held by the Participant, whether vested or not, shall terminate concurrently with the first discovery by the Company of any reason for the Participant’s termination for Cause and shall not be exercisable thereafter. If a Participant’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary is suspended pending an investigation of whether there shall be a termination for Cause, all of the Participant’s rights under any Options then held by the Participant, including, without limitation, the right to exercise such Options, shall likewise be suspended during such period of investigation.
7.8. Incentive Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options shall be subject to the following additional provisions:
7.8.1. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the Date of Grant) of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any individual Participant during any one calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any parent or Subsidiary) may not exceed the maximum amount permitted under Section 422 of the Code (currently $100,000). To the extent any Incentive Stock Option would exceed this limit, the portion of the Option in excess of such limit shall be treated as a Non‑Qualified Stock Option for all purposes. The provisions of this Section 7.8.1 shall be construed and applied in accordance with Section 422(d) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
7.8.2. No Incentive Stock Option may be granted to a Participant if, at the time of the proposed grant, the Participant owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any parent or Subsidiary of the Company, unless (a) the Option Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Date of Grant, and (b) the Incentive Stock Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the Date of Grant.
7.8.3. If a Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option on or before the later of (a) the date two (2) years after the Date of Grant of the Incentive Stock Option, and (b) the date one (1) year after the exercise of the Incentive Stock Option (in either case, a “Disqualifying Disposition”), the Participant shall notify the Company, either in writing or electronically, of the Disqualifying Disposition within ten (10) days of the date thereof. In the event of a Disqualifying Disposition, the Option will not qualify for incentive stock option treatment.
7.8.4. If the Compensation Committee exercises its discretion to permit an Incentive Stock Option to be exercised by a Participant more than three months after the termination of a Participant’s employment for any reason other than death or Disability, the Incentive Stock Option will thereafter be treated as a Non‑Qualified Stock Option for all purposes. For purposes of this Section 7.8.4, a Participant’s employment will be treated as continuing uninterrupted during any period that the Participant is on military leave, sick leave or another approved leave of absence if the period of leave does not exceed 90 consecutive days, unless reemployment on the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or by contract.
7.8.5. Any Option which is designated by the Compensation Committee as an Incentive Stock Option but fails, for any reason, to meet the requirements for Incentive Stock Option treatment shall be treated for tax purposes as a Non‑Qualified Stock Option.
7.9. Additional Terms and Conditions. Each Option, and any Shares of Common Stock issued in connection with an Option, shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as are determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement, plan or policy approved by the Compensation Committee.
8. Restricted Stock.
8.1. Grant of Restricted Stock. The Compensation Committee may grant Awards of Restricted Stock in such amounts, at such times and to such Employees as the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may determine in accordance with the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 5.
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8.2. Award Agreement; Acceptance by Participant. Promptly following the grant of each Award of Restricted Stock, the Compensation Committee shall cause to be delivered to the applicable Participant an Award Agreement that evidences the Award. The Participant shall accept the Award by signing and delivering to the Company his or her Award Agreement (which may be in electronic format).
8.3. Restrictions. At the time of grant of each Award of Restricted Stock, the Compensation Committee shall determine the Restriction Period that will apply to the Award and the forfeiture and vesting restrictions, restrictions on transferability and other restrictions (including, without limitation, limitations on the right to vote Restricted Stock or the right to receive dividends on Restricted Stock) that will apply to the Award during the Restriction Period. These restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances (including based on achievement of Performance Criteria or future service requirements or both), in such installments or otherwise, as the Compensation Committee may determine in its discretion.
8.4. Forfeiture. Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, either at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, upon termination of the Participant’s employment during the applicable Restriction Period, Restricted Stock that is at that time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited to and reacquired by the Company for no consideration to the Participant, unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may (a) provide in any Award Agreement that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock will be waived in whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified causes, and (b) in other cases waive in whole or in part restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock.
8.5. Evidence of Stock Ownership. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, until such time as all conditions or restrictions applicable to Shares of Restricted Stock have been satisfied or lapse, (a) all certificates representing Shares of Restricted Stock, together with duly endorsed stock powers in blank, will be held in custody by the Company or its transfer agent, (b) any uncertificated Shares of Restricted Stock will be held at the Company’s transfer agent in book entry form in the name of the Participant or (c) such Shares of Restricted Stock will be held for the benefit of the Participant in nominee name by the broker engaged by the Company to provide such services for the Plan, in each case with appropriate restrictions relating to the transfer of such Shares of Restricted Stock.
8.6. Dividend Rights. Unless otherwise set forth in the Award Agreement, a Participant holding Restricted Stock shall be entitled to receive (a) any regular cash distributions declared and paid with respect to Shares subject to an Award of Restricted Stock, and (b) any Shares distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and any other cash and property (including securities of the Company and other issuers) distributed as a dividend, with respect to Shares subject to an Award of Restricted Stock. In the case of Restricted Stock, the vesting of which is conditioned only upon the continuous employment of, or provision of services by, the Participant for a specified future period, such dividends and distributions shall be paid to the Participant at the same time they are paid to all other stockholders of the Company unless otherwiseStock; provided, in the Award Agreement; providedhowever, that if any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares or other securities, such Shares or other securities shall be subject to the same restrictions and forfeiture conditions to the same extent as the Restricted Stock with respect to which such Shares or other securities have been distributed, and all references to Restricted Stock in the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement shall be deemed to include such Shares or other securities. In the case of Restricted Stock, the vesting of which is conditioned on the achievement of Performance Criteria, such dividends and distributions shall be withheld by the Company and shall vest and be paid, without interest, only if and to the extent, and at the time, the underlying Shares of Restricted Stock shall vest. To the extent dividends or distributions are withheld with respect to Shares of Restricted Stock that are forfeited, the dividends and distributions shall also be forfeited.
8.7. Voting Rights. Unless otherwise set forth in the Award Agreement, all voting rights appurtenant to the Shares subject to an Award of Restricted Stock shall be exercised by the Participant.
8.8. Termination of the Restriction Period. Upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions specified in the Award Agreement that apply to a Restriction Period, (a) the Participant shall be entitled to have the legend referred to in Section 8.5 removed from his or her Shares of Restricted Stock after the last day of the Restriction Period, and (b) if the Shares of Restricted Stock are evidenced by physical certificates and the Company has retained possession of the certificates representing the Shares of Restricted Stock, the Company shall promptly deliver such certificates to the Participant. If the terms and conditions specified in the Award Agreement that apply to a Restriction Period have not been satisfied, the Restricted Stock subject to the Award shall be forfeited to and reacquired by the Company for no consideration to the Participant, unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement.
8.9. Additional Terms and Conditions. Each Award of Restricted Stock, and all Shares of Restricted Stock granted or offered for sale hereunder, shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as are
prescribed by the Compensation Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement, plan or policy as approved by the Compensation Committee.
9. Restricted Stock Units.
9.1. Grant of Restricted Stock Units. The Compensation Committee may make Awards of Restricted Stock Units in such amounts, at such times and to such Employees as the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may determine in accordance with the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 5. Unless the Award Agreement provides otherwise with respect to the right to receive dividends or other distributions, a Participant granted Restricted Stock Units shall not have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares subject to an Award of Restricted Stock Units, including any
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right to vote, until the Shares subject to the Award shall have been issued in the Participant’s name in accordance with the terms of the applicable Award Agreement.
9.2. Vesting and Other Terms. At the time of grant of each Award of Restricted Stock Units, the Compensation Committee shall determine the Restriction Period that will apply to the Award. During the Restriction Period, Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions as the Compensation Committee may impose, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances (including based on achievement of Performance Criteria or future service requirements or both), in such installments or otherwise as the Compensation Committee may determine in its discretion. If the terms and conditions specified in the Award Agreement have not been satisfied by the end of the Restriction Period, the Restricted Stock Units subject to the Restriction Period shall become null and void, and the Participant shall forfeit all rights with respect to such Award.
9.3. Termination of Employment. Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, either at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, upon termination of the Participant’s employment during the applicable Restriction Period, Restricted Stock Units that are at that time subject to restrictions shall be null and void, and the Participant shall forfeit all rights with respect to such Awards.
9.4. Settlement. On the vesting date or dates of the Award, the Company shall, subject to the terms of the Plan and the Award Agreement, transfer to the Participant one Share for each Restricted Stock Unit scheduled to be issued on such date and not previously forfeited.
9.5. Additional Terms and Conditions. Each Award of Restricted Stock Units, and all Shares issued in settlement of Restricted Stock Units, shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as are prescribed by the Compensation Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement, plan or policy as approved by the Compensation Committee.
9.6. Dividend Rights. If the Award Agreement so provides, a Participant holding Restricted Stock Units shall be entitled to receive, but only if, to the extent, and at the time that the Restricted Stock Units vest and are settled, (i) any regular cash distributions declared and paid with respect to Shares subject to a Restricted Stock Unit, and (ii) any Shares distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and any other cash and property (including securities of the Company and other issuers) distributed as a dividend, with respect to Shares subject to an Award of Restricted Stock. In the case of Restricted Stock Units, the vesting of which is conditioned on the achievement of Performance Criteria,Stock; provided, however, that any such dividends or distributions (if provided for in the Award Agreement) shall be withheld by the Company and shall vest and be paid, without interest, only if and to the extent, and at the time, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest. Dividends or distributions relating to any forfeited Restricted Stock Units shall also be forfeited.
10. Stock Appreciation Rights.
10.1. Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. The Compensation Committee may make Awards of Stock Appreciation Rights in such amounts, at such times and to such Employees as the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may determine in accordance with the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 5. If a Stock Appreciation Right is granted to a Section 16(b) Insider, the Award Agreement shall incorporate all the terms and conditions at the time necessary to assure that the subsequent exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right shall qualify for the safe‑harbor exemption from short‑swing profit liability provided by Rule 16b‑3.
10.2. General Terms. A Stock Appreciation Right shall confer on the Participant the right to receive in Shares, cash or a combination thereof (as may be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion) the value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price for the Stock Appreciation Right, with respect to every Share for which the Stock Appreciation Right is granted (the “SAR Settlement Value”). At the time of grant, the Stock Appreciation Right must be designated by the Compensation Committee as either a tandem Stock Appreciation Right or a stand‑alone Stock Appreciation Right and, if not so designated, shall be deemed to be a stand‑alone Stock Appreciation Right. A tandem Stock Appreciation Right is a Stock Appreciation Right that is granted in tandem with an Option and only may be granted at the same time as the Option to which it relates. The exercise of a
tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall cancel the related Option for a like number of Shares, and the exercise of the related Option similarly shall cancel the tandem Stock Appreciation Right for a like number of Shares. Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights shall, except as specifically set forth in this Section 10 or in the applicable Award Agreement, be subject to the same terms and conditions as apply to the related Option. Stand‑alone Stock Appreciation Rights shall, except as specifically set forth in this Section 10 or in the applicable Award Agreement, be subject to the same terms and conditions generally applicable to Non‑Qualified Stock Options as set forth in Section 7.
10.3. Exercise Price. The exercise price of each Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Compensation Committee, but shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.
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10.4. Other Terms. The Compensation Committee shall determine the term of each Stock Appreciation Right. The term shall commence on the Date of Grant and shall be ten (10) years or such shorter period as is determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also shall determine the time or times at which and the circumstances under which a Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised in whole or in part, the method of exercise, the method of settlement and the form of consideration payable in settlement. The Compensation Committee may provide for Stock Appreciation Rights to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise (including, without limitation, upon the satisfaction of Performance Criteria), as to such number of Shares or percentage of the Shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Right as the Compensation Committee determines.
10.5. Exercise. Each Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised in whole or in part (but not as to fractional shares) by the delivery of an executed Notice of Exercise (which may be in electronic format) in the form prescribed from time to time by the Compensation Committee, accompanied by payment of any amounts required to be withheld for tax purposes under Section 14. If a Stock Appreciation Right is exercised by any person other than the Participant, the Compensation Committee may require satisfactory evidence that the person exercising the Stock Appreciation Right has the right to do so. Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Participant shall be entitled to receive the SAR Settlement Value from the Company for each Share as to which the Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised. The Company shall pay the SAR Settlement Value in Shares valued at Fair Market Value on the exercise date, in cash or any combination thereof, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may permit a Participant to elect to defer receipt of payment of all or part of the SAR Settlement Value pursuant to such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Compensation Committee or as may be specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
10.6. Additional Terms and Conditions. Each Award of Stock Appreciation Rights, and all Shares issued in settlement of Stock Appreciation Rights, shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as are prescribed by the Compensation Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
11. Other Stock‑Based Awards.
The Compensation Committee may grant to Employees equity‑based or equity‑related Awards not otherwise described herein, alone or in tandem with other Awards, in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee shall determine from time to time in its sole discretion (“Other Stock‑Based Awards”). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Other Stock‑Based Awards may (a) involve the transfer of restricted or unrestricted Shares of Common Stock to Participants, either at the time of grant or thereafter, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Shares of Common Stock, (b) be subject to performance‑based or service‑based vesting requirements, (c) be granted as, or in payment of, a bonus, or to provide incentives or recognize special achievements or contributions, and (d) be designed to comply with Applicable Laws of jurisdictions other than the United States; provided, that each Other Stock‑Based Award shall be denominated in, or shall have a value determined by reference to, a number of Shares that is specified in the Award Agreement. In the case of Other Stock‑Based Awards, the vesting of which is conditioned on the achievement of Performance Criteria, if the Award Agreement provides Participants with dividend rights, any dividends or distributions shall be withheld by the Company and shall vest and be paid, without interest, only if and to the extent, and at the time, the Other Stock‑Based Awards shall vest. Dividends or distributions relating
to any forfeited Other Stock‑Based Awards shall also be forfeited.
