UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______
Commission File Number: 001-34810
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Aspira Women’s Health Inc. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
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Delaware |
| 33-0595156 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
| (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
12117 Bee Caves Road, Building Three, Suite 100, Austin, Texas |
| 78738 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
| (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (512) 519-0400
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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|
|
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share | AWH | The NASDAQ Stock Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer þ | Smaller reporting company þ Emerging growth company ¨ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
As of August 5, 2022, the registrant had 112,296,388 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding.
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2022
Table of Contents
The following are registered and unregistered trademarks and service marks of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.: VERMILLIONSM, Aspira Women’s HealthSM, OVA1®, OVERA®, ASPiRA LABS®, OvaCalc®, ASPiRA GenetiXSM , OVA1PLUS®, OVAWATCHSM EndoCheck™, OVAInherit™, Aspira SynergySM,, and OVA360SM, ASPIRA IVDSM , and YOUR HEALTH, OUR PASSIONSM.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share and Par Value Amounts)
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| June 30, |
| December 31, | ||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | ||
Assets |
| (Unaudited) |
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|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 20,480 |
| $ | 37,180 |
Accounts receivable |
| 1,112 |
|
| 1,027 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
| 1,173 |
|
| 1,624 |
Inventories |
| 191 |
|
| 174 |
Total current assets |
| 22,956 |
|
| 40,005 |
Property and equipment, net |
| 438 |
|
| 464 |
Right-of-use assets |
| 315 |
|
| 346 |
Restricted cash |
| 250 |
|
| 250 |
Other assets |
| 57 |
|
| 14 |
Total assets | $ | 24,016 |
| $ | 41,079 |
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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|
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Accounts payable | $ | 1,374 |
| $ | 1,501 |
Accrued liabilities |
| 5,059 |
|
| 5,299 |
Current portion of long-term debt |
| 283 |
|
| 201 |
Short-term debt |
| 260 |
|
| 779 |
Lease liability |
| 68 |
|
| 60 |
Total current liabilities |
| 7,044 |
|
| 7,840 |
Non-current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
| 2,536 |
|
| 2,718 |
Lease liability |
| 314 |
|
| 349 |
Total liabilities |
| 9,894 |
|
| 10,907 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 2) |
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| ||
Stockholders’ equity: |
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Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 150,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021; 112,296,388 and 112,138,741 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively |
| 112 |
|
| 112 |
Additional paid-in capital |
| 503,249 |
|
| 501,788 |
Accumulated deficit |
| (489,239) |
|
| (471,728) |
Total stockholders’ equity |
| 14,122 |
|
| 30,172 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 24,016 |
| $ | 41,079 |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
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| Three Months Ended |
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||
| June 30, |
| June 30, | ||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | ||||
Revenue: |
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Product | $ | 2,018 |
| $ | 1,720 |
| $ | 3,853 |
| $ | 3,136 |
Genetics |
| 48 |
|
| 79 |
|
| 106 |
|
| 159 |
Total revenue |
| 2,066 |
|
| 1,799 |
|
| 3,959 |
|
| 3,295 |
Cost of revenue(1): |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Product |
| 1,036 |
|
| 839 |
|
| 1,893 |
|
| 1,494 |
Genetics |
| 64 |
|
| 264 |
|
| 139 |
|
| 502 |
Total cost of revenue |
| 1,100 |
|
| 1,103 |
|
| 2,032 |
|
| 1,996 |
Gross profit |
| 966 |
|
| 696 |
|
| 1,927 |
|
| 1,299 |
Operating expenses: |
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Research and development(2) |
| 1,410 |
|
| 1,471 |
|
| 2,758 |
|
| 2,343 |
Sales and marketing(3) |
| 3,580 |
|
| 4,018 |
|
| 8,077 |
|
| 7,126 |
General and administrative(4) |
| 4,196 |
|
| 3,279 |
|
| 8,559 |
|
| 5,788 |
Total operating expenses |
| 9,186 |
|
| 8,768 |
|
| 19,394 |
|
| 15,257 |
Loss from operations |
| (8,220) |
|
| (8,072) |
|
| (17,467) |
|
| (13,958) |
Interest (expense) income, net |
| (10) |
|
| 3 |
|
| (28) |
|
| (21) |
Other (expense) income, net |
| (13) |
|
| 995 |
|
| (16) |
|
| 985 |
Net loss | $ | (8,243) |
| $ | (7,074) |
| $ | (17,511) |
| $ | (12,994) |
Net loss per share - basic and diluted | $ | (0.07) |
| $ | (0.06) |
| $ | (0.16) |
| $ | (0.12) |
Weighted average common shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per common share |
| 112,242,893 |
|
| 111,958,928 |
|
| 112,191,520 |
|
| 110,311,666 |
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Non-cash stock-based compensation expense included in cost of revenue and operating expenses: |
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(1) Cost of revenue | $ | 35 |
| $ | 54 |
| $ | 87 |
| $ | 88 |
(2) Research and development |
| 53 |
|
| 95 |
|
| 49 |
|
| 121 |
(3) Sales and marketing |
| 58 |
|
| 336 |
|
| 205 |
|
| 475 |
(4) General and administrative |
| 464 |
|
| 797 |
|
| 1,107 |
|
| 1,087 |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
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| Common Stock |
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| |||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Additional Paid-In Capital |
| Accumulated Deficit |
| Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 112,138,741 |
| $ | 112 |
| $ | 501,788 |
| $ | (471,728) |
| $ | 30,172 |
Net loss | - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (9,268) |
|
| (9,268) |
Common stock issued in conjunction with exercise of stock options | 3,000 |
|
| - |
|
| 2 |
|
| - |
|
| 2 |
Stock-based compensation expense | - |
|
| - |
|
| 838 |
|
| - |
|
| 838 |
Balance at March 31, 2022 | 112,141,741 |
| $ | 112 |
| $ | 502,628 |
| $ | (480,996) |
| $ | 21,744 |
Net loss | - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (8,243) |
|
| (8,243) |
Common stock issued in conjunction with exercise of stock options | 20,000 |
|
| - |
|
| 11 |
|
| - |
|
| 11 |
Common stock issued for restricted stock awards | 134,647 |
|
| - |
|
| 140 |
|
| - |
|
| 140 |
Stock-based compensation expense | - |
|
| - |
|
| 470 |
|
| - |
|
| 470 |
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 112,296,388 |
| $ | 112 |
| $ | 503,249 |
| $ | (489,239) |
| $ | 14,122 |
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| Common Stock |
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| |||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Additional Paid-In Capital |
| Accumulated Deficit |
| Total Stockholders’ Equity | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | 104,619,876 |
| $ | 105 |
| $ | 449,680 |
| $ | (440,066) |
| $ | 9,719 |
Net loss | - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (5,920) |
|
| (5,920) |
Common stock issued in conjunction with exercise of stock options | 196,976 |
|
| - |
|
| 317 |
|
| - |
|
| 317 |
Common stock issued in conjunction with public offering, net of issuance costs | 6,900,000 |
|
| 7 |
|
| 47,713 |
|
| - |
|
| 47,720 |
Stock-based compensation expense | - |
|
| - |
|
| 489 |
|
| - |
|
| 489 |
Balance at March 31, 2021 | 111,716,852 |
| $ | 112 |
| $ | 498,199 |
| $ | (445,986) |
| $ | 52,325 |
Net loss | - |
|
| - |
|
| - |
|
| (7,074) |
|
| (7,074) |
Common stock issued in conjunction with exercise of stock options | 305,090 |
|
| - |
|
| 304 |
|
| - |
|
| 304 |
Common stock issued for restricted stock awards | 36,092 |
|
| - |
|
| 267 |
|
| - |
|
| 267 |
Common stock issued in conjunction with public offering, net of issuance costs | - |
|
| - |
|
| 1 |
|
| - |
|
| 1 |
Stock-based compensation expense | - |
|
| - |
|
| 1,015 |
|
| - |
|
| 1,015 |
Balance at June 30, 2021 | 112,058,034 |
| $ | 112 |
| $ | 499,786 |
| $ | (453,060) |
| $ | 46,838 |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
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| Six Months Ended | ||||
| June 30, | ||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | ||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net loss | $ | (17,511) |
| $ | (12,994) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Non-cash lease expense |
| 4 |
|
| 32 |
Depreciation and amortization |
| 128 |
|
| 172 |
Stock-based compensation expense |
| 1,448 |
|
| 1,771 |
Loss on sale and disposal of property and equipment |
| 3 |
|
| 1 |
Forgiveness of PPP loan |
| - |
|
| (1,006) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
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Accounts receivable |
| (85) |
|
| (208) |
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
| 408 |
|
| 350 |
Inventories |
| (17) |
|
| (71) |
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities |
| (855) |
|
| 208 |
Net cash used in operating activities |
| (16,477) |
|
| (11,745) |
Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Purchase of property and equipment |
| (105) |
|
| (136) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (105) |
|
| (136) |
Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Principal repayment of DECD loan |
| (131) |
|
| (99) |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from exercise of stock options |
| 13 |
|
| 621 |
Proceeds from public offering |
| - |
|
| 48,236 |
Payment of offering costs for public offering |
| - |
|
| (515) |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
| (118) |
|
| 48,243 |
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
| (16,700) |
|
| 36,362 |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period |
| 37,430 |
|
| 16,631 |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 20,730 |
| $ | 52,993 |
Reconciliation to Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet: |
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Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 20,480 |
| $ | 52,993 |
Restricted cash |
| 250 |
|
| - |
Unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents | $ | 20,730 |
| $ | 52,993 |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
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Cash paid during the period for interest |
| 38 |
|
| 38 |
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities: |
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Net decrease in right-of-use assets |
| (31) |
|
| (30) |
Forgiveness of PPP loan |
| - |
|
| (1,006) |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES
Organization
Aspira Women’s Health Inc., formerly known as Vermillion, Inc. (“Aspira” and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company”) is incorporated in the state of Delaware, and is engaged in the business of developing and commercializing diagnostic tests for gynecologic disease. The Company currently markets and sells the following products and related services: (1) OVA1, a blood test intended as an aid to further assess the likelihood of malignancy in women with an ovarian adnexal mass for which surgery is planned when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy; (2) OVERA, a second-generation biomarker reflex intended to maintain OVA1’s high sensitivity while improving specificity; (3) OVA1plus, a reflex offering which uses OVA1 as the primary test and OVERA as a confirmation for OVA1 intermediate range results; (4) Aspira GenetiX, a genetic test for hereditary gynecologic cancer risk, with a core focus on hereditary female reproductive cancers, including breast, ovarian, endometrial, uterine and cervical cancers; and (5) Aspira Synergy, the Company’s testing platform and cloud service for testing. The Company plans to make OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus and Aspira GenetiX and future technology available through Aspira Synergy. In 2021, the Company began entering into decentralized arrangements with large healthcare networks and large practices for its Aspira Synergy platform offering specialty and genetic testing solutions. Revenue from all of these sources is included in the results of operations in total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Liquidity
As of June 30, 2022, the Company had $20,480,000 of cash and cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash of $250,000), an accumulated deficit of approximately ($489,239,000), and working capital of $15,912,000. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company incurred a net loss of ($17,511,000) and used cash in operations of ($16,477,000). The Company has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and the Company also expects to continue to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations for 2022. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations. Given the above conditions, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and do not include any adjustments that might result from these uncertainties.