12. Performance Based Awards.
12.1. Performance Criteria. Awards made pursuant to the Plan may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria (“Performance Criteria”). The Performance Criteria shall be determined by the Compensation Committee and relate to one or more of the following performance measures: (i) revenues or net sales; (ii) earnings before or after deduction for all or any portion of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or other items, whether or not on a continuing operations or an aggregate or per share basis; (iii) return on equity, investment, capital or assets; (iv) margins; (v) one or more operating ratios; (vi) borrowing levels, leverage ratios or credit ratings; (vii) market share; (viii) capital expenditures; (ix) cash flow; (x) stock price, growth in stockholder value or total stockholder return; (xi) budget and expense management; (xii) working capital turnover and targets; (xiii) sales of
particular products or services, market penetration, geographic expansion or new concept development; (xiv) customer acquisition, expansion and retention; (xv) acquisitions and divestitures (in whole or in part), joint ventures, strategic alliances, spin‑offs, split‑ups and the like; (xvi) reorganizations, recapitalizations, restructurings and financings (debt or equity); (xvii) transactions that would constitute a Change in Control; (xviii) such other measures or criteria as determined by the Compensation Committee; or (xix) any combination of the foregoing. Performance Criteria measures, and targets with respect thereto, determined by the Compensation Committee need not be based upon an increase, a positive or improved result or avoidance of loss.
12.2. Additional Provisions Applicable to Performance Criteria. Any Performance Criteria may be used to measure the performance of the Company as a whole or with respect to any business unit, Subsidiary or business segment of the Company, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and may be measured either annually or cumulatively
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over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre‑establishedpre-established target, to previous period results or to a designated comparison group, in each case as specified by the Compensation Committee in the Award.
12.3. Adjustments to Performance Criteria. The Compensation Committee may, with respect to any Performance Period, make such adjustments to Performance Criteria as it may deem appropriate to compensate for, or reflect, (a) asset write‑downs or write‑ups; (b) litigation, claims, judgments or settlements; (c) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other laws or provisions affecting reported results; (d) discontinued operations and divestitures; (e) mergers, acquisitions and accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs; and (f) extraordinary or other unusual or non‑recurring item.
12.4. Performance Periods. The attainment of Performance Criteria shall be measured over performance periods of one (1) year or more (“Performance Periods”), as may be established by the Compensation Committee.
12.5. Right of Recapture. If, at any time after the date on which a Participant has been granted or becomes vested in or paid an Award pursuant to the achievement of Performance Criteria, the Compensation Committee determines that the earlier determination as to the achievement of the Performance Criteria was based on incorrect data and that in fact the Performance Criteria had not been achieved or had been achieved to a lesser extent than originally determined and a portion of the Award would not have been granted, vested or paid given the correct data, then (a) any portion of the Award that was so granted shall be forfeited and any related Shares (or, if such Shares were disposed of, the cash equivalent) shall be returned to the Company, (b) any portion of the Award that became so vested shall be deemed to be not vested and any related Shares (or, if such Shares were disposed of, the cash equivalent) shall be returned to the Company, and (c) any portion of the Award so paid to the Participant shall be repaid by the Participant to the Company upon notice from the Company, in each case as and to the extent provided by the Compensation Committee.
13. Restrictions on Transfer.
13.1. Restrictions on Transfer. Subject to the further provisions of this Section 13.1, Awards may not be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during a Participant’s lifetime an Award requiring exercise may be exercised only by the Participant (or in the event of the Participant’s incapacity, the person or persons legally appointed to act on the Participant’s behalf). No Award or any interest therein shall be subject to attachment, execution, garnishment, sequestration, the laws of bankruptcy or any other legal or equitable process. The foregoing notwithstanding, Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted in tandem therewith) may be transferred to one or more transferees during the lifetime of the Participant, and may be exercised by such transferees in accordance with the terms of such Award, but only if and to the extent such transfers are permitted by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, subject to any terms and conditions which the Compensation Committee may impose thereon. If a transfer is approved by the Compensation Committee, the transfer shall only be effective upon notice in writing or electronically to the Company given in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the Compensation Committee. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, transfers of an Award by a Participant for consideration are prohibited.
13.2. Designation and Change of Beneficiary. Each Participant may file in writing or electronically with the Compensation Committee a designation of one or more persons as the beneficiary who shall be entitled to receive the rights or amounts payable with respect to an Award due under the Plan upon the Participant’s death. A Participant may, from time to time, revoke or change his or her beneficiary designation without the consent of any prior beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Compensation Committee. The last such designation received by the Compensation Committee shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Compensation Committee prior to the Participant’s death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt. If no beneficiary designation is filed by the Participant, the beneficiary shall be deemed to be the Participant’s estate.
13.3. Provisions Applicable to Transferees. A beneficiary, transferee or other person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Participant shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Award Agreement or
other document applicable to the Participant, except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, and to any additional terms and conditions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall have full and exclusive authority to interpret and apply the provisions of the Plan to transferees to the extent not specifically addressed herein.
14. Withholding and Other Tax Provisions.
14.1. Withholding. The Company may require the Participant to pay to the Company the amount of any taxes that the Company is required by applicable federal, state, foreign, local or other law to withhold with respect to the grant, vesting, exercise or settlement of an Award and, where applicable, the payment of dividends or other distributions with respect to Shares subject to an Award. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares under the Plan until such
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obligations are satisfied in full. The Compensation Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion in the particular case, permit or require a Participant to satisfy his or her tax withholding obligations by any of the following means (or a combination of any of the following means): (a) by paying cash to the Company, (b) by having the Company withhold a number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Participant (or become vested in the case of Restricted Shares) having a Fair Market Value equal to the tax withholding obligations, (c) surrendering a number of Shares the Participant already owns having a Fair Market Value equal to the tax withholding obligations, or (d) entering into such other arrangement as is acceptable to the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. The value of any Shares withheld or surrendered may not exceed the amount determined for applicable federal, state, foreign, local or other taxes using the maximum statutory marginal rate that could be applicable to the Participant and, to the extent such Shares were acquired by the Participant from the Company as compensation, the Shares must have been held for the minimum period required by applicable accounting rules to avoid a charge to the Company’s earnings for financial reporting purposes. The Company shall also have the right to deduct from any and all cash payments otherwise owed to a Participant any federal, state, foreign, local or other taxes required to be withheld with respect to the Participant’s participation in the Plan.
14.2. Required Consent to and Notification of Section 83(b) Election. No election under Section 83(b) of the Code (to include in gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Section 83(b) of the Code) or under a similar provision of the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States may be made in connection with an Award unless expressly permitted by the terms of the Award Agreement or by action of the Compensation Committee in writing prior to the making of such election. In any case in which a Participant is so permitted to make such an election, the Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental authority, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to regulations issued under Section 83(b) of the Code or other applicable provisions of any tax law.
14.3. No Guarantee of Tax Consequences. None of the Board of Directors, the Company nor the Compensation Committee makes any commitment or guarantee that any federal, state or local tax treatment will apply or be available to any person participating or eligible to participate hereunder.
15. Effect of Certain Corporate Changes and Changes in Control.
15.1. Basic Adjustment Provisions. In the event the Compensation Committee determines that any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, extraordinary dividend of cash or assets, merger, consolidation, spin‑off, recapitalization (other than the conversion of convertible securities according to their terms), reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate change, or any other increase, decrease or change in the Common Stock without receipt or payment of consideration by the Company, in the Compensation Committee’s sole discretion, affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment to the Awards or the Plan is determined by the Compensation Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to an Award, then the Compensation Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of:
(a) The number and kind of Shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) with respect to which an Award may be granted under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 4.1 on the maximum number and kind of Shares which may be issued under the Plan, and the limitations in Section 4.3 on the maximum number of Shares that may be covered by Awards granted under the Plan to any single Participant in any calendar year);
(b) The number and kind of Shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards;
(c) The grant, exercise or other purchase price per Share under any outstanding Awards; and
(d) The terms and conditions of any outstanding Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable Performance Criteria specified in an Award Agreement).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) with respect to Incentive Stock Options, any such adjustments shall be made in accordance with Section 424(h) of the Code, (y) the Compensation Committee shall consider the impact of Section 409A of the Code on any such adjustments, and (z) no such adjustments may change the value of benefits available to a Participant under a previously granted Award, (i) if the effect would be to increase the value of the benefits available under such Award, without the approval of the stockholders if such is required by the Plan or Applicable Laws, or (ii) if the effect would be to materially and adversely affect the value of the benefits available under such Award, without the Participant’s consent to that adjustment.
15.2. Change in Control. Effective upon the consummation of a Change in Control of the Company, and except as otherwise provided in an individual Award Agreement, all outstanding Awards under the Plan shall terminate to the extent they are not assumed or replaced in connection with the Change in Control.
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(a) For each portion of an Award that is assumed or replaced, then such portion shall become fully vested, exercisable and payable, and be released from any forfeiture rights, immediately upon termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company (or its successor) within 24 months after the Change in Control, but only if such termination of employment is triggered by the Company (or its successor) without Cause or by the Participant for Good Reason.
(b) For each portion of an Award that is neither assumed nor replaced, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to effectuate either of the following immediately prior to consummation of the Change in Control, provided that the Participant’s employment has not terminated prior to such date: (x) such outstanding Awards (or portion thereof) shall become partially or fully vested and exercisable (and partially or fully released from any forfeiture rights), with performance-based Awards under Section 12 of the Plan vesting based upon actual performance or, if the Compensation Committee determines that actual performance is not determinable, then at target; or (y) such outstanding Awards (or portion thereof) shall be cancelled and terminated for an amount of cash, securities or other property equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the vested and/or unvested (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) shares of Common Stock subject to any such Award immediately prior to the occurrence of the Change in Control over the aggregate exercise or other purchase price (if any) of such shares. For performance-based Awards under Section 12 of the Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to subsection 15.2(b)(y) shall be calculated based upon actual performance or, if the Compensation Committee determines that actual performance is not determinable, then at target. For avoidance of doubt, if an Award is an Option or Stock Appreciation Right and no positive spread exists pursuant to the foregoing, then (y) may be unilaterally effectuated by the Company with no cash payment to the Participant holding such an Award.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned, or is paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals shall not be considered "assumed" or "replaced" if the Company (or its successor) modifies any of the performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, that a modification to the performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure shall not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid assumption or replacement of an Award.
This Section 15.2 of the Plan was amended effective May 19, 2016. As a result, the terms of Award Agreements that were in effect prior to such date shall prevail to the extent such terms are more favorable to a Participant.
15.3. Determination of Adjustments. All determinations of the Compensation Committee pursuant to this Section 15 shall be conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes of the Plan.
15.4. No Restriction on Right of Company to Effect Corporate Changes. The Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company to make or authorize any adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the Company’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation, any issue of stock or of options, warrants or rights to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are superior to or affect the Common Stock or the rights thereof or that are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any sale or transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise. Except as specifically provided in this Section 15 and authorized by the Compensation Committee, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of any such corporate act or proceeding, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to any outstanding Award or the Plan.
16. Regulatory Compliance.
16.1. Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The Company may, to the extent deemed necessary or advisable by the Compensation Committee, postpone the issuance or delivery of Shares or the payment of other benefits under any Award until:
(a) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal securities law or under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, which the Compensation Committee shall, in its sole discretion, deem necessary or advisable;
(b) The admission to listing of, or other required action with respect to, such Shares on any and all stock exchanges or automated quotation systems upon which the Common Stock or other securities of the Company are then listed or quoted; and
(c) The compliance with all other requirements of Applicable Laws, as the Compensation Committee shall, in its sole discretion, deem necessary or advisable.
The Compensation Committee also may require any Participant to make such representations, furnish such information and comply with or be subject to such other conditions as the Compensation Committee shall, in its sole
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discretion, deem necessary or advisable to comply with any requirements of Applicable Laws in connection with the grant of any Award or the issuance or delivery of Shares or the payment of other benefits under any Award. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Shares offered for sale or sold under the Plan are offered or sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under federal, state or foreign securities laws, (x) the Company may require the Participant to represent and agree at the time of grant or exercise, as the case may be, that such Shares are being acquired for investment, and not with a view to the sale or distribution thereof, and to make such other representations as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company and its counsel, and (y) the Company may restrict the transfer of such Shares, issue stop‑transfer instructions and legend the certificates representing such Shares, in each case in such manner as it deems advisable to ensure the availability of any such exemption.