The Company expects to raise capital through sources that may include public or private equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, licensing arrangements, grants and government funding and strategic alliances. However, additional funding may not be available when needed or on terms acceptable to the Company. If the Company is unable to obtain additional capital, it may not be able to continue sales and marketing, research and development, or other operations on the scope or scale of current activity, and that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
On June 1, 2022, the Company received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market notifying the Company that, for the preceding 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Rule”). As provided in the Nasdaq rules, the Company has 180 calendar days, or until November 28, 2022, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. The Company may achieve compliance during this period if the closing bid price of Aspira common stock is at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. If the Company fails to regain compliance on or prior to November 28, 2022, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180-calendar day compliance period. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to
regain compliance by the November 28, 2022 deadline or the additional 180-calendar day extended deadline, and there is no assurance that the Company will otherwise maintain compliance with this or any of the other Nasdaq continued listing requirements.
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. The novel coronavirus has since spread to over 100 countries, including every state in the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, a pandemic, and the United States declared a national emergency with respect to the coronavirus outbreak. This outbreak has severely impacted global economic activity, and many countries and many states in the United States have reacted to the outbreak by instituting quarantines, mandating business and school closures and restricting travel periodically throughout the pandemic. In order to reduce the impact of limitations on visiting physician offices due to closures and quarantines, the Company implemented other mechanisms for reaching physicians such as virtual sales representative meetings, Key Opinion Leader presentations, and increased digital sales and marketing. Patient enrollment for our planned clinical research studies has been slower than originally planned due to the impact of clinic closures and patients not seeking medical care in some states, which has led to delays in the completion of such studies. Given the uncertainties associated with potential resurgences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is unable to estimate the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations or liquidity.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management of the Company, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of results for the periods presented, have been included. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year or any other interim period.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared with the presumption that users of the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have read or have access to the audited consolidated financial statements for the preceding fiscal year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2021 included in this report has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and notes required by GAAP. Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2021 included in Aspira’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2022.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimated results.
Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
Product Revenue – OVA1, OVERA and OVA1plus: The Company recognizes product revenue in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Product revenue is recognized upon completion of the OVA1, OVERA or OVA1plus test and delivery of results to the physician based on estimates of amounts that will ultimately be realized. In determining the amount of revenue to be recognized for a delivered test result, the Company considers factors such as payment history and amount, payer coverage, whether there is a reimbursement contract between the payer and the Company, and any developments or changes that could impact reimbursement. These estimates require significant judgment by management as the collection cycle on some accounts can be as long as one year. The effect of any change made
to an estimated input component and, therefore revenue recognized, would be recorded as a change in estimate at the time of the change.
The Company also reviews its patient account population and determines an appropriate distribution of patient accounts by payer (i.e., Medicare, patient pay, other third-party payer, etc.) into portfolios with similar collection experience. The Company has elected this practical expedient that, when evaluated for collectability, results in a materially consistent revenue amount for such portfolios as if each patient account were evaluated on an individual contract basis. During the period ended June 30, 2022, there were no adjustments to estimates of variable consideration to derecognize revenue for services provided in a prior period. There were no impairment losses on accounts receivable recorded during the periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021.
Genetics Revenue – Aspira GenetiX: Under ASC 606, the Company’s genetics revenue is recognized upon completion of the Aspira GenetiX test and delivery of results to the physician based on estimates of amounts that will ultimately be realized. In determining the amount of revenue to be recognized for a delivered test result, the Company considers factors such as payment history and amount, payer coverage, whether there is a reimbursement contract between the payer and the Company, and any developments or changes that could impact reimbursement. These estimates require significant judgment by management as the Company has limited experience with such factors relating to Aspira GenetiX.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This update changes the impairment model from the currently used incurred loss methodology to an expected loss methodology, which will result in the more timely recognition of losses. This ASU 2016-13 is scheduled to be effective in 2023 for smaller reporting companies. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Paycheck Protection Program Loan
On May 1, 2020, the Company obtained the Paycheck Protection Program loan (the “PPP Loan”) from BBVA USA in the aggregate amount of approximately $1,006,000. The Company applied for forgiveness of the PPP Loan in March 2021, and, effective May 27, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration confirmed the waiver of the Company’s repayment of the PPP Loan which was recognized as a gain in other income in 2021. The Company remains subject to an audit of the PPP loan. There is no assurance that the Company will not be required to repay all or a portion of the PPP Loan, as a result of any such audit.
Loan Agreement
On March 22, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement (as amended, the “DECD Loan Agreement”) with the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (the “DECD”), pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $4,000,000 from the DECD. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.0% per annum and requires equal monthly payments of principal and interest until maturity, which occurs on April 15, 2026. As security for the loan, the Company has granted the DECD a blanket security interest in the Company’s personal and intellectual property. The DECD’s security interest in the Company’s intellectual property may be subordinated to a qualified institutional lender.
The loan may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. An initial disbursement of $2,000,000 was made to the Company on April 15, 2016 under the DECD Loan Agreement. On December 3, 2020, the Company received a disbursement of the remaining $2,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement, as the Company had achieved the target employment milestone necessary to receive an additional $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement and the DECD determined to fund the remaining $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement after concluding that the required revenue target would likely have been achieved in the first quarter of 2020 in the absence of the impacts of COVID-19.
Under the terms of the DECD Loan Agreement, the Company may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $1,500,000 of the principal amount of the loan if the Company achieves certain job creation and retention milestones by December 31, 2022. Conversely, if the Company is either unable to retain 25 full-time employees with a specified average annual salary for a consecutive period or does not maintain the Company’s Connecticut operations through March 22, 2026, the DECD may require early repayment of a portion or all of the loan plus a penalty of 5% of the total funded loan. The carrying value approximates fair value, as the interest represents market prices for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
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| June 30, |
| December 31, | ||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | ||
(in thousands) |
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|
DECD loan, net of issuance costs | $ | 2,819 |
| $ | 2,919 |
Less: Current portion, net of issuance costs |
| (283) |
|
| (201) |
Total long-term debt, net of issuance costs | $ | 2,536 |
| $ | 2,718 |
As of June 30, 2022, the annual amounts of future minimum principal payments due under the Company’s contractual obligation are shown in the table below. Unamortized debt issuance costs for the DECD loan were $13,000. Debt related to the insurance promissory note of $260,000, as described below, is not included in the following table due to the insurance promissory note being cancelable.
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| Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
| Total |
|
| 2022 |
|
| 2023 |
|
| 2024 |
|
| 2025 |
|
| 2026 |
|
| Thereafter |
DECD Loan |
| $ | 2,832 |
| $ | 103 |
| $ | 406 |
| $ | 452 |
| $ | 461 |
| $ | 341 |
| $ | 1,069 |
Total |
| $ | 2,832 |
| $ | 103 |
| $ | 406 |
| $ | 452 |
| $ | 461 |
| $ | 341 |
| $ | 1,069 |
Accrued Liabilities
The following table describes the principal components of accrued liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of:
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|
|
| June 30, |
| December 31, | ||
(in thousands) | 2022 |
| 2021 | ||
Payroll and benefits related expenses | $ | 2,786 |
| $ | 2,652 |
Collaboration and research agreements expenses |
| 429 |
|
| 382 |
Professional services |
| 1,221 |
|
| 1,992 |
Other accrued liabilities |
| 623 |
|
| 273 |
Total accrued liabilities | $ | 5,059 |
| $ | 5,299 |
Insurance Notes
During 2021, the Company entered into an insurance promissory note for the payment of insurance premiums at an interest rate of 3.74%, with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of approximately $260,000 and $779,000 as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. This note is payable in ten monthly installments with a maturity date of October 1, 2022 and has no financial or operational covenants.
Operating Leases
The Company leases facilities to support its business of discovering, developing and commercializing diagnostic tests in the fields of gynecologic disease. The Company’s principal facility, including the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988 (“CLIA”) laboratory used by Aspira Labs, Inc., is located in Austin, Texas, and the CLIA laboratory used for research and development services is located in Trumbull, Connecticut. In October 2021, the Company renewed the Austin, Texas lease for additional year. The Company’s renewed lease expires on January 31, 2023, with no automatic renewal or renewal option. The Company’s Texas lease has a term of 12 months. The Company recognized the lease payments in profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, and variable lease payments in the period in which the obligation for the payments was incurred.
In October 2015, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a facility in Trumbull, Connecticut. The lease required initial payments for the buildout of leasehold improvements to the office space, which were approximately $596,000. In September 2020, the Company exercised the renewal option for its Trumbull, Connecticut lease. The Company’s renewed lease expires on June 30, 2026, with a five year renewal option. The Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise the five year renewal option beginning on July 1, 2026.
The expense associated with these operating leases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 is shown in the table below (in thousands).
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| Three Months Ended June 30, | ||||
Lease Cost | Classification | 2022 |
| 2021 | ||
Operating rent expense |
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| Cost of revenue | $ | 19 |
| $ | 15 |
| Research and development |
| 7 |
|
| 13 |
| Sales and marketing |
| 10 |
|
| 6 |
| General and administrative |
| 17 |
|
| 17 |
Variable rent expense |
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| Cost of revenue | $ | 10 |
| $ | 8 |
| Research and development |
| 5 |
|
| 9 |
| Sales and marketing |
| 9 |
|
| 7 |
| General and administrative |
| 17 |
|
| 14 |
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| Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||
Lease Cost | Classification | 2022 |
| 2021 | ||
Operating rent expense |
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| Cost of revenue | $ | 39 |
| $ | 28 |
| Research and development |
| 14 |
|
| 22 |
| Sales and marketing |
| 19 |
|
| 17 |
| General and administrative |
| 33 |
|
| 35 |
Variable rent expense |
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| Cost of revenue | $ | 20 |
| $ | 15 |
| Research and development |
| 11 |
|
| 13 |
| Sales and marketing |
| 18 |
|
| 19 |
| General and administrative |
| 35 |
|
| 30 |
Based on the Company’s leases as of June 30, 2022, the table below sets forth the approximate future lease payments related to operating leases with initial terms of one year or more (in thousands).
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| |
2022 | $ | 50 | |
2023 |
| 106 | |
2024 |
| 116 | |
2025 |
| 124 | |
2026 |
| 64 | |
Total Operating Lease Payments |
| 460 | |
Less: Interest |
| (78) | |
Present Value of Lease Liabilities | $ | 382 |
Weighted-average lease term and discount rate were as follows:
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|
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) |
| 4.0 |
Weighted-average discount rate |
| 9.32% |
Non-cancelable Royalty Obligations
The Company is a party to an amended research collaboration agreement with The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine under which the Company licenses certain of its intellectual property directed at the discovery and validation of biomarkers in human subjects, including but not limited to clinical application of biomarkers in the understanding, diagnosis and management of human disease. Under the terms of the amended research collaboration agreement, Aspira is required to pay the greater of 4% royalties on net sales of diagnostic tests using the assigned patents or annual minimum royalties of $57,500. Royalty expense for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 totaled $81,000 and $69,000, respectively, and royalty expense for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 totaled $154,000 and $126,000, respectively, as recorded in cost of revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Commercial Reorganization
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company executed a commercial reorganization resulting in the separation of a number of employees. The organizational changes resulted in the recording within the condensed consolidated statement of operations in sales and marketing, research and development and general and administrative expenses of one-time severance, separation, and settlement charges of approximately $1,284,000. These amounts have been partially offset by insurance reimbursement of $523,000, of which $433,000 has been received during the six months ended June 30, 2022 and $90,000 is included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2022. As of June 30, 2022, remaining unpaid estimated charges in the amount of $90,000 are included in Accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company paid the remaining charges in July 2022, and the Company expects to be reimbursed by the insurance company within 3 months of payment.
Contingent Liabilities
From time to time, the Company is involved in legal proceedings and regulatory proceedings arising from operations. The Company establishes reserves for specific liabilities in connection with legal actions that management deems to be probable and estimable. The Company is not currently a party to any proceeding, the adverse outcome of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
3. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
2021 Public Offering
On February 4, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the “2021 Underwriting Agreement”) with William Blair & Company, L.L.C. and Truist Securities, Inc., as representatives of several underwriters (the “2021 Underwriters”), in connection with the underwritten public offering of 6,000,000 shares of Aspira common stock at a price to the public of $7.50 per share. The 2021 Underwriters purchased these 6,000,000 shares at the public offering price per share, less the underwriting discount of $0.4875 per share.
Under the 2021 Underwriting Agreement, the Company granted the 2021 Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 900,000 shares of Aspira common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount of $0.4875 per share. On February 5, 2021, the 2021 Underwriters notified the Company that they were exercising this option in connection with the closing of the 2021 Offering. The 2021 Offering, including the additional 900,000 shares of Aspira common stock, closed on February 8, 2021 and resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $47,720,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses of $516,000. There was a change in estimate in the third quarter of 2021 in the amount of $138,000 relating to an expense reversal of offering costs.
2019 Stock Incentive Plan
At the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, the Company’s stockholders approved the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, the name of which was subsequently changed to the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The purposes of the 2019 Plan are (i) to align the
interests of the Company’s stockholders and recipients of awards under the 2019 Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success; (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining non-employee directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents; and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long-term best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The 2019 Plan allows the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards to participants.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2019 Plan, the initial number of shares authorized for grants under the 2019 Plan is 10,492,283. To the extent an equity award granted under the 2019 Plan expires or otherwise terminates without having been exercised or paid in full, or is settled in cash, the shares of common stock subject to such award will become available for future grant under the 2019 Plan. As of June 30, 2022, 10,087,299 shares of Aspira common stock were subject to outstanding stock options, and 298,500 shares of Aspira common stock were subject to unvested restricted stock awards and a total of 3,336,361 shares of Aspira common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2019 Plan.
Stock-Based Compensation
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company granted the following awards under the 2019 Plan. In addition, assumptions included in the fair value per share calculations were expected terms of to four years, one- to five-year treasury interest rates of 1.38% to 3.28% and market close prices ranging from $1.04 to $1.08. The Company recorded $334,000 in forfeitures for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
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Grant Date |
| Number of Shares |
| Type of Award |
| Exercise Price / Share |
| Fair Value / Share |
1/28/2022 |
| 222,000 |
| Options |
| $ 1.08 |
| $ 0.70 |
3/1/2022 |
| 5,000 |
| Options |
| $ 1.05 |
| $ 0.31 |
3/31/2022 |
| 1,706,282 |
| Options |
| $ 1.04 |
| $ 0.51 |
3/31/2022 |
| 269,297 |
| Restricted Stock Units |
| $ - |
| $ - |
|
| 2,202,579 |
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During the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company granted the following awards under the 2019 Plan. In addition, assumptions included in the fair value per share calculations were expected terms of to two years, one- to five-year treasury interest rates of 1.72% to 3.13% and market close prices ranging from $0.52 to $1.05. The Company recorded $109,000 in forfeitures for the three months ended June 30, 2022.
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Grant Date |
| Number of Shares |
| Type of Award |
| Exercise Price |
| Fair Value / Share |
|
4/1/2022 |
| 5,000 |
| Options |
| $ 1.05 |
| $ 0.33 |
|
5/2/2022 |
| 5,000 |
| Options |
| $ 0.70 |
| $ 0.22 |
|
5/19/2022 |
| 60,000 |
| Options |
| $ 0.55 |
| $ 0.28 |
|
6/1/2022 |
| 5,000 |
| Options |
| $ 0.56 |
| $ 0.22 |
|
6/23/2022 |
| 15,000 |
| Options |
| $ 0.52 |
| $ 0.21 |
|
6/23/2022 |
| 78,000 |
| Options |
| $ 0.52 |
| $ 0.27 |
|
6/23/2022 |
| 83,799 |
| Options |
| $ 0.52 |
| $ 0.36 |
|
6/23/2022 |
| 169,043 |
| Restricted Stock Units |
| $ - |
| $ - |
|
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| 420,842 |
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The allocation of employee stock-based compensation expense by functional area for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
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| Three Months Ended |
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||
|
| June 30, |
| June 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands) |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | ||||
Cost of revenue |
| $ | 33 |
| $ | 48 |
| $ | 79 |
| $ | 79 |
Research and development |
|
| 20 |
|
| 93 |
|
| (10) |
|
| 118 |
Sales and marketing |
|
| 58 |
|
| 325 |
|
| 205 |
|
| 464 |
General and administrative |
|
| 441 |
|
| 601 |
|
| 1,017 |
|
| 791 |
Total |
| $ | 552 |
| $ | 1,067 |
| $ | 1,291 |
| $ | 1,452 |
4. LOSS PER SHARE
The Company calculates basic loss per share using the weighted average number of shares of Aspira common stock outstanding during the period. Because the Company is in a net loss position, diluted loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of Aspira common stock outstanding and excludes the effects of 10,385,799 and 10,272,785 potential shares of Aspira common stock as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, that are anti-dilutive. Potential shares of Aspira common stock include incremental shares of Aspira common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options and unvested restricted stock units.
5. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On August 8, 2022, the Company entered into a sponsored research agreement with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (“DFCI”), Brigham and Women’s Hospital (“BWH”), and Medical University of Lodz for the generation of a multi-omic, non-invasive diagnostic aid to identify endometriosis based on circulating microRNAs and proteins. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the Company’s development and commercialization of future endometriosis products, such as EndoCheck. Under the terms of the agreement, payments of approximately $1.2 million will become due from the Company to the counterparties upon the achievement of certain milestones in 2022 and 2023 as follows: 68% will become payable within seven days of the execution of the agreement, 15% will become payable upon completion of certain milestones estimated to occur in the fourth quarter of 2022, and 17% will become payable upon completion of certain milestones estimated to occur in the second quarter of 2023.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “seeks,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “will,” “potential,” “targeted,” “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and, except as required by law, Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (“Aspira” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) does not assume any obligation to update, amend or clarify them to reflect events, new information or circumstances occurring after such date.
Examples of forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
projections or expectations regarding our future test volumes, revenue, cost of revenue, operating expenses, research and development expenses, gross profit margin, cash flow, results of operations and financial condition;
our plan to broaden our commercial focus from ovarian cancer to differential diagnosis of women with a range of gynecological diseases, including additional pelvic disease conditions such as endometriosis and, benign pelvic mass monitoring in addition to genetics risk assessment, including breast and ovarian cancer hereditary risk assessment and carrier screening;
our planned business strategy and strategic business drivers and the anticipated effects thereof, including partnerships such as those based on our Aspira Synergy product, as well as other strategies, specimen collaboration and licensing;
plans to expand our existing products OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus, Aspira GenetiX and Aspira Synergy on a global level, and to launch and commercialize our new products, OVAWatch, EndoCheck and OVAInherit;
plans to develop new algorithms, molecular diagnostic tests, products and tools and otherwise expand our product offerings, including plans to develop a product using genetics, proteins and other modalities to assess the risk of developing cancer when carrying a pathogenic variant associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer that is difficult to detect through a diagnostic test;
plans to establish payer coverage and secure contracts for current and new products, including OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus, Aspira GenetiX, OVAWatch, EndoCheck and OVAInherit separately and expand current coverage and secure contracts for OVA1;
plans that would address clinical questions related to early disease detection, treatment response, monitoring of disease progression, prognosis and other issues in the fields of oncology and women’s health;
anticipated efficacy of our products, product development activities and product innovations, including our ability to improve sensitivity and specificity over traditional diagnostic biomarkers;
expected competition in the markets in which we compete;
plans with respect to Aspira Labs, Inc. (“ASPiRA LABS”), including plans to expand or consolidate ASPiRA LABS’ testing capabilities;
expectations regarding continuing future services provided by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated;
plans to develop informatics products and develop and perform laboratory developed tests (“LDTs”);
FDA oversight changes of LDTs;
plans to develop a race or ethnicity-specific pelvic mass risk assessment;
expectations regarding existing and future collaborations and partnerships for our products, including plans to enter into decentralized arrangements for our Aspira Synergy product and provide and expand access to our risk assessment tests;
plans regarding future publications;
expectations regarding potential collaborations with governments, legislative bodies and advocacy groups to enhance awareness and drive policies to provide broader access to our tests;
our ability to continue to comply with applicable governmental regulations, expectations regarding pending regulatory submissions and plans to seek regulatory approvals for our tests within the United States and internationally, as applicable;
our continued ability to expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio;
anticipated liquidity and capital requirements;
anticipated future losses and our ability to continue as a going concern;
expectations regarding raising capital and the amount of financing anticipated to be required to fund our planned operations;
expectations regarding the results of our clinical research studies and our ability to recruit patients to participate in such studies;
our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and anticipated future tax liability under U.S. federal and state income tax legislation;
expected market adoption of our diagnostic tests, including OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus, as well as our offerings of Aspira GenetiX and Aspira Synergy platform;
expectations regarding our ability to launch new products we develop or license, co-market or acquire new products;
expectations regarding the size of the markets for our products;
expectations regarding reimbursement for our products, and our ability to obtain such reimbursement, from third-party payers such as private insurance companies and government insurance plans;
plans to use each of AbbVie Inc. serum samples and ObsEva S.A. plasma samples in EndoCheck product validation studies;
potential plans to pursue clearance designation with the FDA with respect to EndoCheck;
expected target launch timing for OVAWatch and EndoCheck;
expectations regarding compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to billing arrangements conducted in coordination with laboratories;
plans to advocate for legislation and professional society guidelines to broaden access to our products and services;
expectations regarding the impacts resulting from or attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken to contain it; and
expectations regarding the results of our academic research agreements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Part I Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as supplemented by the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to comply with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements; impacts resulting from or relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken to contain it; anticipated use of capital and its effects; our ability to increase the volume of our product sales; failures by third-party payers to reimburse for our products and services or changes to reimbursement rates; our ability to continue developing existing technologies and to develop, protect and promote our proprietary technologies; plans to develop and perform LDTs; our ability to comply with Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) regulations that relate to our products and to obtain any FDA clearance or approval required to develop and commercialize medical devices; our ability to develop and commercialize additional diagnostic products and achieve market acceptance with respect to these products; our ability to compete successfully; our ability to obtain any regulatory approval required for our future diagnostic products; or our suppliers’ ability to comply with FDA requirements
for production, marketing and post-market monitoring of our products; our ability to maintain sufficient or acceptable supplies of immunoassay kits from our suppliers; in the event that we succeed in commercializing our products outside the United States, the political, economic and other conditions affecting other countries; changes in healthcare policy; our ability to comply with environmental laws; our ability to comply with the additional laws and regulations that apply to us in connection with the operation of ASPiRA LABS; our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards; our ability to use intellectual property; our ability to successfully defend our proprietary technology against third parties; our ability to obtain licenses in the event a third party successfully asserts proprietary rights; the liquidity and trading volume of our common stock; the concentration of ownership of our common stock; our ability to retain key employees; our ability to secure additional capital on acceptable terms to execute our business plan; business interruptions; the effectiveness and availability of our information systems; our ability to integrate and achieve anticipated results from any acquisitions or strategic alliances; future litigation against us, including infringement of intellectual property and product liability exposure; and additional costs that may be required to make further improvements to our laboratory operations.