16.2. Limitation on Company Obligations. The inability of the Company (after reasonable efforts) to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance or sale of any Awards or Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Awards or Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to impose on the Company any obligation to register for offering or resale under the Securities Act, or to register or qualify under any other state, federal or foreign securities laws, any Shares, securities or interests in a security paid or issued under, or created by, the Plan, or to continue in effect any such registrations or qualifications if made, and the Company shall have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.
16.3. Provisions Applicable to a Change in Control. Anything in this Section 16 to the contrary notwithstanding, in connection with a Change in Control, the Company shall not take or cause to be taken any action, and shall not undertake or permit to arise any legal or contractual obligation, that results or would result in any postponement of the issuance or delivery of Shares or the payment of benefits under any Award or the imposition of any other conditions on such issuance, delivery or payment, to the extent that such postponement or other condition would represent a greater burden on a Participant than existed on the 90th day preceding the effective date of the Change in Control.
16.4. Exchange Act. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, if the consummation of any transaction under the Plan would result in the possible imposition of liability on a Participant pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Compensation Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, but shall not be obligated, to defer such transaction to the extent necessary to avoid such liability.
17. Amendment or Termination of the Plan.
The Board of Directors may at any time and from time to time amend, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part; provided that no such amendment may, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, increase the number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan (except for adjustments pursuant to Section 15) or effectuate a change for which stockholder approval is required: (a) in order for the Plan to continue to qualify under Section 422 of the Code; or (b) under the corporate governance standards of any national securities exchange or automated quotation system applicable to the Company. In addition, no termination or amendment of the Plan shall materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant in any outstanding Awards, without the consent of the Participant to whom the Awards have been granted.
18. Term of the Plan.
The Plan shall continue until terminated by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 17 or as otherwise set forth in the Plan, and no further Awards shall be made hereunder after the date of such termination. Unless earlier terminated, the Plan shall terminate ten (10) years after the Effective DateMay 19, 2032 (provided that Awards granted before termination shall continue in accordance with their terms).
19. No Right to Awards or Continued Employment.
No person shall have any claim or right to receive grants of Awards under the Plan, and neither the Plan nor any action taken or omitted to be taken hereunder shall create or confer on any Participant the right to continued employment with the
Company or its Subsidiaries or interfere with or to limit in any way the right of the Company or its Subsidiaries to terminate the employment of any Participant at any time or for any reason. The loss of any existing or potential profit in Awards shall not constitute an element of damages in the event of the termination of the employment of any Participant for any reason, even if the termination is in violation of an obligation of the Company or its Subsidiaries to the Participant. No Participant shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares covered by or relating to any Award until the date of the issuance of a stock certificate with respect to such Shares.
20. Effect of Plan Upon Other Awards and Compensation Plans.
Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (a) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for Employees, or (b) to grant or assume options, restricted stock or other equity‑based awards otherwise than under the Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose, including, but not by way of
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limitation, the grant or assumption of options, restricted stock or other awards in connection with the acquisition of the business, securities or assets of any corporation, firm or business. Except as provided below, the adoption of the Plan shall not affect any other compensation or incentive plans in effect for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and no payment under the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided in such other plan.
21. General Provisions.
21.1. Other Documents. All documents prepared, executed or delivered in connection with the Plan shall be, in substance and form, as established and modified by the Compensation Committee or by persons under its direction and supervision; provided, however, that all such documents shall be subject in every respect to the provisions of the Plan, and in the event of any conflict between the terms of any such document and the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall prevail.
21.2. No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award. The Compensation Committee shall determine whether cash or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock or whether such fractional shares of Common Stock and any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated (including by rounding to the nearest whole Share).
21.3. Payments in the Event of Forfeitures. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee or otherwise specified in the applicable Award Agreement, in the event of the forfeiture of an Award with respect to which a Participant paid cash consideration, the Participant shall be repaid the amount of such cash consideration within ten (10) days of the date of forfeiture or as soon thereafter as practicable.
21.4. Limitation on Repricing. The Compensation Committee shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend or replace previously granted Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in a transaction that constitutes a “repricing,” as such term is defined in Section 303A.08 of the Listed Company Manual of the New York Stock Exchange or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split‑up, spin‑off, combination, or exchange of shares), the terms of outstanding Awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or cancel outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in exchange for cash, other awards or 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.
21.5. Minimum Vesting for Awards to Employees.Employees.Acceleration of Awards Upon Death or Disability.Acceleration of Awards Upon Death or Disability. Acceleration of Awards Upon Death or Disability. Subject to Sections 3.2(f) and 15.2 of the Plan, or as otherwise provided herein or in the related Award Agreement in connection with a Change in Control or a Participant’s death or disability,Disability, (i) no condition on vesting of an Award granted to an Employee that is based solely upon the achievement of Performance Criteria shall be based on performance over a period of less than one year, and (ii) no condition on vesting of an Award granted to an Employee that is based solely upon continued employment or service shall provide for vesting of any portion of such Award more quickly than one year from the Date of Grant of the Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Awards with respect to up to 5% of the Shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to Section 4.1 (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15) may be granted without regard to the limitations set forth in this Section 21.5. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, in the event of a Participant’s death or Disability, all restrictions remaining on such Participant’s Awards, shall terminate automatically and the Awards shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable.
21.6. Misconduct of a Participant. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or an Award Agreement, if a Participant commits fraud or dishonesty toward the Company or wrongfully uses or discloses any trade secret, confidential data or other information proprietary to the Company, or intentionally takes any other action materially inimical to the best interests of the Company, as determined by the Compensation Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, such Participant shall forfeit all rights and benefits under the Plan and any outstanding Awards.
21.7. Restrictive Legends. Any certificates for Shares, any uncertificated Shares issued in book entry form, and any Shares deposited with any broker that the Company has engaged to provide services for the Plan on behalf of a
Participant may be subject to such restrictions, legends and stop‑transfer instructions as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on the Shares.
21.8. Uncertificated Shares. To the extent that this Plan provides for the issuance of certificates to reflect the transfer of Shares, the transfer of such Shares may be effected on a noncertificated or book entry basis or in nominee name, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law or the rules of any applicable stock exchange.
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21.9. Successors in Interest. The provisions of the Plan, the terms and conditions of any Award and the actions of the Compensation Committee shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company and permitted successors and assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives of Participants.
21.10. Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any person, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Compensation Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to Applicable Laws, or, if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the Compensation Committee’s determination, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
21.11. Headings. The headings of sections and subsections herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning of any of the provisions of the Plan.
21.12. Governing Law. To the extent not preempted by federal law, the Plan and all rights hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to rules relating to conflicts of law.
21.13. Compliance With Section 162(m). Determinations with respect to any Award that remains eligible for and subject to the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) shall be made in accordance with the procedures and requirements as provided in the Plan prior to the Effective Date.
21.14. Compliance With Section 409A. Awards under the Plan are intended either to provide compensation that is exempt from Section 409A of the Code, or that satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Code so that Participants will not be liable for the payment of additional tax or interest thereunder, and the Plan and all Awards shall be construed accordingly. If and to the extent any amount of compensation under an Award is determined by the Compensation Committee to constitute deferred compensation that is not exempt from Section 409A of the Code and that is to be paid, settled or provided by reason of a Participant’s termination of employment, then (a) such compensation shall be paid, settled or provided by reason of a Participant’s termination of employment only if that termination also constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of that term under Section 409A of the Code, and (b) if the Participant is determined by the Compensation Committee to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of Code, all payments or provisions compensation that would otherwise be paid, settled or provided before the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the date the Participant’s separation from service (or, if earlier, the Participant’s date of death) shall be withheld and accumulated and paid or provided without interest on or as soon as practicable after the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after the date the Participant’s separation from service (or, if earlier, the Participant’s date of death). Each payment or provision of compensation under an Award shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. References to termination of employment and similar concepts in the Plan and Awards Agreements shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with the foregoing provisions. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, no Award that is a Non‑Qualified Stock Option or a Stock Appreciation Right shall contain or be amended to contain a “deferral feature” or an “additional deferral feature” within the meaning and usage of those terms under Section 409A of the Code and the administrative guidance thereunder.
21.15. Code Section 280G. Anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit of a Participant, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Plan or otherwise, but determined without regard to any reduction (if any) required under this Section 21.15 (the “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such excise tax (“Excise Tax”), then the Company shall automatically reduce (the “Reduction”) such Participant’s Payment to the minimum extent necessary to prevent the Payment (after the Reduction) from being subject to the Excise Tax, but only if, by reason of the Reduction, the after-tax benefit of the reduced Payment exceeds the after-tax benefit if such Reduction was not made. If the after-tax benefit of the reduced Payment does not exceed the after-tax benefit if the Payment is not reduced, then the Reduction shall not apply. If the Reduction is applicable, the Payment shall be reduced in such a manner that provides the applicable Participant with the best economic benefit and, to the extent any portions of the Payment are economically equivalent with each other, each shall be reduced pro rata. All determinations to be made under this Section 21.15 shall be made by an independent public accounting firm selected by the Company and the fees and expenses of the accounting firm will be paid by the Company.
21.16. Delivery and Execution of Electronic Documents. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Company may: (a) deliver by email or other electronic means (including posting on a Web site maintained by the Company or by a third party under contract with the Company) all documents relating to the Plan or any Award thereunder (including prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and all other documents that the Company is
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required to deliver to its security holders (including annual reports and proxy statements), and (b) permit Participants to electronically execute applicable Plan documents (including Award Agreements and any required notices under the Plan) in a manner prescribed by the Committee.
21.16. 21.17. Administration of the Plan in Foreign Countries. The Compensation Committee may take any action consistent with the terms of the Plan, either before or after an Award has been granted, which the Compensation Committee deems necessary or advisable in order for the administration of the Plan and the grant of Awards thereunder to comply with the Applicable Laws of any foreign country, including but not limited to, modifying or amending the terms
and conditions governing any Awards, modifying exercise procedures and other terms and procedures and establishing local country plans as sub‑plans to the Plan.
21.17. 21.18. Effective Date. The Plan shall become effective subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company at the 20192023 annual meeting of the stockholders on May 23, 201918, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). If the stockholders shall fail to approve the Plan at such annual meeting, the Plan as amended and restated herein shall not become effective, and the Plan as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date shall remain in full force and effect.
21.18. Clawback/Recoupment Policy. Notwithstanding any provisions in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, all Awards and/or amounts payable thereunder, whether in the form of cash or otherwise, shall be subject to potential cancellation, rescission, clawback and recoupment (i) to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 954 of the Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and any regulations or listing requirements promulgated thereunder, and/or (ii) as may be required in accordance with the terms of any clawback/recoupment policy as may be adopted by the Company to comply with Section 954 of the Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and any regulations or listing requirements promulgated thereunder, as such policy may be amended from time to time.
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Exhibit A
DEFINITIONS
The following terms, when used in the Plan, shall have the meanings, and shall be subject to the provisions, set forth below:
“Audit Committee” means the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
“Award” means an award containing any one or more of the following: Option(s), Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit(s) or Stock Appreciation Right(s) granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan.
“Award Agreement” means either: (a) a written or electronic agreement entered into by the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan, including any amendment or modification thereof, or (b) a written or electronic statement issued by the Company to a Participant describing the terms and provisions of such Award, including any amendment or modification thereof. The Committee may provide for the use of electronic, Internet, or other non‑paper Award Agreements, and the use of electronic, Internet, or other non‑paper means for the acceptance thereof and actions thereunder by a Participant.
“Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration, enforcement and taxation of 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 other country, as determined in accordance with Section 21.12.
“Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cashless Exercise” means the exercise of an Option through (a) the delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker (i) to make a sale of a number of Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Option that results in proceeds in the amount required to pay the aggregate Option Price for all the shares as to which the Option is being exercised (and any required withholding tax, if authorized by the Compensation Committee) and (ii) to deliver such proceeds to the Company in satisfaction of such aggregate Option Price (and withholding tax obligation, if applicable), or (b) any other surrender to the Company of Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Option or vested Options in satisfaction of such aggregate Option Price (and withholding tax obligation, if applicable).
“Cause” means, with respect to any Participant, any of the following: (i) the Participant’s conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere for, an act on the Participant’s part constituting a felony, dishonesty, willful misconduct or material neglect by the Participant of his or her employment obligations to the Company that results in material injury to the Company; (ii) appropriation (or an overt act attempting to appropriate) of a material business opportunity of the Company by the Participant; (iii) theft, embezzlement or other similar misappropriation of funds or property of the Company by the Participant; or (iv) the failure of the Participant to follow the reasonable and lawful written instructions or policy of the Company with respect to the services to be rendered and the manner of rendering such services by the Participant, provided the Participant has been given reasonable and specific written notice of such failure and opportunity to cure and no cure has been effected or initiated within a reasonable period of time, but not less than 90 days, after such notice.
“Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following: (i) a “Takeover Transaction” (as defined below); or (ii) any election of directors of the Company takes place (whether by the directors then in office or by the stockholders at a meeting or by written consent) and a majority of the directors in the office following such election are individuals who were not nominated by a vote of two‑thirds of the members of the Board of Directors or its nominating committee immediately preceding such election; or (iii) the Company effectuates a complete liquidation or a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets unless immediately following any such sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the surviving corporation or entity (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the holding company) for a period of not less than twelve (12) months following the closing of such transaction. A “Takeover Transaction” shall mean (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company with, or an acquisition by the Company of the equity interests or all or substantially all of the assets of, any other corporation or entity, other than a merger, consolidation or acquisition in which the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the surviving corporation or entity (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors or other governing body of the holding company) for a period of not less than twelve (12) months following the closing of such transaction, or (ii) one or more occurrences or events as a result of which any individual, entity or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d‑3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely with respect to any Award that is subject to Section 409A of the Code and payable upon a Change in Control, the term “Change in Control” shall mean an event described in one or more of the foregoing provisions of this definition, but only if it also constitutes a “change in control event” within the meaning of Treas. Reg. 1.409A‑3(i)(5).
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Common Stock” means shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company and any other equity securities of the Company that may be substituted or resubstituted for such Common Stock pursuant to Section 15.
“Company” means Newpark Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor.
“Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
“Date of Grant” means the date of grant of an Award as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
“Disqualifying Disposition” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.8.3.
“Disability” means, with respect to any Participant who has an employment or consulting agreement that defines such term or a similar term, “disability” as defined in such agreement or, in the case of a Participant who does not have an employment or consulting agreement that defines such term or a similar term, the inability of the Participant to perform substantially all his duties as an Employee by reason of illness or incapacity for a period of more than six months, or six months in the aggregate during any 12‑month period, established by medical evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Compensation Committee; provided, however, that in the case of any Award that provides for compensation that is exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code, or would be so exempt or compliant if the term “Disability” met the requirements of Treas. Reg. §1.409A‑3(i)(4), the term “Disability” shall mean a condition in which the Participant, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, is: (a) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity; or (b) is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 21.17.21.18.
“Employee” means any person who is employed by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, provided, however, that the term “Employee” does not include a non‑employee director of the Company or an individual performing services for the Company or a Subsidiary who is treated for tax purposes as an independent contractor at the time of performance of the services, whether such person is so employed at the time this Plan is adopted or becomes so employed subsequent to the adoption of this Plan. For purposes of awards of Incentive Stock Options, “Employee” means any person, including an officer, who is so employed by the Company or any “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” of the Company as defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code, respectively. An Employee shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (a) any leave of absence approved by the Company, or (b) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any successor.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Fair Market Value” means, as of any given date, the value of a share of Common Stock determined as follows:
(a) If the Common Stock is listed on an established stock exchange or a national market system, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported), as quoted on the principal exchange or system on which the Common Stock is then traded and as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Compensation Committee deems reliable, on such date or, if such date is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately preceding such date;
(b) 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 of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Compensation Committee deems reliable, on such date or, if such date is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately preceding such date; or
(c) In all other cases, the “fair market value” as determined by the Compensation Committee in good faith and using such financial sources as it deems relevant and reliable (but in any event not less than fair market value within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code).
“Good Reason” means any of the following: (i) the Company (or its successor) adversely changes the Participant’s title or changes in any material respect the responsibilities, authority or status of the Participant without prior notice and acceptance; (ii) the substantial or material failure of the Company (or its successor) to comply with its obligations under the Plan or any other agreement that may be in effect that is not remedied within a reasonable time after specific written notice thereof by
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the Participant to the Company; (iii) the diminution of the Participant’s base salary; and (iv) requiring the Participant to relocate more than 50 miles from his or her location of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control. However, Good Reason shall only exist in the prior (i) through (iv) if the Participant has given reasonable and specific written notice to the Chief Executive Officer of such failure, the Company has been given a reasonable opportunity to cure, and no cure has been effected or initiated within a reasonable time after such notice.
“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option which qualifies as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code and is designated as an Incentive Stock Option by the Compensation Committee. For avoidance of doubt, no Option awarded under the Plan will be an Incentive Stock Option unless the Compensation Committee expressly provides for Incentive Stock Option treatment in the applicable Award Agreement.
“Non‑Qualified Stock Option” means an Option which is not an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code and includes any Option which is not designated as an Incentive Stock Option by the Compensation Committee.
“Option” means a right to purchase Shares upon payment of the Option Price.
“Option Price” means the purchase price per Share deliverable upon the exercise of an Option in order for the Option (or applicable portion thereof) to be exchanged for Shares.
“Other Stock‑Based Awards” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.
“Participant” means any Employee who has been granted an Award.
“Performance Criteria” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1 of the Plan.
“Performance Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.4 of the Plan.
“Plan” means the Newpark Resources, Inc. 2015 Employee Equity Incentive Plan, as originally adopted by the Board of Directors on April 6, 2015, subject to the approval by the Company’s stockholders at the Company’s annual meeting on May 22, 2015 (which approval was obtained), as amended from time to time thereafter, and as amended and restated herein as of the Effective Date.
“Restricted Stock” means Shares awarded to a Participant under Section 8, the rights of ownership of which are subject to restrictions prescribed by the Compensation Committee.
“Restricted Stock Unit” means a right granted to a Participant under Section 9 to receive Shares upon the satisfaction of Performance Criteria or other criteria specified by the Compensation Committee, such as continuous service, at the end of a specified Restriction Period.
“Restriction Period” means the period or periods during which any forfeiture or vesting restrictions, restrictions on transferability or other restrictions shall apply to any Award, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, consistent with the provisions of the Plan.
“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.
“SAR Settlement Value” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
“Section 16(b) Insider” means an officer or director of the Company or any other person whose transactions in the Company’s Common Stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
“Section 162(m)” means Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Shares” means shares of the Company’s Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, as adjusted pursuant to Section 15, and any successor security.
“Stock Appreciation Right” means a right granted to a Participant under Section 10 that entitles the Participant to receive a payment in Shares, cash or a combination thereof measured by the increase in the Fair Market Value of a Share over the exercise price of the Stock Appreciation Right, as established by the Compensation Committee on the Date of Grant.
“Subsidiary” means any “subsidiary” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; provided, however, for purposes of Awards of Incentive Stock Options, “Subsidiary” means any entity that is a subsidiary of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code, and for purposes of Awards of Non‑Qualified Stock Options, “Subsidiary” means a corporation or other entity in an chain of corporations and/or other entities in which the Company has a “controlling interest” within the meaning of Treas. Reg. 1.414(c)‑2(b)(2)(i), but using the threshold of 50% ownership wherever 80% appears.
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Appendix CB
AMENDMENT NO.1 TO NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS’ RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 (this “Amendment”) to the 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan, as amended (the “Plan”) is made by Newpark Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to the Plan, as follows:
WHEREAS, the Company previously adopted the Plan for the benefit of its eligible participants;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) has the power and authority to amend the terms of the Plan;
WHEREAS, the Board desires to increase the maximum number of shares of common stock of the Company (“Shares”) that may be issued in connection with awards granted under the Plan from 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 shares; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to extend the expiration of the Plan to May 20, 2031, the date that is ten years from the date of shareholder approval of this Amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the Plan, the Board hereby amends the Plan in the following respects:
1. Shares Subject to the Plan. Section 4.4 of the Plan is hereby amended to increase the number of Shares that may be issued in connection with awards under the Plan from 1,000,000 to 1,200,00.
2. Term of Plan. Section 18 of the Plan is hereby amended to extend the term of the Plan pursuant to which Restricted Shares may be issued thereunder from April 10, 2024 (the date which was 10 years from the date of the Board’s original adoption of this Plan) to May 20, 2031 (the date which is 10 years from the Shareholders’ approval of this Amendment).
3. Full Force and Effect. Except as otherwise set forth in this Amendment, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.
4. Effectiveness Subject to Stockholder Approval. This Amendment shall not become effective unless the stockholders of the Company approve the increase to the share reserve of the Plan, as set forth in 1 above, and if approved, then this Amendment shall become effective as of such meeting.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this Amendment on May 20, 2021.
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
By: ____________________
Name:
Title:
Appendix D
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2014 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS’ RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN
1.PURPOSE.
1.PURPOSE.
This Newpark Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2014 Non-Employee Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan (this “Plan”) is intended to promote the best interests of Newpark Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Newpark”), and its stockholders by providing to each member of Newpark’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) who is a Non-Employee Director (as defined in paragraph 3 herein) with an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in Newpark by receiving restricted shares (“Restricted Shares”) of Newpark’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), as herein provided. It is intended that this Plan will promote an increased incentive and personal interest in the welfare of Newpark by those individuals who are primarily responsible for shaping the long-range plans of Newpark. In addition, Newpark seeks both to attract and retain on its Board persons of exceptional competence and to provide a further incentive to serve as a director of Newpark. The awards of Restricted Shares made pursuant to this Plan are intended to be exempt from the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as a plan which provides for the transfer of restricted property as described in Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(6), and this Plan is to be construed in accordance with this intent.
2. ADMINISTRATION.
2.1 This Plan shall be administered by the Board or by a duly authorized committee of the Board. When the Board is administering this Plan, all references in this Plan to the “Committee” shall mean the Board.
2.2 In addition to the automatic grants of Restricted Shares provided for in paragraph 4 of this Plan, the Committee shall have full and complete authority, in its discretion: to award Restricted Shares to one or more Non-Employee Directors; to determine the number of Restricted Shares to be granted to a Non-Employee Director; to determine the time or times at which Restricted Shares will be granted and become Vested Shares (as described below); to remove or adjust any restrictions and conditions upon Restricted Shares; to specify, at the time of grant, provisions relating to the vesting of Restricted Shares and to accelerate or otherwise modify the vesting of Restricted Shares; interpret the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to Restricted Shares; and to adopt such rules and regulations and to make all other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan. All interpretations and constructions of this Plan by the Committee and all of its actions hereunder shall be binding and conclusive on all persons for all purposes. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Restricted Shares shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all persons.
2.3 Newpark shall indemnify and hold harmless each Committee member and each director of Newpark, and the estate and heirs of such Committee member or director, against all claims, liabilities, expenses, penalties, damages or other pecuniary losses, including legal fees, which such Committee member or director, his or her estate or his or her heirs may suffer as a result of his or her responsibilities, obligations or duties in connection with this Plan, to the extent that insurance, if any, does not cover the payment of such items.
3. ELIGIBILITY.
Each member of the Board who is not an employee or executive officer of Newpark or any of its Subsidiaries or of any parent corporation of Newpark (a “Non-Employee Director”) shall be eligible to be granted Restricted Shares under this Plan. Eligibility shall be determined: (a) with respect to each director serving on the Board on the Effective Date (as defined in paragraph 18 herein), on that date; and (b) with respect to each director elected after the Effective Date, on the date such director is so elected. A Restricted Share, once granted to a Non-Employee Director, shall not be forfeited just because the Non-Employee Director later enters the employ of Newpark or a Subsidiary or parent. “Subsidiary” shall mean each corporation which is a “subsidiary corporation” of Newpark within the definition contained in Section 424(f) of the Code.
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4. GRANTS.
4.1 Subject to stockholder approval of this Plan, each Non-Employee Director who is first elected or appointed a director on or after the annual meeting of stockholders in 2014 will be granted the Applicable Number (as defined below) of Restricted Shares automatically on the date of such election or appointment (each, the “Original Grant”). For purposes of determining the Applicable Number, the date of such election or appointment shall be the date of grant (“Date of Grant”).
4.2 (a) Subject to stockholder approval of this Plan, each Non-Employee Director (whether in office on the Effective Date or subsequently elected or appointed) shall be granted the Applicable Number of Restricted Shares automatically on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders (or stockholder action in lieu thereof by which the Board is elected) at which such Non-Employee Director is elected, commencing with the annual meeting of stockholders in 2014. For purposes of determining the Applicable Number, the date of each annual meeting at which the Non-Employee Director is elected (or stockholder action in lieu thereof by which the Board is elected) shall be the Date of Grant. If following the annual meeting of stockholders in 2014 no annual meeting of stockholders (or stockholder action in lieu thereof by which the Board is elected) occurs in a calendar year, and such Non-Employee Director continues in office as a Non-Employee Director at the end of such calendar year, then such Non-Employee Director automatically shall be granted the Applicable Number of Restricted Shares pursuant to this paragraph 4.2 on the last Business Day of such calendar year (which, for purposes of determining the Applicable Number, shall be the Date of Grant), subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Non-Employee Director shall not receive a grant of Restricted Shares pursuant to this paragraph 4.2 if such Non-Employee Director received an Original Grant within six months before the date on which such Non-Employee Director would have become entitled to receive a grant pursuant to this paragraph 4.2. For purposes of this Plan, the term “Business Day” shall mean a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for business and is conducting normal trading activity. Until changed by the Committee by resolution or otherwise, the term “Applicable Number” shall mean for grants of Restricted Shares occurring automatically under paragraph 4.1 or this paragraph 4.2 on or after the annual meeting of stockholders in 2014, as follows: for all Non-Employee Directors, excluding the Chairman of the Board Chair, a number derived by dividing (x) $150,000$125,000 by (y) the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a Restricted Share determined as of the Date of Grant; and, for the Chairman of the Board Chair, a number derived by dividing (x) $170,000$145,000 by (y) the Fair Market Value of a Restricted Share determined as of the Date of Grant. No Non-Employee Director may be granted during any calendar year Restricted Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined on the Date of Grant, in excess of $500,000.