Company Overview
Corporate Vision
Our core mission is to transform the state of women’s health, globally, starting with ovarian cancer. We aim to eradicate late-stage detection of ovarian cancer and to ensure that our solutions will meet the needs of women of all ages, races, ethnicities and stages of the disease. Our core patient goal is to develop a lifelong relationship with each patient, ensuring each woman has access to best-in-class risk assessment tools.
Our plan is to broaden our commercial focus from ovarian cancer to differential diagnosis of women with a range of gynecological diseases. We plan to continue commercializing our new generation of technology as well as distribute our technology through our decentralized technology transfer service platform, known as “Aspira Synergy.” We also intend to raise public awareness regarding the diagnostic superiority of OVA1plus as compared to cancer antigen 125 (“CA125”) for all women, but especially for racially diverse women with adnexal masses, as well as the importance of machine learning algorithm development in different racial and ethnic populations. We also plan to advocate for legislation and professional society guidelines to provide broad access to our products and services.
All of our products are focused on gynecologic diseases that cannot be assessed through a traditional biopsy, or can only be detected by invasive procedures in the case of endometriosis, making our non-invasive blood biopsy more efficient and patient friendly. We maintain medical and advisory support and a Key Opinion Leader Network aligned with our territories in the U.S. In addition to adding to our direct salesforce, in 2021, we added OVA1 and OVA1plus on our technology transfer platform, Aspira Synergy. In 2022, we have continued to commercialize OVA1plus by utilizing select partnerships for distribution, expanding our managed care coverage and contracts in select markets, growing our sales force, increasing adoption with our existing and new customers, and further deploying our Aspira Synergy technology transfer platform. We also plan to develop an LDT series of diagnostic algorithms. In 2021, we expanded access to our tests among Medicaid patients as part of our corporate mission to make the best care available to all women.
Throughout 2022, we have been focused on our three key initiatives: growth, innovation, and operational excellence:
Growth. In 2022, we have continued to grow the top line in terms of both product volume and revenue. Our focus has been on OVA1plus, and, in the second half of 2022, we plan to drive OVA1plus sales volume not only through our own commercial team but also through our collaboration with BioReference Health, LLC, formerly known as BioReference Laboratories, Inc. (“BRL”). We believe Aspira GenetiX and Aspira Synergy should also contribute to increased revenue. In addition, positive trends in the tenure of our sales professionals should lead to volume growth. As of June 30, 2022, 67% of our sales professionals had been with us for more than three months and 58% had been with us for more than six months. We aim not only to increase the number of physicians ordering for the first time but also to increase repeat orders from existing physician customers.
Innovation. Innovation is fundamental to our industry, and for us, it starts with our ovarian cancer pipeline advancement. In particular, in the third or fourth quarter this year, we plan to launch our OVAWatch product, which we believe has a total addressable market of at least three times that of OVA1plus. We also plan to accelerate the development of our EndoCheck product as we work on the discovery state for proteins and proteins plus miRNA. We are partnering with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz for this diagnostic aid. In addition, we plan to continue our efforts to support research related to the impact of race on the detection of ovarian cancer. In June 2022, a manuscript arising from clinical research efforts in the Philippines, which was sponsored by the Company, was accepted for publication in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The study focuses on the assessment of ovarian cancer risk in Filipino women.
Operational Excellence. In the second half of 2022, we plan to achieve our cash utilization goals and focus on spend that fuels both innovation and growth. We plan to continue to hire individuals to fill key roles, especially in the commercial and research and development departments. For us, this type of commercial spend generates high returns on investment.
Our first LDT algorithm, branded as OVAWatch, focuses on monitoring women with pelvic masses. The OVAWatch manuscript, "Analytical Validation of a Deep Neural Network Algorithm for the Detection of Ovarian Cancer," has been published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics. This study was a critical step toward the launch of OVAWatch and, as a result, we have proceeded toward finalizing the commercialization plan for OVAWatch, which will occur in two phases. Phase I is a single use point-in-time product and Phase II will allow for serial monitoring. We plan to focus on the commercial phase of OVAWatch, including driving provider adoption, during the third and fourth quarter of 2022. We believe OVAWatch has the potential to expand the addressable market by three or more times over OVA1plus.
We expect that our second LDT diagnostic algorithm, EndoCheck, will aid in the diagnosis of endometriosis. We also plan to expand our portfolio of products to include OVAInherit, which aims to identify risk of malignancy in those patients who are genetically predisposed to ovarian cancer. This algorithm will include genetics, proteins and other modalities to assess such risk.
Our Business and Products
We currently market and sell the following products and related services: (1) OVA1, a blood test intended as an aid to further assess the likelihood of malignancy in women with an ovarian adnexal mass for which surgery is planned when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy; (2) OVERA, a second-generation biomarker reflex intended to maintain OVA1’s high sensitivity while improving specificity; (3) OVA1plus, a reflex offering which uses OVA1 as the primary test and OVERA as a confirmation for OVA1 intermediate range results and leverages the strengths of OVA1’s MIA sensitivity and OVERA’s (MIA2G) specificity and as a result reduces false elevations by over 40%; (4) Aspira GenetiX, a genetic test for hereditary gynecologic cancer risk, with a core focus on hereditary female reproductive cancers, including breast, ovarian, endometrial, uterine and cervical cancers; and (5) Aspira Synergy, our decentralized testing platform and cloud service for decentralized global access of both protein biomarker and hereditary genetic testing. We plan to make OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus and Aspira GenetiX and future technology available through Aspira Synergy. Our OVA1 test received FDA de novo classification in September 2009. OVA1 comprises instruments, assays, reagents, and the OVACALC software, which includes a proprietary algorithm that produces a risk score. Our OVERA test, which includes an updated version of OVACALC, received FDA 510(k) clearance in March 2016. OVA1 and OVERA each use the Roche cobas 4000, 6000 and 8000 platforms for analysis of proteins. Revenue from all of these sources is included in the results of operations in total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
In 2021, we began entering into decentralized arrangements with large healthcare networks and physician practices for our Aspira Synergy platform offering specialty and genetic testing solutions. The modules available under Aspira Synergy include our flagship OVA1plus risk assessment and Genetics Carrier Screening. The Company has entered into four technology transfer agreements since the launch of Aspira Synergy. The first two
agreements are with two of the nation’s largest and leading independent women’s healthcare groups which together include approximately 750 providers and serve approximately 950,000 patients annually. The other agreements are with independent regional laboratories. In the fourth quarter of 2021, we launched the Aspira Synergy product with a national women’s healthcare group.
We are developing three additional products and related services, including two diagnostic algorithms, OVAWatch and EndoCheck, as well as a high-risk diagnostic algorithm, OVAInherit. These products may be launched as LDTs or FDA-cleared tests.
OVAWatch has been developed and is validated for use in Aspira’s CLIA-certified high complexity lab as a non-invasive risk assessment test for use in conjunction with clinical assessment and imaging to determine ovarian cancer risk for patients with an adnexal mass who are not yet scheduled for surgery. The commercialization plan for OVAWatch will occur in two phases. Phase I is a single use, point-in-time risk assessment test and Phase II will allow for serial monitoring. We will focus on the commercial phase of the OVAWatch single use risk assessment test, including driving provider adoption, during the third and fourth quarter of 2022. The timing will depend on the results of a clinical validation study that we expect to complete this summer. We believe OVAWatch has the potential to significantly expand the addressable market over OVA1plus. The launch of the serial monitoring test is targeted for the second half of 2023 following the expected publication of data from the ongoing prospective serial monitoring clinical study.
EndoCheck, an in-development non-invasive blood test to be used in conjunction with other non-surgical modalities, is designed to be an aid in the detection of endometriosis and address the patient population of women who are experiencing moderate to severe pelvic pain to provide non-invasive confirmation that their symptoms are indicative of endometriosis. The goal of this test is to support an early diagnosis and direct appropriate medical management that potentially reduces the progression of disease. Current detection methods for endometriosis require surgery and a surgical biopsy diagnosis and/or visualization diagnosis. EndoCheck is intended to address this large patient population by using a non-invasive solution with comparable sensitivity and specificity when compared to surgical biopsy and/or visualization. We expect that our research collaboration agreement with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz will bolster our research and development efforts and scientific resources to accelerate commercialization of EndoCheck. Our goal is to launch EndoCheck in the second half of 2023 as an LDT.
OVAInherit will be designed as a non-invasive high-risk diagnostic tool, intended for those patients with or without a pelvic mass who are genetically predisposed to ovarian cancer. It will use genetics, proteins and other modalities to assess the likelihood that a woman has an early-stage gynecological cancer that is not visible using traditional ultrasound methodologies, and thereby to aid in early diagnoses. Our OVAInherit related clinical studies, OVANex and OVA360, initiated in late 2019 and early 2020, respectively, are focused on developing data to support a diagnostic test for the early detection of ovarian cancer. Our collaboration work with Harvard's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz resulted in a Phase 1 Proof of Concept evaluation, which surpassed all required metrics. Based on the outcome data, we have begun implementing Phase 2 of the study. In Phase 2, the team is evaluating the combined potential impact of our protein biomarker algorithms and the investigators’ miRNA technology in the development of this assay and platform.
We ultimately plan to commercialize each of OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus, Aspira GenetiX, OVAWatch, EndoCheck, OVAInherit and Aspira Synergy on a global level. We currently hold CE marks for OVA1 and OVERA. In addition, each of OVA1 and OVERA, and the reflex offering, OVA1plus, will be offered on our global testing platform, which will allow both tests to be deployed worldwide.
Outside of the United States, we have studies in process to validate OVERA and OVA1 in specific populations. This includes active international distribution agreements for OVERA with Pro-Genetics LTD in Israel and MacroHealth, Inc. in the Philippines. The MacroHealth, Inc. agreement was our first agreement regarding our decentralized technology, Aspira Synergy, for OVERA specimen testing.