(b) The term “Fair Market Value” means, as of any given date, the value of a share of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) if the Common Stock is listed on an established stock exchange or a national market system, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported), as quoted on the principal exchange or system on which the Common Stock is then traded and as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable, on such date or, if such date is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately preceding such date;
(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 of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable, on such date or, if such date is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately preceding such date; or
(iii) in all other cases, the “fair market value” as determined by the Committee in good faith and using such financial sources as it deems relevant and reliable.
4.3 Each award of Restricted Shares made to a Non-Employee Director under this Plan shall be granted for no consideration other than the provision of services (or such minimum payment as may be required under applicable law) or for such other consideration as the Committee may determine.
4.4 Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 of this Plan, the number of Restricted Shares issued and issuable under this Plan, collectively, shall not exceed 1,000,000.2,000,000. If any Restricted Shares granted under this Plan are forfeited or the award of such Restricted Shares terminates without delivery of the Restricted Shares, such Restricted Shares, to the extent of such forfeiture or termination, shall again be available for grant under this Plan. Restricted Shares that become Vested Shares (as defined in paragraph 5.2) shall no longer be subject to any further grant under this Plan. If the number of shares of Common Stock available is insufficient to permit Newpark to deliver to all Non-Employee Directors the full number of Restricted Shares to be issued as of any date as of which an award is made, the available shares of Common Stock shall be divided, on a pro rata
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basis, among the Non-Employee Directors on such date, and Newpark shall take appropriate action to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized, subject to stockholder approval.
4.5 Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by either (i) a written award agreement in a form approved by the Committee and executed by Newpark by an officer duly authorized to act on its behalf or (ii) an electronic notice of award grant in a form approved by the Committee and recorded by Newpark (or its designee) in an electronic recordkeeping system used for the purpose of tracking awards under this Plan (in each case, an “award agreement”), as the Committee may provide and, in each case if required by the Committee, executed or electronically accepted by the Non-Employee Director receiving such award in the form and manner as required by the Committee. Each award agreement shall set forth the material terms and conditions of the award as established by the Committee consistent with the provisions of this Plan.
5. VESTING AND FORFEITURE PROVISIONS OF RESTRICTED SHARES.
5.1 Each Restricted Share granted pursuant to paragraph 4 shall be initially a “Non-Vested Share” and shall be subject to transfer and forfeiture restrictions as set forth herein during the period (the “Restriction Period”) commencing on the Date of Grant of such Restricted Share and ending when such Restricted Share becomes a Vested Share, as provided herein.
5.2 Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Restriction Period shall terminate with respect to Restricted Shares, whether issued pursuant to paragraph 4.1 or paragraph 4.2, and such Restricted Shares shall become “Vested Shares” in full on the earlier of (i) the day prior to annual meeting of stockholders of Newpark that next follows the Date of Grant or (ii) the one-year anniversary of the applicable Date of Grant of such Restricted Shares (the “Vesting Date”), provided that in each case the Non-Employee Director continues to serve as a director through and until the Vesting Date.
5.3 Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, upon the voluntary termination prior to the Vesting Date of the directorship of a Non-Employee Director who has served as a director of the Corporation for at least 60 consecutive months, the Restriction Period shall terminate with respect to Restricted Shares held by such Non-Employee Director, and such Non-Employee Director may retain all such Restricted Shares, subject to any agreement between Newpark and such Non-Employee Director governing the transfer of such Restricted Shares.
5.4 Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, upon the termination of the directorship of a Non-Employee Director other than as set forth in paragraph 5.3 above, the Non-Employee Director may retain all Vested Shares held by such Non-Employee Director subject to any agreement between Newpark and such Non-Employee Director governing the transfer of such shares, and all Non-Vested Shares shall be immediately forfeited by the Non-Employee Director and reacquired by Newpark without any payment or other consideration, and the Non-Employee Director shall have no further rights with respect to such forfeited shares.
5.5 Restricted Shares granted under this Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall determine. If certificates representing Restricted Shares are registered in the name of the Non-Employee Director, the Committee may require that such certificates bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Shares, that Newpark retain physical possession of the certificates, and that the Non-Employee Director deliver a stock power to Newpark, endorsed in blank, relating to the Restricted Shares.
5.6 In addition to the transfer restrictions set forth in this Plan and any agreement between Newpark and a Non-Employee Director, which may apply to Vested Shares and Non-Vested Shares alike, Non-Vested Shares shall be subject to the following restrictions during the Restriction Period:
(a) Non-Vested Shares shall be subject to forfeiture to Newpark as provided in paragraph 5.4 of this Plan.
(b) None of the Non-Vested Shares (or any interest therein) may be sold, assigned, exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of during the Restriction Period applicable to such Non-Vested Shares. The right to receive Restricted Shares and any other interests under this Plan may not be assigned by a Non-Employee Director, and any attempted disposition in violation of these restrictions shall be null and void.
(c) Any additional Common Stock or other securities or property (other than cash) that may be issued with respect to Restricted Shares as a result of any stock dividend, stock split, business combination or other event, shall be subject to the restrictions and other provisions of this Plan and any applicable award agreement between Newpark and a Non-Employee Director.
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(d) The issuance of any Restricted Shares shall be subject to and contingent upon (i) completion of any registration or qualification of the Restricted Shares under any federal or state law or government rule or regulation that Newpark, in its sole discretion, determines to be necessary or advisable; and (ii) the delivery by the Non-Employee Director to Newpark of (A) any award agreement reasonably required by Newpark, and (B) the stock power referred to in paragraph 5.5.
5.7 Unless otherwise set forth in the award agreement evidencing the award of Restricted Shares, a Non-Employee Director holding Restricted Shares shall be entitled to receive (i) any regular cash distributions declared and paid with respect to the Restricted Shares, and (ii) any Common Stock distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and any other cash and property (including securities of Newpark and other issuers) distributed as a dividend, with respect the Restricted Shares. Such dividends and distributions shall be paid to the Non-Employee Director at the same time they are paid to all other stockholders of Newpark unless otherwise provided in the award agreement evidencing the award of Restricted Shares; provided that, if any such dividends or distributions are paid in Common Stock or other securities, such Common Stock or other securities shall be subject to the same restrictions and forfeiture conditions to the same extent as the underlying Restricted Shares with respect to which such Common Stock or other securitiesdividends and distributions have been distributed, and all references to Restricted Shares in this Plan or the applicable award agreement shall be deemed to include such Common Stock or other securities.distributed. To the extent dividends or distributions are withheld with respect to Restricted Shares that are forfeited, the dividends and distributions shall also be forfeited.
5.8 Unless otherwise set forth in the award agreement evidencing the award of Restricted Shares, all voting rights appurtenant to the Restricted Shares shall be exercisable by the Non-Employee Director.
5.9 Upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions specified in the award agreement evidencing the award of Restricted Shares that apply during a Restriction Period, (a) the Non-Employee Director shall be entitled to have the legend referred to in paragraph 5.5 removed from any certificate representing the Restricted Shares after the last day of the Restriction Period, and (b) if Newpark has retained possession of the certificates representing the Restricted Shares, Newpark shall promptly deliver such certificates to the Non-Employee Director. If the terms and conditions specified in the award agreement that apply during a Restriction Period have not been satisfied, the Restricted Shares subject to the award shall be forfeited and reacquired by Newpark in accordance with paragraph 5.4.
5.10 Each award of Restricted Shares, and all Restricted Shares granted or offered for sale hereunder, shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as are prescribed by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award agreement.
6. SECURITIES LAW RESTRICTIONS.
6.1 Each Non-Employee Director acquiring Restricted Shares pursuant to an award under this Plan shall represent and agree with Newpark that: (a) such Non-Employee Director is acquiring Restricted Shares for investment purposes and not with a view to the distribution thereof; (b) no Restricted Shares will be sold or otherwise distributed in violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or any other applicable federal or state securities laws; (c) each Restricted Share certificate may be imprinted with legends reflecting any applicable federal and state securities law restrictions and conditions; (d) Newpark may issue “stop transfer” instructions to its Transfer Agent and Registrar to comply with said securities law restrictions without liability; (e) each Non-Employee Director will furnish to Newpark a copy of each Form 4 or Form 5 filed by said Non-Employee Director under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will timely file all reports required under federal securities laws; and (f) each Non-Employee Director will report all sales of Restricted Shares to Newpark in writing on a form prescribed by Newpark.
6.2 No Restricted Shares shall be resold by a Non-Employee Director unless and until any applicable registration or qualification requirements of federal and state securities laws, and all other legal requirements, have been fully complied with. Newpark will use reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of a Registration Statement under the Securities Act for the issuance of Restricted Shares hereunder, but there may be times when no such Registration Statement will be currently effective. The resale of Restricted Shares may be temporarily suspended without liability to Newpark during times when no such Registration Statement is currently effective or during times when, in the reasonable opinion of the Committee, such suspension is necessary to preclude violation of any requirements of applicable law or regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over Newpark. Newpark shall have no obligation to file any Registration Statement covering resales of Restricted Shares.
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7. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGE IN CAPITALIZATION.
7.1 The maximum number of Restricted Shares that may be granted under this Plan shall be proportionately adjusted in the event of any increase or decrease in the number of the issued shares of Common Stock which results from a split-up or consolidation of shares, payment of a stock dividend or dividends exceeding a total of 2.5% for which the record dates occur in any one fiscal year, a recapitalization (other than the conversion of convertible securities according to their terms) or a combination of shares of Common Stock or other like capital adjustment (a “Capital Adjustment”). Restricted Shares that are outstanding, whether Vested Shares or Non-Vested Shares, shall participate in the Capital Adjustment on the same terms as all other outstanding shares of the same class and series. If any Capital Adjustment would result in a fractional security being (i) available under this Plan, such fractional security shall be disregarded, or (ii) subject to an award under this Plan, Newpark shall pay the holder of such award an amount in cash determined by multiplying (x) the fraction of such security (rounded to the nearest hundredth) by (y) the Fair Market Value thereof (determined in the manner prescribed by paragraph 4.2(b)) on the date of such Capital Adjustment.
7.2 In the event of a Change in Control of Newpark, all outstanding Restricted Shares shall immediately become Vested Shares. The term “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any one of the following:
(a) any election of directors of Newpark takes place (whether by the directors then in office or by the stockholders at a meeting or by written consent) and a majority of the directors in office following such election are individuals who were not nominated by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors immediately preceding such election;
(b) one or more occurrences or events as a result of which any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 30% or more of the combined voting power of Newpark’s then outstanding securities;
(c) a merger or consolidation of Newpark with, or an acquisition of Newpark or all or substantially all of its assets by, any other entity, other than a merger, consolidation or acquisition in which the individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of Newpark immediately prior to such transaction continue to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the surviving corporation (or, in the case of an acquisition involving a holding company, constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the holding company) for a period of not less than 12 months following the closing of such transaction; or
(d) the stockholders of Newpark approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of Newpark.
7A. ACCELERATED VESTING UPON DEATH.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, in the event of a Non-Employee Director’s death, all restrictions remaining on such Non-Employee Director’s awards of Restricted Shares, shall terminate automatically and the awards shall become fully vested and non-forfeitable.
8. WITHHOLDING TAXES.
Newpark shall have the right at the time of grant or vesting of any Restricted Share to make adequate provision for any federal, state, local or foreign taxes which it reasonably believes are or may be required by law to be withheld with respect to such grant or vesting (“Tax Liability”), to ensure the payment of any such Tax Liability. Newpark may provide for the payment of any Tax Liability by any of the following means or a combination of such means, as determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion in the particular case: (a) by requiring the Non-Employee Director to tender a cash payment to Newpark, (b) by withholding from the Non-Employee Director’s cash compensation, or (c) by any other method deemed appropriate by the Committee. Satisfaction of the Tax Liability of a Non-Employee Director may be made upon satisfaction of such additional conditions as the Committee shall deem in its sole and absolute discretion as appropriate in order for such withholding of Restricted Shares to qualify for the exemption provided for in Section 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.