We own and operate ASPiRA LABS, based in Austin, Texas, a Clinical Chemistry and Endocrinology Laboratory accredited by the College of American Pathologists, which specializes in applying biomarker-based technologies to address critical needs in the management of gynecologic cancers and disease. ASPiRA LABS provides expert diagnostic services using a state-of-the-art biomarker-based risk assessment to aid in clinical decision making and advance personalized treatment plans. The lab currently processes our OVA1 and OVERA tests, and we plan to expand the testing to other gynecologic conditions with high unmet need. We also plan to develop and perform LDTs at ASPiRA LABS. ASPiRA LABS holds a CLIA Certificate of Accreditation and a state laboratory license in California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a supplier number to ASPiRA LABS in 2015.
In the United States, revenue for diagnostic tests comes from several sources, including third-party payers such as insurance companies, government healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, client bill accounts and patients. Novitas Solutions, a Medicare contractor, covers and reimburses for OVA1 tests performed in certain states, including Texas. Due to OVA1 tests being performed exclusively at ASPiRA LABS in Texas, the local coverage determination from Novitas Solutions essentially provides national coverage for patients enrolled in Medicare as well as Medicare Advantage health plans. ASPiRA LABS also bills third-party commercial and other government payers as well as client bill accounts and patients for OVA1.
In November 2016, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (“ACOG”) issued Practice Bulletin Number 174 which included OVA1, defined as the “Multivariate Index Assay”, outlining ACOG’s clinical management guidelines for adnexal mass management. Practice Bulletin Number 174 recommends that obstetricians and gynecologists evaluating women with adnexal masses who do not meet Level A criteria of a low risk transvaginal ultrasound should proceed with Level B clinical guidelines. Level B guidelines state that the physician may use risk assessment tools such as existing CA125 technology or OVA1 (“Multivariate Index Assay”) as listed in the bulletin. Based on this, OVA1 achieved parity with CA125 as a Level B clinical recommendation for the management of adnexal masses.
Practice Bulletins summarize current information on techniques and clinical management issues for the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. Practice Bulletins are evidence-based documents, and recommendations are based on the evidence. This is also the only clinical management tool used for adnexal masses. Although there are Practice Bulletins, guidelines do not exist for adnexal masses. ACOG guidelines do exist, however, for ovarian cancer management.
Recent Developments
Leadership Updates
On June 23, 2022, the Company’s stockholders elected Robert Auerbach, M.D. and Ruby Sharma to the Company’s board of directors. The Company’s board of directors has appointed Dr. Robert Auerbach as a member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and has appointed Ruby Sharma as Audit Committee Chair, replacing James T. LaFrance, who stepped down as Audit Committee Chair, each effective June 23, 2022.
On July 5, 2022, Ryan Phan, Ph.D. joined the Company as Chief Operating and Scientific Officer. Dr. Phan previously worked for CareDx where he served as Senior Vice President of Lab Services and Medical Director.
Business and Listing Updates
On June 1, 2022, the Company received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market notifying the Company that, for the preceding 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Rule”). As provided in the Nasdaq rules, we have 180 calendar days, or until November 28, 2022, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. We may achieve compliance during this period if the closing bid
price of Aspira common stock is at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. If we fail to regain compliance on or prior to November 28, 2022, we may be eligible for an additional 180-calendar day compliance period. There is no assurance that we will be able to regain compliance by the November 28, 2022 deadline or the additional 180-calendar day extended deadline, and there is no assurance that we will otherwise maintain compliance with this or any of the other Nasdaq continued listing requirements.
On June 4, 2022, we entered into a new, exclusive agreement with BioReference Health, LLC, formerly known as BioReference Laboratories, Inc. (“BRL”) whereby BRL will jointly sell OVA1plus along with our direct salesforce, thus expanding the scope, reach, and breadth of the combined geographic sales footprint.
On August 8, 2022, we entered into a sponsored research agreement with Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz for the generation of a multi-omic, non-invasive diagnostic aid to identify endometriosis based on circulating microRNAs and proteins. This collaboration aims to develop a technology to guide medical and clinical management of women without a pelvic mass presenting with symptoms of endometriosis and to limit surgical evaluation for those cases where non-invasive tests are equivocal or in patients for whom surgical excision of endometriosis is clinically indicated. This research collaboration agreement will build on our extensive prior research and development efforts and will expand our access to appropriate samples as well as scientific resources required to accelerate the commercialization of our EndoCheck diagnostic test. We believe this agreement will help to ensure a launch of an endometriosis diagnostic test in the second half of 2023.
On June 29, 2022, we entered into a standalone agreement with Scarlet Health, an innovative mobile phlebotomy solution providing collections for Aspira’s patients from the comfort of their home.
Pipeline Expansion Strategy: We are focused on execution of the following core strategic business drivers in delivering state-of-the-art gynecologic health solutions starting with ovarian cancer diagnostics, and specialized laboratory services to build long-term value for our investors:
1)Maximizing the existing OVA1plus opportunity by actively pursuing broad physician adoption and payer coverage;
2)Leveraging our existing database and specimen bank while building our specimen and data repository of gynecologic pelvic mass patients;
3)Expanding our product offerings to aid in diagnostic and risk stratification for additional women’s health diseases with a focus on pelvic disease conditions such as pelvic mass monitoring and endometriosis by adding additional gynecologic bio-analytic solutions involving biomarkers, genetics, other modalities (e.g., imaging), clinical risk factors and patient data; this may occur via licensing or other business development and merger and acquisition opportunities that represent synergistic offerings in women’s health;
4)Coupling our OVA products with an individual’s hereditary genetic risk to refine ovarian cancer risk assessment for high-risk populations; and
5)Expanding our proprietary decentralization platform, Aspira Synergy, to allow more large healthcare networks and physician practices to access OVA and Aspira GenetiX algorithms as a technology transfer service, while also obtaining access to de-identified data through these arrangements to allow us to enhance our algorithm development on a cost-effective basis.
We believe that these business drivers will contribute significantly to addressing unmet medical needs for women facing gynecologic disease and conditions and the continued development of our business.
Recent Publications
In parallel to building our OVA platform offering and our commercial deployment, we have been working on several key publications and product extensions.
The OVAWatch manuscript, "Analytical Validation of a Deep Neural Network Algorithm for the Detection of Ovarian Cancer," has been published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics. The Company has prepared an application for a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses code with the
American Medical Association for the OVAWatch test to distinguish it from OVA1plus with an expectation that Novitas and other payers will apply the OVA1plus Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services fee to OVAWatch, ensuring consistent coverage and pricing for both OVA products.
COVID-19 Pandemic
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. The novel coronavirus has since spread to over 100 countries, including every state in the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, a pandemic, and the United States declared a national emergency with respect to the coronavirus outbreak. This outbreak has severely impacted global economic activity, and many countries and many states in the United States have reacted to the outbreak by instituting quarantines, mandating business and school closures and restricting travel periodically throughout the pandemic. In order to reduce the impact of limitations on visiting physician offices due to closures and quarantines, we implemented other mechanisms for reaching physicians such as virtual sales representative meetings, Key Opinion Leader presentations, and increased digital sales and marketing. Patient enrollment for our planned clinical research studies has been slower than originally planned due to the impact of clinic closures and patients not seeking medical care in some states, which has led to delays in the completion of such studies.
Given the potential for future resurgences of COVID-19 cases and the variety of federal and state actions taken to contain them, we are unable to estimate the potential future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations or cash flows as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q.
In addition, as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q, we have approximately four months of reagents, one of our key testing supplies, in stock, depending on volume of tests performed, and we are working with the manufacturer to ensure a consistent supply over the next six months. As previously disclosed, we have put in place staffing and reagent contingency plans to ensure there is no down time at our lab. We believe the lab could continue to operate in the event any isolated infection were to impact a portion of the workforce. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our product revenue is generated by performing diagnostic services using our OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus or Aspira GenetiX tests, and the service is completed upon the delivery of the test result to the prescribing physician. The entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation contained in a contract with a patient. Under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, all revenue is recognized upon completion of the OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus or Aspira GenetiX test and delivery of test results to the physician based on estimates of amounts that will ultimately be realized. In determining the amount of revenue to be recognized for a delivered test result, we consider factors such as payment history and amount, payer coverage, whether there is a reimbursement contract between the payer and us, and any developments or changes that could impact reimbursement. These estimates require significant judgment by management. For OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus and Aspira GenetiX tests, we also review our patient account population and determine an appropriate distribution of patient accounts by payer (i.e., Medicare, patient pay, other third-party payer, etc.) into portfolios with similar collection experience. When evaluated for collectability, this results in a materially consistent revenue amount for such portfolios as if each patient account were evaluated on an individual contract basis.
Results of Operations - Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
The selected summary financial and operating data of the Company for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
|
| |||||||
|
| June 30, |
| Increase (Decrease) | |||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| Amount |
| % | |||
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product |
| $ | 2,018 |
| $ | 1,720 |
| $ | 298 |
| 17 |
Genetics |
|
| 48 |
|
| 79 |
|
| (31) |
| (39) |
Total revenue |
|
| 2,066 |
|
| 1,799 |
|
| 267 |
| 15 |
Cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product |
|
| 1,036 |
|
| 839 |
|
| 197 |
| 23 |
Genetics |
|
| 64 |
|
| 264 |
|
| (200) |
| (76) |
Total cost of revenue |
|
| 1,100 |
|
| 1,103 |
|
| (3) |
| (0) |
Gross profit |
|
| 966 |
|
| 696 |
|
| 270 |
| 39 |
Operating expenses: |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Research and development |
|
| 1,410 |
|
| 1,471 |
|
| (61) |
| (4) |
Sales and marketing |
|
| 3,580 |
|
| 4,018 |
|
| (438) |
| (11) |
General and administrative |
|
| 4,196 |
|
| 3,279 |
|
| 917 |
| 28 |
Total operating expenses |
|
| 9,186 |
|
| 8,768 |
|
| 418 |
| 5 |
Loss from operations |
|
| (8,220) |
|
| (8,072) |
|
| (148) |
| 2 |
Interest (expense) income, net |
|
| (10) |
|
| 3 |
|
| (13) |
| 433 |
Other (expense) income, net |
|
| (13) |
|
| 995 |
|
| (1,008) |
| 101 |
Net loss |
| $ | (8,243) |
| $ | (7,074) |
| $ | (1,169) |
| 17 |
Product Revenue. Product revenue was $2,018,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $1,720,000 for the same period in 2021. Revenue for ASPiRA LABS is recognized when the OVA1, OVERA, or OVA1plus test is completed based on estimates of what we expect to ultimately realize. The 17% product revenue increase is due to an increase in OVA1 test volume compared to the prior year, partially offset by a lower revenue average unit price (“AUP”), which decreased from $378 in the second quarter of 2021 to $373 in the second quarter of 2022. The product revenue increase was also driven by an increased volume of tests performed for higher AUP payers, such as those for Medicare and insurance carriers.
Medicaid represents approximately 12.0% of volume in the three months ended June 30, 2022, at an AUP of $90. This is compared to 12.2% of volume in the same period in 2021, at an AUP of $92. Our OVA1plus AUP without Medicaid was $414 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $417 for the same period in 2021. Product revenue increased 10% sequentially for the second quarter of 2022 as compared to the first quarter of 2022.