9. SECTION 16(B) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
This Plan is intended to comply in all respects with Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, if the consummation of any transaction under this Plan, or the taking of any action by
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the Committee in connection with a Change in Control of Newpark, would result in the possible imposition of liability on a Non-Employee Director pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, but not the obligation, to defer such transaction or the effectiveness of such action to the extent necessary to avoid such liability, but in no event for a period longer than 180 days.
10. UNFUNDED PLAN.
This Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan for incentive compensation. Prior to the delivery of Restricted Shares in connection with an award, nothing contained herein shall give any Non-Employee Director any rights that are greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of Newpark. In its sole discretion, the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under this Plan to deliver Restricted Shares with respect to awards hereunder.
11. SECTION 409A OF THE CODE.
The Plan, the awards of Restricted Shares and rights related thereto are intended either to be exempt from or to comply with Section 409A of the Code and shall be construed, interpreted and administered in accordance with such intent. If any provision of this Plan contravenes any regulations or Department of Treasury guidance promulgated under Section 409A of the Code or could cause an award made hereunder to be subject to the interest and penalties under Section 409A of the Code, such provision of this Plan shall be modified to maintain, to the maximum extent practicable, the original intent of applicable provision without violating provisions of Section 409A of the Code.
12. NO GUARANTEE OF TAX CONSEQUENCES.
Newpark makes no commitment or guarantee to any Non-Employee Director or any person claiming through or on behalf of such individual that any federal, state, local or other tax treatment will (or will not) apply or be available to any person under this Plan or with respect to Restricted Shares or other amounts due or payable hereunder and assumes no liability whatsoever for the tax consequences to any Non-Employee Director or any person claiming through or on behalf of such individual.
13. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION.
The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate this Plan or the Committee’s authority under this Plan without the consent of stockholders or Non-Employee Directors, except that any amendment or alteration to this Plan shall be subject to the approval of Newpark’s stockholders not later than the annual meeting next following such Board action if such stockholder approval is required by any federal or state law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock may then be listed or quoted, and the Board may otherwise, in its discretion, determine to submit other such changes to this Plan to stockholders for approval; provided, that, without the consent of an affected Non-Employee Director, no such Board action may materially and adversely affect the rights of such Non-Employee Director under any previously granted and outstanding award of Restricted Shares. The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate any award of Restricted Shares theretofore granted and any award agreement relating thereto, except as otherwise provided in this Plan; provided, however, that, without the consent of an affected Non-Employee Director, no such Committee action may materially and adversely affect the rights of such Non-Employee Director under such award. For purposes of clarity, any adjustments made to Restricted Shares pursuant to paragraph 7 of this Plan will be deemed not to materially and adversely affect the rights of any Non-Employee Director under any previously granted and outstanding Restricted Shares and therefore may be made without the consent of affected Non-Employee Directors.
14. SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST.
The provisions of this Plan, the terms and conditions of any award of Restricted Shares, and the actions of the Committee shall be binding upon all heirs, successors and assigns of Newpark and of Non-Employee Directors.
15. OTHER DOCUMENTS.
All documents prepared, executed or delivered in connection with this Plan shall be, in substance and form, as established and modified by the Committee or by persons under its direction and supervision; provided, however, that all such documents shall be subject in every respect to the provisions of this Plan, and in the event of any conflict between the
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terms of any such document and this Plan, the provisions of this Plan shall prevail. Any reference herein to a “written” agreement or document will include any agreement or document delivered electronically or posted on Newpark’s intranet (or other electronic medium controlled by Newpark to which the Non-Employee Director has access).
16. NO RETENTION RIGHTS.
Neither the establishment of this Plan nor the awarding of Restricted Shares to a Non-Employee Director shall be considered to give the Non-Employee Director the right to be retained on, or nominated for reelection to, the Board, or to any benefits or awards not specifically provided for by this Plan.
17. MISCONDUCT OF A NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, all Non-Vested Shares held by a Non-Employee Director shall automatically be forfeited as of the date his or her directorship is terminated, if such directorship is terminated on account of any act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or conversion of assets or opportunities of Newpark, or if the Non-Employee Director takes any other action materially inimical to the best interests of Newpark, as determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion. Upon forfeiture of Restricted Shares, such Non-Employee Director shall have no further rights or benefits under this Plan.
18. TERM OF PLAN.
This Plan was adoptedshall become effective subject to approval by the Board effective asstockholders of April 10, 2014the Company at the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders on May 18, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). No Restricted Shares may be granted under this Plan after April 10, 2024, which date is 10 years from the date of the Board’s original adoption of this Plan.May 19, 2032.
19. GOVERNING LAW.
This Plan shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles.
20. STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF PLAN.
No Restricted Shares shall be granted pursuant to this Plan unless and until the stockholders of Newpark have approved this Plan, and all other applicable legal requirements have been fully complied with.
21. SEVERABILITY.
If all or any part of this Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity shall not serve to invalidate any portion of this Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any paragraph or part thereof so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such paragraph or part thereof to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.
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Appendix EC
EXCLUSIVE FORUM SELECTION PROVISION IN
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWSEMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The following is an excerpt setting forth Article X ofTHIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 (this “Amendment”) to the Amended and Restated BylawsEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) is made by Newpark Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to the Plan, as follows:
WHEREAS, the Company previously adopted the Plan for the benefit of its eligible participants;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XIII of the Company, which were amended and restated by resolution ofPlan, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) has the power and authority to amend the terms of the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to increase the number of shares of common stock of the Company on August 12, 2020:(“Shares”) that may be issued pursuant to rights granted under the Plan from 2,000,000 to 3,500,000 Shares.
Article X. Exclusive Forum
Section 1. Unless the Corporation consents in writingNOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the selection of an alternative forum (an “Alternative Forum Consent”),Plan, the Delaware Court of Chancery shall beBoard hereby amends the sole and exclusive forum for, and shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respectPlan in the following respects:
1.Shares Subject to (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalfthe Plan. Section 4.1 of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claimPlan is hereby amended to increase the number of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, stockholder, employee or agentShares that may be issued pursuant to right granted under the Plan from 2,000,000 to 3,500,000.
2.Full Force and Effect. Except as otherwise set forth in this Amendment, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.
3.Effectiveness Subject to Stockholder Approval. This Amendment shall not become effective unless the stockholders of the CorporationCompany approve the increase to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, including a claim alleging the aiding and abetting of such a breach of fiduciary duty, (c) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any current or former director, officer, stockholder, employee or agentshare reserve of the Corporation arising out of or relating to any provision of the DGCL, the Charter or these Bylaws, (d) any action asserting a claim related to or involving the Corporation or any director, officer, stockholder, employee or agent of the Corporation that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware, or (e) any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL; provided, however, that, in the event that the Delaware Court of Chancery lacks subject matter jurisdiction over any such action or proceeding, the sole and exclusive forum for such action or proceeding shall be another state or federal court located within the State of Delaware. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of this Section is filed in a court other than the Delaware Court of Chancery (or any other state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, as applicable) (a “Foreign Action”) by or in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to (i) the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery (or such other state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, as applicable) in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce this Section and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder. The existence of any prior Alternative Forum Consent shall not act as a waiver of the Corporation’s ongoing consent rightPlan, as set forth in 1 above, inand if approved, then this Section with respect to any current or future actions or claims. Failure to enforceAmendment shall become effective as of such meeting.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the foregoing provisions would cause the Corporation irreparable harmCompany, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this Amendment on April 3, 2023.
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
By: /s/ E. Chipman Earle
Name: E. Chipman Earle
Title: Vice President, General Counsel, Chief
Compliance Officer and the Corporation shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, to enforce the foregoing provisions.Corporate Secretary
Section 2. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (which consent may be given at any time, including during the pendency of litigation), the sole and exclusive forum for any action asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be the U.S. Federal District Courts in Wilmington County, Delaware.
Section 3. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article.
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Appendix C-1
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Plan is to assist Eligible Employees of the Company, and its Subsidiaries to acquire a stock ownership interest in the Company, thereby attracting, retaining and rewarding such employees and strengthening the mutual interest between employees and the Company’s stockholders. The Plan is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423(b) of the Code, although the Company makes no undertaking or representation to maintain such qualification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may establish one or more sub-plans of the Plan (and separate Offerings thereunder) which do not qualify as a Code Section 423 employee stock purchase plan for Eligible Employees of Designated Subsidiaries located and established in countries outside of the United States in order to achieve tax, employment, securities law or other purposes and objectives, and to conform the terms of the Plan with the laws and requirements of such countries in order to allow such Eligible Employees to purchase shares of Stock in a manner similar to the Plan.
2. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
Wherever the following terms are used in the Plan they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The singular pronoun shall include the plural where the context so indicates.
2.1 “Account” shall mean a bookkeeping account maintained to record the amount of funds accumulated pursuant to the Plan with respect to a Participant for the purpose of purchasing Stock under the Plan.
2.2 “Administrator” means the entity that conducts the general administration of the Plan as provided herein. The term “Administrator” shall refer to the Committee unless the Board has assumed the authority for administration of the Plan generally as provided in ARTICLE III.
2.3 “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.4 “Code” shall mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations issued thereunder.
2.5 “Committee” means the committee of the Board described in ARTICLE III.
2.6 “Company” shall mean Newpark Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
2.7 “Compensation” shall mean a cash compensation a Participant receives for services rendered to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary, including hourly wages, salary, overtime pay, variable pay, sales commissions, bereavement pay, payments for jury duty service, sick pay and vacation pay, referral pay, retroactive pay, training pay and other amounts paid in cash to a Participant through the Company’s or any Designated Subsidiary’s payroll system, to the extent that the amounts are includible in gross income. Compensation shall not include the following:
a.Contributions made by the Company or any Designated Subsidiary to a plan of deferred compensation or any benefit plan (including any 401(k), welfare or retirement plan). In addition, any distributions from a plan of deferred compensation (whether or not qualified) or other benefit plan (including long term or short term disability payments and workmen’s compensation payments) are excluded from Compensation under the Plan, regardless of whether such amounts are includible in the gross income of the Employee when distributed.
b.Amounts received as incentive bonus compensation (other than sales commissions), bonuses or other similar compensation paid on a discretionary basis.
c.Amounts realized from the exercise of a stock option, stock appreciation rights, release of restricted stock, or performance awards, including amounts realized from the sale, exchange or other disposition of stock acquired under a statutory stock option.
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d.Any other amounts that receive special tax benefits, such as premiums for group-term life insurance or amounts that would have been received and includible in gross income but for an election under Section 125(a) of the Code.
e.Amounts reimbursed for relocation and tuition expenses (whether or not such amounts are includible in gross income of the Employee when reimbursed).
f.Amounts paid in a form other than cash, fringe benefits (including auto allowances and relocation payments), employee discounts, expense reimbursement or allowances, and other forms of imputed income.
2.8 “Contributions” shall mean the amount of Compensation contributed by a Participant through payroll deductions or such other mode(s) of contribution approved by the Administrator where payroll deductions are prohibited under local law or administratively unfeasible to fund the purchase of Stock pursuant to an Option.
2.9 “Designated Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary designated by the Administrator in accordance with Section 3.3(d).
2.10 “Eligible Employee” shall mean every Employee of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary except the following:
a.who, immediately after any rights under this Plan are granted, own (directly or through attribution) stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of Stock or other stock of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary (as determined under Section 423(b)(3) of the Code);
b.whose customary employment is less than twenty hours per week;
c.whose customary employment is for five months or less in any calendar year;
d.who has been continuously employed by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary less than ninety days; and
e.Employees who are highly compensated employees within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code, and/or Employees who have not satisfied a service requirement designated by the Administrator pursuant to Section 423(b)(4)(A) of the Code (which service requirement may not exceed two years); provided however, that the limitation contained in this Section 2.10(e) shall only apply to the extent the Administrator expressly provides for such limitation, and then, such limitation shall only apply to such Offering Period.
For purposes of clause (a) above, the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code with regard to the attribution of stock ownership shall apply in determining the stock ownership of an individual, and stock which an Employee may purchase under outstanding options shall be treated as stock owned by the Employee. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary and meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.421-7(h)(2).
2.11 “Employee” means any officer or other employee (as defined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code or, for individuals performing services outside of the United States, as defined in accordance with applicable local law) of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary. For purposes of the Plan, an individual shall cease to be an Employee either upon an actual termination of employment with the Company or a Designated Subsidiary, or upon the Designated Subsidiary employing such individual ceasing to be a Subsidiary. For purposes of the Plan, an individual shall not cease to be an Employee while such individual is on any military leave, sick leave, statutory leave (as determined under local law) or other bona fide leave of absence (as determined under local law). The Administrator shall determine in good faith and in the exercise of its discretion whether an individual has become or has ceased to be an Employee and the effective date of such individual’s employment or termination of employment, as the case may be. For purposes of an individual’s participation in or other rights, if any, under the Plan as of the time of the administrator's determination, all such determinations by the Administrator shall be final, binding and conclusive, notwithstanding that any governmental agency subsequently makes a contrary determination.
2.12 “Enrollment Date” shall mean the first day of each Offering Period.