The number of Product tests performed increased 19% to 5,411 during the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to 4,553 Product tests for the same period in 2021. The number of Product tests performed increased 12% sequentially during the second quarter 2022 as compared to the first quarter 2022. These increases are a result of increased access to provider offices and increased investment in our current commercial channel. We expect revenue to continue to increase in 2022 due to our investment in key salesforce hires and strategic product development.
Genetics Revenue. Genetics revenue was $48,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $79,000 for the same period in 2021. Revenue for Aspira GenetiX is recognized when the Aspira GenetiX test is completed based on estimates of what we expect to ultimately realize. The 39% genetics revenue decrease is primarily due to decreased volumes and decreased AUP as compared to the same period in 2021.
Cost of Revenue – Product. Cost of product revenue was $1,036,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $839,000 for the same period in 2021, representing an increase of $197,000, or 23%, due primarily to increased personnel costs, lab supply costs, and software license fees resulting from the increase in tests performed compared to the prior year.
Cost of Revenue – Genetics. Cost of genetics revenue, which consisted primarily of personnel costs and consulting expense after the launch of Aspira GenetiX, was $64,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $264,000 for the same period in 2021. The decrease in cost was due to a decrease of $111,000 in personnel costs, and a decrease in volume of tests performed as compared to the same period in 2021.
Gross Profit Margin. Gross profit margin for OVA1plus decreased to 48.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2022, compared to 52.0% for the same period in 2021. This decrease was primarily related to increased personnel costs, lab supply costs, and software license fees.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses represent costs incurred to develop our technology and carry out clinical studies, and include personnel-related expenses, regulatory costs, reagents and supplies used in research and development laboratory work, infrastructure expenses, contract services and other outside costs. Research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $61,000, or 4%, compared to the same period in 2021. Compared to the first quarter of 2022 research and development expenses increased $62,000, or 5%. This increase was primarily due to clinical validity and product development costs related to OVAWatch. We expect research and development expenses to increase in 2022, sequentially as well as relative to 2021, as a result of increased projects, clinical studies and our research collaboration agreements.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, education and promotional expenses. These expenses include the costs of educating physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus and Aspira GenetiX. Sales and marketing expenses also include the costs of sponsoring continuing medical education, medical meeting participation, and dissemination of scientific and health economic publications. Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2022 decreased by $438,000, or 11%, compared to the same period in 2021. This decrease was primarily due to decreased personnel, recruiting and consulting expenses. We expect sales and marketing expenses to increase sequentially in 2022 as we prepare to launch OVAWatch.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, professional fees and other costs, including legal, finance and accounting expenses and other infrastructure expenses. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $917,000, or 28%, compared to the same period in 2021. This increase was primarily due to increased personnel expenses of $915,000. We expect general and administrative expenses to remain relatively flat sequentially in 2022.
Results of Operations – Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
The selected summary financial and operating data of the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
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| Six Months Ended |
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| |||||||
|
| June 30, |
| Increase (Decrease) | |||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| Amount |
| % | |||
Revenue: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product |
| $ | 3,853 |
| $ | 3,136 |
| $ | 717 |
| 23 |
Genetics |
|
| 106 |
|
| 159 |
|
| (53) |
| (33) |
Total revenue |
|
| 3,959 |
|
| 3,295 |
|
| 664 |
| 20 |
Cost of revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product |
|
| 1,893 |
|
| 1,494 |
|
| 399 |
| 27 |
Genetics |
|
| 139 |
|
| 502 |
|
| (363) |
| (72) |
Total cost of revenue |
|
| 2,032 |
|
| 1,996 |
|
| 36 |
| 2 |
Gross profit |
|
| 1,927 |
|
| 1,299 |
|
| 628 |
| 48 |
Operating expenses: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
| 2,758 |
|
| 2,343 |
|
| 415 |
| 18 |
Sales and marketing |
|
| 8,077 |
|
| 7,126 |
|
| 951 |
| 13 |
General and administrative |
|
| 8,559 |
|
| 5,788 |
|
| 2,771 |
| 48 |
Total operating expenses |
|
| 19,394 |
|
| 15,257 |
|
| 4,137 |
| 27 |
Loss from operations |
|
| (17,467) |
|
| (13,958) |
|
| (3,509) |
| 25 |
Interest (expense) income, net |
|
| (28) |
|
| (21) |
|
| (7) |
| 33 |
Other (expense) income, net |
|
| (16) |
|
| 985 |
|
| (1,001) |
| (102) |
Net loss |
| $ | (17,511) |
| $ | (12,994) |
| $ | (4,517) |
| 35 |
Product Revenue. Product revenue was $3,853,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $3,136,000 for the same period in 2021. Revenue for ASPiRA LABS is recognized when the OVA1, OVERA, or OVA1plus test is completed based on estimates of what we expect to ultimately realize. The 23% product revenue increase is primarily due to an increase in OVA1 test volume compared to the prior year, partially offset by a modest decrease in AUP, which decreased from $377 in the first half of 2021 to $376 in the first half of 2022.
Medicaid represents approximately 11.8% of volume in the six months ended June 30, 2022, at an AUP of $90. This is compared to 11.7% of volume in the first half of 2021, at an AUP of $90. Our OVA1plus AUP without Medicaid was $415 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $417 for the same period in 2021.
The number of Product tests performed increased 23% to 10,257 during the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to 8,328 Product tests for the same period in 2021. This increase was due to increased access to provider offices and increased investment in our current commercial channel.
Genetics Revenue. Genetics revenue was $106,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $159,000 for the same period in 2021. Revenue for Aspira GenetiX is recognized when the Aspira GenetiX test is completed based on estimates of what we expect to ultimately realize. The 33% genetics revenue decrease is primarily due to decreased volumes as compared to the same period in 2021, in addition to the AUP decreasing to $424 from $483 from the same period in 2021.
Cost of Revenue – Product. Cost of product revenue was $1,893,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $1,494,000 for the same period in 2021, representing an increase of $399,000, or 27%, due primarily to increased personnel costs, lab supply costs, and software license fees resulting from the increase in tests performed compared to the prior year.
Cost of Revenue – Genetics. Cost of genetics revenue, which consisted primarily of personnel costs and consulting expense after the launch of Aspira GenetiX, was $139,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to $502,000 for the same period in 2021. The decrease in cost was due to a decrease of $219,000 in personnel costs and a decrease in volume of tests performed as compared to the same period in 2021.
Gross Profit Margin. Gross profit margin for OVA1plus decreased slightly to 50.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to 53.0% for the same period in 2021. This decrease was primarily related to increased personnel costs, lab supply costs, and software license fees.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses represent costs incurred to develop our technology and carry out clinical studies, and include personnel-related expenses, regulatory costs, reagents and supplies used in research and development laboratory work, infrastructure expenses, contract services and other outside costs. Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $415,000, or 18%, compared to the same period in 2021. This increase was primarily due to clinical validity and product development costs related to OVAWatch, our third-generation product, as well as investments in Aspira Synergy, increased personnel expenses, associated with EndoCheck regulatory clearance and severance paid in relation to our reorganization of $132,000. We expect research and development expenses to increase in 2022, sequentially as well as relative to 2021, as a result of increased projects and clinical studies.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, education and promotional expenses. These expenses include the costs of educating physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus and Aspira GenetiX. Sales and marketing expenses also include the costs of sponsoring continuing medical education, medical meeting participation, and dissemination of scientific and health economic publications. Sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $951,000, or 13%, compared to the same period in 2021. This increase was primarily due to increased personnel, severance paid in relation to our reorganization, commissions, marketing expenses, sales meetings and travel and entertainment costs. We expect sales and marketing expenses to increase sequentially in 2022, due to investing in key strategic hires and product portfolio expansion.
During the first quarter of 2022, we executed a commercial reorganization resulting in the separation of a number of employees. The changes were aimed at enhancing our national sales force and driving the accelerated adoption of OVA1plus as the standard of care for early risk detection of ovarian cancer in women who have been planned for surgery. The organizational changes resulted in the recording of one-time severance, separation, and settlement payments in the first quarter of approximately $1,284,000 including estimated future payouts, of which $1,085,000 paid related to sales and marketing, partially offset by insurance reimbursement of $523,000, of which $503,000 related to sales and marketing.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, professional fees and other costs, including legal, finance and accounting expenses and other infrastructure expenses. General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2022 increased by $2,771,000, or 48%, compared to the same period in 2021. This increase was primarily due to increased personnel expenses of $2,311,000 and legal fees of $322,000. Severance paid to general and administrative-related personnel was immaterial. We expect general and administrative expenses to remain relatively flat sequentially in 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We plan to continue to expend resources selling and marketing OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus and Aspira GenetiX and developing additional diagnostic tests and service capabilities. We plan to launch our next generation ovarian cancer risk assessment test, OVAWatch, in the second half of 2022.
We have incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, and as a result have an accumulated deficit of approximately $489,239,000 as of June 30, 2022. We also expect to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations for 2022. Working capital levels may not be sufficient to fund operations as currently planned through the next twelve months, absent a significant increase in revenue over historic revenue or additional financing. Given the above conditions, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We expect to raise capital through sources that may include public or private equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, licensing arrangements, grants and government funding and strategic alliances. However, additional funding may not be available when needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional capital, we may not be able to continue sales and marketing, research and development, or other operations on the scope or scale of current activity, and that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
As discussed in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, in March 2016, we entered into a loan agreement (as amended on March 7, 2018 and April 3, 2020, the “DECD Loan Agreement”) with the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (the “DECD”), pursuant to which we may borrow up to $4,000,000 from the DECD.
The loan may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. An initial disbursement of $2,000,000 was made to us on April 15, 2016 under the DECD Loan Agreement. On December 3, 2020, we received a disbursement of the remaining $2,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement, as we had achieved the target employment milestone necessary to receive an additional $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement and the DECD determined to fund the remaining $1,000,000 under the DECD Loan Agreement after concluding that the required revenue target would likely have been achieved in the first quarter of 2020 in the absence of the impacts of COVID-19.
Under the terms of the DECD Loan Agreement, we may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $1,500,000 of the principal amount of the loan if we achieve certain job creation and retention milestones by December 31, 2022. Conversely, if we are either unable to retain 25 full-time employees with a specified average annual salary for a consecutive two-year period or do not maintain our Connecticut operations through March 22, 2026, the DECD may require early repayment of a portion or all of the loan plus a penalty of 5% of the total funded loan. For additional information, see Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements.
As discussed in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, on May 1, 2020, we obtained the Paycheck Protection Program loan (the “PPP Loan”) from BBVA USA in the aggregate amount of approximately $1,006,000. We applied for forgiveness of the PPP Loan in March 2021, and, effective May 27, 2021, the SBA confirmed the waiver of our repayment of the PPP Loan, which was recognized as a gain in other income in 2021. We remain subject to an audit of the PPP loan. There is no assurance that we will not be required to repay all or a portion of the PPP Loan as a result of any such audit.
As discussed in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, on February 8, 2021, the Company completed a public offering (the “2021 Offering”) resulting in net proceeds of approximately $47,720,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. There was a change in estimate in the third quarter of 2021 in the amount of $138,000 relating to an expense reversal of offering costs.
In connection with a private placement offering of common stock and warrants we completed in May 2013, we entered into a stockholders agreement which, among other things, gives two of the primary investors in that offering the right to participate in any future equity offerings by the Company on the same price and terms as
other investors. In addition, the stockholders agreement prohibits us from taking certain material actions without the consent of at least one of the two primary investors in that offering. These material actions include:
Making any acquisition with a value greater than $2 million;
Offering, selling or issuing any securities senior to Aspira’s common stock or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for securities ranking senior to Aspira’s common stock;
Taking any action that would result in a change in control of the Company or an insolvency event; and
Paying or declaring dividends on any securities of the Company or distributing any assets of the Company other than in the ordinary course of business or repurchasing any outstanding securities of the Company.
The foregoing rights terminate for a primary investor when that investor ceases to beneficially own less than 50% of the shares and warrants (taking into account shares issued upon exercise of the warrants), in the aggregate, that were purchased at the closing of the 2013 private placement.
As mentioned, we have incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, and we expect to continue to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations in 2022. At June 30, 2022 we had an accumulated deficit of ($489,239,000) and stockholders’ equity of $14,122,000. As of June 30, 2022, we had $20,480,000 of cash and cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash of $250,000), $7,044,000 of current liabilities, and working capital of $15,912,000. There can be no assurance that we will achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operations. While we expect to grow revenue through ASPiRA LABS, there is no assurance of our ability to generate substantial revenues and cash flows from ASPiRA LABS’ operations. We expect revenue from our products to be our only material, recurring source of cash in 2022. In addition, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken to contain it on our liquidity for 2022 cannot be estimated as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q.
Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon many factors, including, among others:
resources devoted to sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;
the rate of OVA1, OVERA, OVA1plus and Aspira GenetiX product adoption by physicians and patients;
the rate of product adoption by healthcare systems and large physician practices of the decentralized distribution agreements for OVA1, OVERA and OVA1plus;
the insurance payer community’s acceptance of and reimbursement for our products;
our plans to acquire or invest in other products, technologies and businesses;
the potential need to add study sites to access additional patients to maintain clinical timelines; and
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken to contain it, as discussed above.
We expect cash utilization in the second half of 2022 to decrease from the first half of 2022. Note that the first quarter of 2022 had personnel costs, including those associated with our commercial reorganization. In addition, we had our annual performance plan payout in the first quarter, a cost that will not be incurred in the remaining three quarters of 2022. In the second quarter of 2022, the impact of our operational excellence strategic initiatives began, most notably with respect to reduced consulting costs as we focused on innovation focused on OVAWatch and EndoCheck. We also enhanced our sales and marketing in preparation for the BRL collaboration and the launch of OVAWatch. We expect cash utilization to increase in the third quarter of 2022 in connection with our research and collaboration commitments. In addition, we expect increased costs in commercial and research and development during the third quarter of 2022, as we invest in talent to deliver on our goals. We expect to see sequential improvement in net cash utilization in the fourth quarter of 2022 as we do not plan to incur one-time research and collaboration costs, which may be incurred in the third quarter, and as we start to see the impact of our anticipated top line growth.
Net cash used in operating activities was $16,477,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, resulting primarily from the net loss reported of $17,511,000, which includes non-cash expenses in the amount of $1,448,000 related to stock compensation expense and $128,000 related to depreciation and amortization, offset by changes in prepaid expense and other assets of $408,000 and changes in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities of $855,000, consisting of a decrease in short-term debt of $519,000, partially offset by changes in accounts receivable of $85,000 and inventory of $17,000.
Net cash used in operating activities was $11,745,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, resulting primarily from the net loss reported of $12,994,000, which includes non-cash items such as stock compensation expense of $1,771,000, PPP loan forgiveness of $1,006,000 and depreciation and amortization of $172,000, offset by changes in prepaid expense and other assets of $350,000 and changes in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities of $208,000, partially offset by changes in accounts receivable of $208,000 and inventory of $71,000.
Net cash used in investing activities was $105,000 and $136,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which consisted of property and equipment purchases.
Net cash used in financing activities was $118,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, which primarily included principal payments on the DECD loan. Net cash provided by financing activities was $48,236,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, which resulted primarily from the February 2021 public offering, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $47,721,000, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses of $515,000. There was a change in estimate in the third quarter of 2021 in the amount of $137,000 relating to an expense reversal of offering costs.
We have significant NOL carryforwards as of June 30, 2022 for which a full valuation allowance has been provided due to our history of operating losses. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 382”), as well as similar state provisions may restrict our ability to use our NOL credit carryforwards due to ownership change limitations occurring in the past or that could occur in the future. These ownership changes may also limit the amount of NOL credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively.
Legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted in December 2017. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, federal NOLs arising before January 1, 2018, and federal NOLs arising after January 1, 2018, are subject to different rules. The Company's pre- 2018 federal NOLs will expire in varying amounts from 2022 through 2037, if not utilized; and can offset 100% of future taxable income for regular tax purposes. Any federal NOLs arising after January 1, 2018, can generally be carried forward indefinitely and can offset up to 80% of future taxable income. State NOLs will expire in varying amounts from 2022 through 2037 if not utilized. Our ability to use our NOLs during this period will be dependent on our ability to generate taxable income, and the NOLs could expire before the Company generates sufficient taxable income. The Company’s ability to use NOL carryforwards may be restricted due to ownership change limitations occurring in the past or that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382, as well as similar state specific provisions. These ownership changes may also limit the amount of NOL carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively.
Our management believes that Section 382 ownership changes occurred as a result of our follow-on public offerings in 2011, 2013 and 2015. Any limitation may result in the expiration of a portion of the NOL carryforwards before utilization and any NOL carryforwards that expire prior to utilization as a result of such limitations will be removed from deferred tax assets with a corresponding reduction of our valuation allowance. Due to the existence of a valuation allowance, it is not expected that such limitations, if any, will have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of June 30, 2022, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our condensed consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Per Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K, the information called for by this Item 3 is not required.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
Our senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of June 30, 2022. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of June 30, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in internal controls over financial reporting.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of business, we may periodically become subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in connection with ongoing business activities. The results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable resolutions are possible and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. In addition, regardless of the outcome, litigation could have an adverse impact on us because of defense costs, diversion of management resources and other factors. While the outcome of these proceedings and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no matters, as of June 30, 2022, that, in the opinion of management, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to our risk factors from those disclosed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022 (the “2021 Annual Report”). The risks and uncertainties described below and in our 2021 Annual Report are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Failure to meet Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements could result in the delisting of Aspira common stock, negatively impact the price of Aspira common stock and negatively impact our ability to raise additional capital.
On June 1, 2022, we received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market stating that, for the preceding 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for Aspira common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on The Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Rule”). As provided in the Nasdaq rules, we have 180 calendar days, or until November 28, 2022, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. We may achieve compliance during this period if the closing bid price of Aspira common stock is at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. If we fail to regain compliance on or prior to November 28, 2022, we may be eligible for an additional 180-calendar day compliance period. There is no assurance that we will be able to regain compliance by the November 28, 2022 initial deadline or any extension thereof, and there is no assurance that we will otherwise maintain compliance with any of the other Nasdaq listing requirements.
If we fail to comply with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements, Aspira common stock will be subject to delisting. If that were to occur, Aspira common stock would be subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell Aspira securities. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by these requirements could discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in Aspira common stock. This would adversely affect the ability of investors to trade Aspira securities and would adversely affect the value and liquidity of Aspira common stock. These factors could contribute to lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for Aspira common stock. If we seek to implement a reverse stock split in order to remain listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, the announcement or implementation of such a reverse stock split could negatively affect the price of Aspira common stock.
There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and this may adversely affect our stock price and our ability to raise capital.
We have incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and have an accumulated deficit of nearly $489 million as of the end of the period covered by this report. We also expect to incur a net loss and negative cash flows from operations in 2022. Given these conditions, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We believe that successful achievement of the business objectives will require additional financing. We expect to raise capital through sources that may include public or private equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, licensing arrangements, grants and government funding and strategic alliances. However, additional funding may not be available when needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional capital, we may not be able to continue sales and marketing, research and development, distribution or other operations on the scope or scale of current activity and that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference with this report as indicated below:
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| File No. |
| Exhibit |
| Date |
| Herewith | ||
| Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vermillion, Inc. dated January 22, 2010 |
| 8-K |
| 000-31617 |
| 3.1 |
| January 25, 2010 |
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| 10-Q |
| 001-34810 |
| 3.2 |
| August 14, 2014 |
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| 8-K |
| 001-34810 |
| 3.1 |
| June 11, 2020 |
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| Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock |
| 8-K |
| 001-34810 |
| 4.1 |
| April 17, 2018 |
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| Amended and Restated Bylaws of Aspira Women's Health Inc., effective February 23, 2022 |
| 8-K |
| 001-34810 |
| 3.1 |
| February 28, 2022 |
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| Form of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. Stock Option Award Agreement # |
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| Form of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement # |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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| Aspira Women’s Health Inc. |
Date: August 10, 2022 |
/s/ Nicole Sandford |
| Nicole Sandford President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director
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Date: August 10, 2022 |
/s/ Robert Beechey |
| Robert Beechey Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
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Exhibit 10.1
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
____________________________
Stock Option Award Agreement
____________________________
You are hereby awarded this stock option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of Common Stock of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”) and in the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). A link to this Plan is attached in Exhibit A. Terms below that begin with capital letters have the special meaning set forth in the Plan (or in this Award Agreement, if defined herein).
This Award is subject to your execution of this Award Agreement specified in Section 1 below. By executing this Award Agreement, you will be irrevocably agreeing that all of your rights under this Award will be determined solely and exclusively by reference to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, subject to the provisions set forth below. As a result, you should not execute this Award Agreement until you have carefully considered the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award, plus the information disclosed within the Plan prospectus, and consulted with your personal legal and tax advisors about all of these documents.
1.Specific Terms. Your Option has the following terms:
__________________________
1 If you directly or indirectly own more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, then the term of your ISO cannot exceed 5 years and the exercise price must be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value (100% for any other employee who is receiving ISO awards). Only employees may receive ISOs.
2 The exercise price of a Nonqualified Stock Option must be at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares.
Exhibit 10.1
Vesting: |
Your Option will vest over four years with 25% vesting on [●], and an additional 25% per year for the remaining three years. In all cases, vesting of your ISO or Nonqualified Stock Option will only occur on a particular date if your Continuous Service has not ended before the particular vesting date (subject to the terms of any employment or services agreement between you and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries). |
Recapture and Recoupment |
☒ Section 5.13 of the Plan shall apply re Termination, Rescission, and Recapture of this Award. ☒ Section 5.14 of the Plan shall apply re recoupment of this Award. |
2.Manner of Exercise. This Option shall be exercised in the manner and by any means set forth in Section 2.1(c) the Plan, using the exercise form attached hereto as Exhibit B. The amount of shares of Common Stock for which this Option may be exercised is cumulative; that is, if you fail to exercise this Option for all of the shares of Common Stock vested under this Option during any period set forth above, then any shares of Common Stock subject hereto that are not exercised during such period may be exercised during any subsequent period, until the expiration or termination of this Option pursuant to Sections 1 and 4 of this Award Agreement and the terms of the Plan. Fractional shares of Common Stock may not be purchased.