2.13 “Enrollment Period” shall mean that period of time prescribed by the Administrator, which period shall conclude prior to the Offering Date, during which Eligible Employees may elect to participate in an Offering Period. The duration and timing of Enrollment Periods may be changed or modified by the Administrator from time to time.
2.14 “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
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2.15 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any given date, the fair market value of a share of Stock on the date determined by such methods or procedures as may be established from time to time by the Administrator. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock as of any given date shall be as follows:
a.If Stock is traded on any established national securities exchange including the New York Stock Exchange, the closing price (in regular trading) of a share of Stock quoted on such exchange on that date, or, if no sales of Common Stock were reported on that date, the closing price (in regular trading) on the last preceding date on which sales were reported;
b.If Stock is not traded on an exchange but is quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the closing price of a share of Stock on the automated quotation system on that date, or, if no sales of Common Stock were reported on that date, the closing price on the last preceding date on which such sale was reported;
c.If none of the above is applicable, such amount as may be determined by the Administrator in good faith, to be the fair market value per share of Common Stock.
2.16 “Non-Section 423 Offering” shall mean the rules, procedures, or sub-plans, if any, adopted by the Administrator as part of this Plan, pursuant to which Options that do not satisfy the requirements for “employee stock purchase plans” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code may be granted to Eligible Employees of a Designated Subsidiary as a separate offering under the Plan.
2.17 “Offering” shall mean a Section 423 Offering or a Non-Section 423 Offering of a right to purchase Stock under the Plan during an Offering Period as further described in ARTICLE V.
2.18 “Offering Period” shall mean a period with respect to which the right to purchase Stock may be granted under the Plan, which may include a Non-Section 423 Offering, as determined pursuant to ARTICLE V.
2.19 “Option” shall mean the right to purchase Stock granted to a Participant pursuant to an Offering made under this Plan.
2.20 “Parent” means any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. The definition of “Parent” is intended to, and shall be construed and applied, to coincide and conform with the definition of “parent” under Section 424(e) of the Code.
2.21 “Participant” means any Eligible Employee who has elected to participate in the Plan.
2.22 “Plan” shall mean this Newpark Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as it may be amended from time to time. The Plan is an amendment and restatement of the Newpark Resources, Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
2.23 “Purchase Date” shall mean the last Trading Day of each Offering Period.
2.24 “Purchase Price” shall mean the purchase price designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which purchase price for a Section 423 Offering shall not be less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock for the Enrollment Date or for the Purchase Date, whichever is lower); provided, however, that, in the event no purchase price is designated by the Administrator, the purchase price for each Offering Period shall be 85% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock for the Enrollment Date or for the Purchase Date, whichever is lower; provided, further, that the Purchase Price may be adjusted by the Administrator pursuant to ARTICLE XII; and provided, and further, that the Purchase Price shall not be less than the par value of a share of Stock.
2.25 “Section 423 Offering” shall mean the rules, procedures, or sub-plans, if any, adopted by the Administrator as part of this Plan, pursuant to which Options that satisfy the requirements for “employee stock purchase plans” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code may be granted to Eligible Employees of a Designated Subsidiary as a separate offering under the Plan.
2.26 “Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
2.27 “Stock” means the common stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company.
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2.28 “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in an unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. The definition of “Subsidiary” is intended to, and shall be construed and applied, to coincide and conform with the definition of “parent” under Section 424(f) of the Code.
2.29 “Trading Day” shall mean any day on which the Stock is actually traded.
3. ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Administrator. Unless otherwise delegated by the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board shall be both the Committee and the Administrator. The Committee shall consist solely of two or more members of the Board each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 which has been adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act and which Committee is otherwise constituted to comply with applicable law. Appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest in the Board the administration of the Plan. Committee members may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Board. Vacancies in the Committee may only be filled by the Board.
3.2 Action by the Administrator. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for purposes of any actions taken as the Administrator. The acts of a majority of the Committee members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, and, subject to applicable law and the Bylaws of the Company, acts approved in writing by a majority of the Committee in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed the acts of the Administrator. When acting as the Administrator, each member of the Committee is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to that member by any officer or other employee of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary, the Company’s independent certified public accountants, or any executive compensation consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the operation, administration and interpretation of the Plan.
3.3 Authority of Administrator. The Administrator shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:
a.To determine when and how rights to purchase stock of the Company shall be granted and the provisions of each offering of such rights (which need not be identical), including establishing the timing and length of Offering Periods and establishing minimum and maximum contribution rates.
b.To establish new or changing limits on the number of shares of Stock an Eligible Employee may elect to purchase with respect to any Offering Period, if such limits are announced prior to the first Offering Period to be affected.
c.To establish, in its sole discretion, sub-plans of the Plan (and separate Offerings thereunder) which do not satisfy the requirements of Code Section 423 for purposes of effectuating the participation of Eligible Employees employed by a Designated Subsidiary established in a country outside of the United States. For purposes of the foregoing, the Administrator may establish one or more sub-plans (and separate Offerings thereunder) to: (i) amend or vary the terms of the Plan in order to conform such terms with the laws, rules and regulations of each country outside of the United States where the Designated Subsidiary is located and established; (ii) amend or vary the terms of the Plan in each country where the Designated Subsidiary is located and established as it considers necessary or desirable to take into account or to mitigate or reduce the burden of taxation and social insurance contributions for Participants or the Designated Subsidiary, or (iii) amend or vary the terms of the Plan in each country outside of the United States where the Designated Subsidiary is located and established as it considers necessary or desirable to meet the goals and objectives of the Plan. Each sub-plan established hereunder shall be reflected in a written appendix to the Plan for each Designated Subsidiary in such country, and shall be treated as being separate and independent from the Plan; provided, the total number of shares of Stock authorized to be issued under the Plan shall include any shares of Stock issued under such non-Code Section 423 sub-plans. To the extent permitted under applicable law, the Administrator may delegate its authority and responsibilities hereunder to an appropriate sub-committee consisting of one or more officers of the Company.
d.To designate from time to time which Subsidiaries of the Company shall be Designated Subsidiaries, which designation may be made without the approval of the stockholders of the Company. The Administrator may provide that the non-U.S. Eligible Employees of any Designated Subsidiary shall only be eligible to participate in the Non-Section 423 Offering.
e.To construe and interpret the Plan and rights granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Administrator, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission
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or inconsistency in the Plan, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.
f.To amend the Plan as provided in ARTICLE XIII.
g.Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Administrator deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to carry out the intent that the Plan be treated as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code.
The Administrator shall have the authority to delegate routine day-to-day administration of the Plan to such officers and employees of the Company as the Administrator deems appropriate.
3.4 Decisions Binding. The Administrator’s interpretation of the Plan, any Options granted pursuant to the Plan, and all decisions and determinations by the Administrator with respect to the Plan are final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.
4. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
4.1 Number of Shares. Subject to ARTICLE XII, the aggregate number of shares of Stock which may be issued pursuant to rights granted under the Plan shall be 2,000,000 shares. If any Option granted under the Plan shall for any reason terminate without having been exercised, the Stock not purchased under such Option shall again become available for the Plan. For avoidance of doubt, the limitation set forth in this paragraph may be used to satisfy purchases of Shares under either a Section 423 Offering or a NonSection 423 Offering
4.2 Individual Share Limit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and in addition to the limitation set forth in Section 8.4, below, the maximum shares of Stock that may be acquired by a Participant pursuant to an Option for each Offering Period is two thousand (2,000) shares of Common Stock. The Administrator may, for future Offering Periods, increase or decrease, in its absolute discretion, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock an Eligible Employee may purchase on the Purchase Date of each Offering Period.
4.3 Stock Distributed. Any Stock distributed pursuant to the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Stock, treasury stock or Stock purchased on the open market.
5. OFFERING PERIODS
The Administrator may from time to time grant Options to purchase Stock of the Company under the Plan to Eligible Employees during one or more Offering Periods selected by the Administrator commencing on an Enrollment Date. For purposes of the Plan, the Administrator may establish separate Offerings under the Plan (the terms of which need not be identical) in which Eligible Employees of one or more Designated Subsidiaries may participate, even if the dates of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical and the provisions of the Plan will separately apply to each Offering. In the event an Offering Period is not designated by the Administrator, the right to purchase Stock of the Company under the Plan shall be granted twice each year on February 15 and August 15 of each calendar year and the term of the Offering Period shall be six months; provided however, that the first Offering Period shall commence on July 1, 2017 and end on August 14, 2017.
6. PARTICIPATION
6.1 Eligibility. Any Eligible Employee who shall be employed by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary on the day immediately preceding a given Enrollment Date for an Offering Period shall be eligible to participate in the Plan during such Offering Period, subject to the requirements of this ARTICLE VI and the limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.
6.2 Enrollment. Except as otherwise designated by the Administrator, an Eligible Employee may become a Participant in the Plan for an Offering Period during the Enrollment Period prior to the beginning of the Offering Period to which it relates. An election to participate in the Plan shall be made by completing the online enrollment process through the Company’s designated Plan broker (or such other enrollment procedures that the Administrator may establish in its sole discretion). A payroll deduction authorization will be effective for the first Offering Period following the completion of the enrollment process and all subsequent Offering Periods thereafter until (i) the Participant has elected to withdraw from the Plan in accordance with Section 10.1, (ii) the authorization is modified by completing a subsequent online enrollment process in accordance with this ARTICLE VI, (iii) the Participant’s employment is terminated or (iv) the Participant is otherwise ineligible to participate in the Plan. An Eligible Employee may not initiate, increase or decrease Contributions as of any date other than during an Enrollment Period.
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6.3 Automatic Re-Enrollment. Following the end of each Offering Period, each Participant shall be automatically re-enrolled in the next Offering Period at the applicable rate of payroll deductions in effect on the last Trading Day of the prior Offering Period or otherwise as provided under ARTICLE VII, unless (i) the Participant has elected to withdraw from the Plan in accordance with Section 10.1, (ii) the Participant’s employment has terminated, or (iii) the Participant is ineligible to participate in the next Offering Period.
6.4 Non-U.S. Employees. An Eligible Employee who is a citizen or resident of a jurisdiction other than the United States (without regard to whether such individual also is a citizen or resident of the United States, for tax purposes or otherwise) may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the participation of such Eligible Employee is prohibited under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or if complying with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction would cause the Plan or a Section 423 Offering to violate Section 423 of the Code. In the case of a Non-Section 423 Offering, an Eligible Employee (or group of Eligible Employees) may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the Administrator has determined, in its sole discretion, that participation of such Eligible Employee(s) is prohibited under applicable law, or is not advisable or practicable for any reason.
7. PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
7.1 Payroll Deductions. During the online enrollment process, an Eligible Employee shall authorize a Contribution amount to be withheld by the Company or the Designated Subsidiary employing such Eligible Employee on each payday during an Offering Period as payroll deductions under the Plan. The Contribution shall be designated in a whole percentage between one percent (1%) and ten percent (10%) of the Eligible Employee’s Compensation to be deducted on each payday during an Offering Period and credited to the Participant’s Account for the purchase of Stock pursuant to the Offering. A Participant may elect to have Contributions completely discontinued at any time, but an election to discontinue Contributions during an Offering Period shall be deemed to be an election to withdraw pursuant to Section 10.1. No change in Contributions other than complete discontinuance can be made during an Offering Period, and, specifically, once an Offering Period has commenced, a Participant may not alter the rate of his or her Contribution for such offering. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if local law prohibits payroll deductions, a Participant may elect to participate in an Offering Period through Contributions to his or her Account in a format and pursuant to a process acceptable to the Administrator. In such event, any such Participant shall be deemed to participate in a separate Offering under the Plan, unless the Administrator otherwise expressly provides.
7.2 Frequency of Payroll Deductions. Except as otherwise designated by the Administrator, payroll deductions for a Participant shall commence on the first payroll on or following the Enrollment Date and shall end on the last payroll in the Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in ARTICLE X.
7.3 Insufficient Payroll Deductions. If in any payroll period a Participant’s Compensation is insufficient (after other authorized deductions) to permit a Contribution, no Contribution shall be made on the effected payroll date. Deduction of the full amount originally elected by the Participant will recommence as soon as his or her Compensation is sufficient to permit such Contribution; provided, however, no additional amounts will be deducted on any future payroll date to satisfy missed Contributions which occurred during insufficient payroll periods.
7.4 Decrease of Payroll Deductions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 8.4, a Participant’s Contributions may be suspended by the Administrator at any time during an Offering Period.
8. GRANTS AND EXERCISE OF RIGHTS
8.1 Grant of Rights. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall, subject to the maximum number of shares of Stock specified under Section 4.2 and the provisions of Section 8.4, be granted an Option to purchase that number of shares of Stock equal to the quotient of (i) the aggregate Contributions authorized to be withheld by such Participant in accordance with Section 7.1 for such Offering Period and held in the Participant’s Account, divided by (ii) the Purchase Price of the Stock as of the Enrollment Date.
8.2 Exercise of Rights. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 8.4, each Participant in the Plan automatically and without any further action will be deemed to have exercised the Participant’s Option on each Purchase Date, to the extent that the balance then in the Participant’s Account under the Plan is sufficient to purchase at the Purchase Price the whole number of shares of Stock subject to the Option granted to such Participant under this Plan for such Offering Period. No fractional shares shall be issued on the exercise of rights granted under this Plan.
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8.3 Excess Account Balances. Any amounts remaining in a Participant’s Account as of any Purchase Date after the purchase of Stock shall be distributed to the Participant, without interest, as soon as practicable after the Purchase Date; provided, however, that any amounts attributable to any fractional share that was not purchased on the Purchase Date shall be carried over to the next Offering Period unless the Participant has elected to withdraw from the Plan in accordance with Section 10.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, establish alternative means for treating amounts remaining in Participant Accounts following any Purchase Date to the extent consistent with applicable law.
8.4 Limitation on Purchase of Stock. In addition to the limitations set forth in Section 4.2, above, an Eligible Employee may not be granted an Option under the Plan if such Option, (together with any other rights granted to such Eligible Employee under “employee stock purchase plans” of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary, as specified by Section 423(b)(8) of the Code), excluding Options granted pursuant to any Non-Section 423 Offering, permits such Eligible Employee to purchase Stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of fair market value of such Stock (determined as of the first day of the Offering Period during which such Option is granted) for each calendar year in which such Option is outstanding at any time. This limitation shall be applied in accordance with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code.
8.5 Five Percent Limit. An Eligible Employee may not be granted an Option to purchase Stock under this Plan if such Participant (directly or through attribution), immediately after such Option is granted, would own or hold options to purchase Common Stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
8.6 Pro Rata Allocation of Shares. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Purchase Date, the number of shares of Stock with respect to Options are to be exercised may exceed (i) the number of shares of Stock that were available for issuance under the Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (ii) the number of shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan on such Purchase Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion provide that the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Purchase Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants for whom Options to purchase Stock are to be exercised pursuant to this ARTICLE VIII on such Purchase Date, and shall either (x) continue all Offering Periods then in effect, or (y) terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to ARTICLE XII. The Company may make pro rata allocation of the shares available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional shares for issuance under the Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date. The balance of the amount credited to the account of each Participant which has not been applied to the purchase of shares of Stock shall be paid to such Participant in one lump sum in cash, without interest, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Purchase Date.
8.7 Withholding. At the time a Participant’s Option under the Plan is exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Stock issued under the Plan is disposed of, the Participant shall make adequate provision for the Company’s federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the exercise of the Option or the disposition of the Stock in accordance with such procedures and withholding methods that may be established by the Administrator in its sole discretion. At any time, the Company or a Designated Subsidiary may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation or other amounts payable to the Participant the amount necessary to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company or a Designated Subsidiary any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Stock by the Participant.
9. ISSUANCE OF STOCK
9.1 Brokerage Account or Plan Share Account. By enrolling in the Plan, each Participant shall be deemed to have authorized the establishment of a brokerage account on his or her behalf at a securities brokerage firm selected by the Administrator. Alternatively, the Administrator may provide for Plan share accounts for each Participant to be established by the Company or by an outside entity selected by the Administrator which is not a brokerage firm. Stock purchased by a Participant pursuant to the Plan shall be held in the Participant’s brokerage or Plan share account. Participants may be required to enter into agreements and authorizations (the terms of which may include, without limitation, conditions or restrictions on the transfer of shares of Stock from Participants’ brokerage accounts) with the Plan broker selected by the Administrator and the Company as the Company may prescribe.
9.2 Conditions upon Issuance of Stock. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of Stock purchased upon the exercise of rights under the Plan prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:
a.The admission of such shares to listing on all stock exchanges, if any, on which the Stock is then listed;
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b.The completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable;
c.The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;
d.The payment to the Company of all amounts which it is required to withhold under federal, state or local law upon exercise of the rights, if any; and
e.The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the rights as the Administrator may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience.
10. WITHDRAWAL
10.1 Withdrawal. A Participant may withdraw all, but not less than all, of the Contributions credited such Participant’s Account and not yet used to exercise such Participant’s Option under the Plan at any time by completing the appropriate online withdrawal process through the Company’s designated Plan broker or contacting the Company. A notice of withdrawal must be received no later than the last day of the month immediately preceding the month of the Purchase Date. Upon receipt of such notice, Contributions on behalf of the Participant shall be discontinued and such Participant may not again be eligible to participate in the Plan until the next Enrollment Period. All of the Participant’s Contributions credited to such Participant’s Account during the Offering Period shall be paid to such Participant, without interest, as soon as reasonably practicable.
10.2 Future Participation. A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not have any effect upon eligibility to participate in any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary or in subsequent Offering Periods which commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
11.1 General. If the employment of a Participant terminates prior to the Purchase Date relating to a particular Offering Period for any reason, including retirement, death or failure of a Participant to remain an Eligible Employee of the Company or of a Designated Subsidiary, participation in the Plan immediately and without any act on the part of the Participant shall terminate. Following the Participant’s termination of employment as described above, the Company will refund to the Participant or, in the case of the death of the Participant, the person or persons entitled thereto, any unused Contributions credited to the Participant’s Account during the Offering Period, without interest, and thereupon the Participant’s Option shall terminate.
11.2 Transfer of Employment. A Participant whose employment transfers or whose employment terminates with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by or between the Company or any Designated Subsidiary (including transfers between Designated Subsidiaries) participating in a Section 423 Offering will not be treated as having terminated employment for purposes of participating in the Plan or an Offering; provided, however, if a Participant transfers from a Section 423 Offering to a Non-Section 423 Offering (or vice versa) or between Non-Section 423 Offerings, the Participant will be treated as having withdrawn from the Offering Period in accordance with ARTICLE X, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in its sole decision.
11.3 Leave of Absence.
a.During a paid leave of absence approved by the Company and meeting the requirements of U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.421‑1(h)(2), a Participant’s elected Contributions shall continue.
b.If a Participant takes an unpaid leave of absence that is approved by the Company and meets the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.421‑1(h)(2), then Contributions on behalf of the Participant shall be discontinued and no other Contributions shall be permitted (unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or required by applicable law). Any amounts credited to the Participant’s Account may be used to purchase Stock on the next applicable Purchase Date.
c.If a Participant takes a leave of absence that is not described in Section 11.3(a) or 11.3(b), then the Participant shall be considered to have withdrawn from the Plan in accordance with ARTICLE X hereof.
Further, notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 11.3, if a Participant takes a leave of absence and such leave of absence exceeds 90 days, then the Participant shall be considered to have withdrawn from the Plan in accordance with ARTICLE X hereof on the 91st day of such leave of absence; provided, however, that if the Participant’s right to employment is guaranteed either by statute or contract, then such 90-day period shall be extended until the last day upon which such reemployment rights are so guaranteed.
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12. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN STOCK
12.1 Changes in Capitalization; Other Adjustments.
a.Subject to Section 12.3, whenever any change is made in the Stock by reason of any stock dividend or by reason of subdivision, stock split, reverse stock split, combination or exchange of shares, recapitalization, reorganization, reclassification of shares, or any other similar corporate event affecting the Stock, appropriate action will be taken by the Board to make such proportionate adjustments, if any, as the Board in its discretion may deem appropriate to reflect such change with respect to (i) the aggregate number and type of shares of Stock (or other securities or property) that may be issued under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations established pursuant to Section 4.2 on the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be purchased); (ii) the class(es) and number of shares and price per share of Stock subject to outstanding Options; and (iii) the Purchase Price with respect to any outstanding Options.
b.If the Company shall not be the surviving corporation in any merger or consolidation (or survives only as a subsidiary of another entity), or if the Company is to be dissolved or liquidated, then unless a surviving corporation assumes or substitutes new options (within the meaning of Section 424(a) of the Code) for all Options then outstanding under this Plan, (i) the Purchase Date for all Options then outstanding under this Plan shall be accelerated to dates fixed by the Administrator or the Board prior to the effective date of such merger or consolidation or such dissolution or liquidation and (ii) upon such effective date any unexercised Options shall expire.
12.2 No Adjustment under Certain Circumstances. No adjustment or action described in this ARTICLE XII or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Plan to fail to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
12.3 No Other Rights. Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class or any dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other corporation. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or pursuant to action of the Administrator or the Board under the Plan, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Stock subject to an outstanding Option or the Purchase Price of the Stock subject to an outstanding Option.
13. AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION
13.1 Amendment, Modification and Termination. The Administrator or the Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and from time to time; provided, however, that if stockholder approval is required pursuant to the Code, United States federal securities laws or regulations, or the rules or regulations of the New York Stock Exchange (or any other securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or traded), then no such amendment shall be effective unless approved by the Company’s stockholders within such time period and manner as may be required. Upon termination of the Plan, all Contributions shall cease and all amounts then credited to a Participant’s Account shall be refunded, without interest, to each Participant.
13.2 Rights Previously Granted. Except as provided in ARTICLE XII or this ARTICLE XIII, no termination, amendment or modification may make any change in any right theretofore granted which adversely affects the rights of any Participant without the consent of such Participant, provided that an Offering Period may be terminated, amended or modified by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that the termination of the Offering Period or the Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
13.3 Certain Changes to Plan. Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any Participant rights may be considered to have been adversely affected, to the extent permitted by Section 423 of the Code, the Administrator shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed Contribution authorizations, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the Participant’s Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion advisable which are consistent with the Plan.
14. CODE SECTION 409A; TAX QUALIFICATION
14.1 Code Section 409A. Options to purchase Stock granted under a Section 423 Offering are exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that an Option granted under the Plan may be subject to Section 409A of the Code or that any
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provision in the Plan would cause an Option under the Plan to be subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Administrator may amend the terms of the Plan and/or of an outstanding Option granted under the Plan, or take such other action the Administrator determines is necessary or appropriate, in each case, without the Participant’s consent, to exempt any outstanding Option or future Option that may be granted under the Plan from or to allow any such Options to comply with Section 409A of the Code, but only to the extent any such amendments or action by the Administrator would not violate Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will have no liability to a Participant or any other party if the Option to purchase Stock under the Plan that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Administrator with respect thereto. The Company makes no representation that the right to purchase Stock under the Plan is compliant with Section 409A of the Code.
14.2 Tax Qualification. Although the Company may endeavor to (i) qualify an Option to purchase Stock for favorable tax treatment under the laws of the United States or jurisdictions outside of the United States or (ii) avoid adverse tax treatment (e.g., under Section 409A of the Code), the Company makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain favorable or avoid unfavorable tax treatment, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, including Section 14.1 above. The Company shall be unconstrained in its corporate activities without regard to the potential negative tax impact on Participant’s under the Plan.
15. MISCELLANEOUS
15.1 Restriction upon Assignment. An Option granted under the Plan shall not be transferable and is exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge, or other disposition shall be without effect, and the Company will treat such act as an election to withdraw Participant’s entire Account in accordance with ARTICLE X.
15.2 Rights as a Stockholder. With respect to shares of Stock subject to an Option granted under the Plan, a Participant shall not be deemed to be a stockholder of the Company, and the Participant shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder, until such shares have been recorded in the books of the brokerage firm selected by the Administrator or, as applicable, the Company, its transfer agent, stock plan administrator or such other outside entity which is not a brokerage firm. No adjustments shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash securities, or other property) or distribution or other rights for which the record date occurs prior to the date of such issuance, except as otherwise expressly provided herein. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or required by applicable law, the Company shall not deliver to any Participant any certificates evidencing Stock issued in connection with any purchase under the Plan.
15.3 Participant Accounts. No interest shall accrue on any amounts credited to a Participant Account. All payroll deductions or lump sum contributions of a Participant under the Plan will be deposited with the general funds of the Company and may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deduction amounts.
15.4 Currency Conversion. Eligible Employees who are paid in currency other than U.S. dollars, and who contribute such currency to the Plan through contributions or payroll deductions will have such amounts converted to U.S. dollars. The exchange rate and method for such conversion will be determined as prescribed by the Administrator for each Offering and as may be specified pursuant to any sub-plan established under the Plan. In no event will any procedure implemented for dealing with exchange rate fluctuations that may occur during an Offering result in the acquisition of shares of Stock below the Purchase Price. Each Eligible Employee shall bear the risk of any currency exchange fluctuations (if applicable) between the date on which any Eligible Employee amounts are converted to U.S. dollars and the Purchase Date.
15.5 Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.
15.6 Reports. Statements of account shall be given to participating Employees at least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.
15.7 No Employment Rights. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to give any person (including any Eligible Employee or Participant) the right to remain in the employ of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or to affect the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to terminate the employment of any person (including any Eligible Employee or Participant) at any time, with or without cause.
15.8 Severability. If any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof; instead, the provisions shall be fully severable and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if said illegal or invalid provision had never been included herein.
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15.9 Governing Law. The validity and enforceability of this Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to otherwise governing principles of conflicts of law.
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