3.Special ISO Provisions. If designated as an ISO, this Option shall be treated as an ISO to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and shall otherwise be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option. If you sell or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an ISO within 1 year from the date such shares of Common Stock were acquired or 2 years from the Grant Date, you agree to deliver a written report to the Company within 10 days following the sale or other disposition of such shares of Common Stock detailing the net proceeds of such sale or disposition.
4.Termination of Continuous Service.
(a)Cessation of Vesting. Subject to the terms of any employment or services agreement between you and the Company (and/or any Subsidiary) that is in effect on the Grant Date, this Award shall be canceled and become automatically null and void immediately after termination of your Continuous Service, but only to the extent you have not become vested, pursuant to the terms of Section 1 above, on or before the date that your Continuous Service ends. For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Continuous Service” shall mean your period of service in the absence of any interruption or termination, as an employee of the Company or Subsidiary, non-employee director, or consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; (iv) changes in status from non-employee director to advisory director or emeritus status; or (iv) transfers between
Exhibit 10.1
locations of the Company or between the Company and its Subsidiaries. Changes in status between service as an employee, non-employee director, and a consultant will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service if the individual continues to perform bona fide services for the Company. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent the vesting of the Option shall be tolled during any paid or unpaid leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting for the Option shall be tolled during any such unpaid leave (but not for a paid leave).
(b)Post-Termination Exercise Period. With respect to the portion of the Option that is vested, or vests, upon your termination of Continuous Service, the following provisions shall apply:
(c)For purposes of this Award Agreement,
(i)“Cause” will have the meaning set forth in any unexpired employment agreement between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and you in effect as of the Grant Date. In the absence of such an agreement, “Cause” will exist if you are terminated from employment or other service with the Company, a Subsidiary or an affiliate for any of the following reasons: (i) your willful failure to substantially perform your duties and responsibilities to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates or deliberate violation of a material Company or Subsidiary policy; (ii) your commission of any material act or acts of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty, or other willful misconduct; (iii) your material unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other party to whom you owe an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of your relationship with the Company; or (iv) your willful and material breach of any of your obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate your service relationship at any time, and the term “Company” will be interpreted herein to include any Affiliate or successor thereto, if appropriate.
(ii)“Disabled” means a condition under which your: (x) are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can
Exhibit 10.1
be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (y) are, 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, received income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident or health plan covering employees of the Company
(iii)“Retirement” means your termination of employment after age 65.
5.Designation of Beneficiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, following the execution of this Award Agreement, you may expressly designate a death beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) to your interest if any, in this Award and any underlying shares of Common Stock. You shall designate the Beneficiary by completing and executing a designation of beneficiary agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Designation of Death Beneficiary”) and delivering an executed copy of the Designation of Beneficiary to the Company. To the extent you do not duly designate a beneficiary who survives you, your estate will automatically be your beneficiary.
6.Restrictions on Transfer of Award. Except as provided under the Plan and as set forth in Section 5 above, your rights under this Award Agreement may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Committee.
7.Taxes. Except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in an employment or consulting agreement between you and your employer, by signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you shall be solely responsible for the satisfaction of any taxes that may arise pursuant to this Award (including taxes arising under Sections 409A (regarding deferred compensation) or 4999 (regarding golden parachute excise taxes), and that neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes or to otherwise indemnify or hold you harmless from any or all of such taxes. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the requirements of the Code, including Section 409A, for purposes of the Plan and this Award Agreement. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant this Award, payment by you of any taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with this Award, by any means set forth in Section 5.5. of the Plan.
8.Not a Contract of Employment or Continued Service. By executing this Award, you acknowledge and agree that (i) any person who is terminated before full vesting of an award, such as the one granted to you by this Award Agreement, could claim that he or she was terminated to preclude vesting; (ii) you promise never to make such a claim; (iii) nothing in this Award Agreement or the Plan confers on you any right to continue an employment, service or consulting relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, nor shall it affect in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to terminate your employment, service, or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause; and (iv) the Company would not have granted this Award to you but for these acknowledgements and agreements.
9.Investment Purposes. By executing this Award Agreement, you represent and warrant that any shares of Common Stock issued to you pursuant to your Option will be held for investment purposes only for your own account, and not with a view to, for resale in connection with, or with an
Exhibit 10.1
intent in participating directly or indirectly in, any distribution of such shares of Common Stock within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
10.Securities Law Restrictions. Regardless of whether the offering and sale of this Option or shares of Common Stock under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act, or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company at its discretion may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge or other transfer of such shares of Common Stock (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates or the imposition of stop-transfer instructions) if, in the judgment of the Company, such restrictions are necessary or desirable in order to achieve compliance with the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or any other law or to enforce the intent of this Award.
11.Headings. Section and other headings contained in this Award Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope or intent of this Award Agreement or any provision hereof.
12.Severability. Every provision of this Award Agreement and of the Plan is intended to be severable. If any term hereof is illegal or invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remaining terms of this Award Agreement.
13.Counterparts. This Award Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
14.Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted by any provision of this Award Agreement to be given to you shall be in writing and shall be delivered electronically, personally, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to you at the last address that the Company had for you on its records. Each party may, from time to time, by notice to the other party hereto, specify a new address for delivery of notices relating to this Award Agreement. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given as of the date such notice is personally or electronically delivered or properly mailed.
15.Binding Effect. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement or in the Plan, every covenant, term, and provision of this Award Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees, and assigns.
16.Modifications. This Award Agreement may be modified or amended at any time, in accordance with the Plan, provided that any amendment that materially impairs your rights under this Award Agreement shall require your consent.
17.Plan Governs. By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan and that your Award Agreement is subject to all the provisions contained in the Plan, the provisions of which are made a part of this Award Agreement and your Award is subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which from time to time may be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Award Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
Exhibit 10.1
18.Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Award Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
19.Protected Rights. Nothing contained in this Award Agreement is intended to limit your ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (A) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
BY YOUR SIGNATURE BELOW, along with the signature of the Company’s representative, you and the Company agree that this Award is made under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
By:
Name: Robert Beechey
Title: Chief Financial Officer
PARTICIPANT
The undersigned Participant hereby accepts the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.1
Exhibit A
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
____________________________
Plan Document
____________________________
Please click on link below to view the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan.
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/926617/000092661719000033/vrml-20190624xex10_1.htm
Exhibit 10.1
Exhibit B
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
__________________________________________
Form of Exercise of Stock Option Award Agreement
___________________________________________
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
12117 Bee Caves Road, Building 3, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78738
Attention: _Robert Beechey_______
Dear Sir or Madam:
The undersigned elects to exercise his/her Option to purchase _____ shares of Common Stock of the Company under and pursuant to a Stock Option Agreement dated as of ______________.
1. Delivered herewith is a certified or bank cashier’s or teller’s check and/or shares of Common Stock owned by the undersigned, valued at the closing sale price of the stock on the date of exercise, as follows:
$____________in cash
$____________in the form of ____ shares of Common Stock,
valued at $___________ per share
$ Total
2. The undersigned elects a net exercise, hereby authorizing the Company to withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise subject to this Option a number of shares sufficient to cover the exercise price and minimum statutory withholding taxes payable pursuant to this exercise.*
If method 1 is chosen, the name or names to be on the stock certificate or certificates and the address and Social Security Number of such person(s) is as follows:
Name:
Address:
Social Security Number
Very truly yours,
_________________
DateOptionee
*The Committee must approve this method in writing before your election
Exhibit 10.1
Exhibit C
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
_________________________________
Designation of Death Beneficiary
_________________________________
In connection with the Awards designated below that I have received pursuant to the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), I hereby designate the person specified below as the beneficiary upon my death of my interest in such Awards. This designation shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by me.
Name of Beneficiary:
Address:__________________
Social Security No.:
This beneficiary designation relates to any and all of my rights under the following Award or Awards:
any Award that I have received or ever receive under the Plan.
the _________________ Award that I received pursuant to an award agreement dated _________ __, ____ between myself and the Company.
I understand that this designation operates to entitle the above named beneficiary, in the event of my death, to any and all of my rights under the Award(s) designated above from the date this form is delivered to the Company until such date as this designation is revoked in writing by me, including by delivery to the Company of a written designation of beneficiary executed by me on a later date.
Date:
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.2
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
____________________________
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
____________________________
You are hereby awarded Restricted Stock Units (the “RSUs”) subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement” or “Award”), and in the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). A copy of the Plan is attached as Exhibit A. Terms beginning with initial capital letters within this Agreement have the special meaning defined in the Plan (or in this Award Agreement, if defined herein).
This Award is subject to your execution of this Award Agreement [within 75 (seventy-five) days] 1 after the Grant Date specified in Section 1 below. By executing this Award Agreement, you will be irrevocably agreeing that all of your rights under this Award will be determined solely and exclusively by reference to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, subject to the provisions set forth below. As a result, you should not execute this Award Agreement until you have carefully considered the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award, plus the information disclosed within the Plan prospectus, and consulted with your personal legal and tax advisors about all of these documents.
1.Specific Terms. Your RSUs have the following terms:
__________________________
1 Note to Company: Discuss whether to retain this requirement.
Exhibit 10.2
Deferral Elections2 |
☐Permitted if approved by the Committee in accordance with Section 5.9 of the Plan ☐Not allowed. |
Recapture and Recoupment |
☐Section 5.13 of the Plan shall apply re Termination, Rescission, and Recapture of this Award. ☐Section 5.14 of the Plan shall apply re recoupment of this Award. |
2.Termination of Continuous Service. Subject to the terms of any employment agreement between you and the Company (and/or any Subsidiary) that is in effect on the Grant Date, this Award shall be canceled and become automatically null and void immediately after termination of your Continuous Service for any reason, but only to the extent you have not become vested, pursuant to terms of Section 1 above, on or before the date that your Continuous Service ends. For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Continuous Service” shall mean your period of service in the absence of any interruption or termination, as an employee of the Company or Subsidiary, non-employee director, or consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; (iv) changes in status from non-employee director to advisory director or emeritus status; or (iv) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Subsidiaries. Changes in status between service as an employee, non-employee director, and a consultant will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service if the individual continues to perform bona fide services for the Company. Subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Committee shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent the vesting of the Award shall be tolled during any paid or unpaid leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting for the Award shall be tolled during any such unpaid leave (but not for a paid leave).
3.Satisfaction of Vesting Restrictions. No shares of Common Stock will be issued before you complete the requirements that are necessary for you to vest in the shares of Common Stock underlying your RSUs. Within sixty (60) days after the later of (i) the date on which your RSUs vest, in whole or in part, or (ii) the distribution date or dates set forth in your deferral and distribution election forms (if permitted under Section 1, made by you, and approved by the Committee), the Company will issue to you or your duly-authorized transferee, free from vesting restrictions (but subject to such legends as the Company determines to be appropriate), one share of Common Stock for each vested RSU. The Company may satisfy any minimum statutory tax withholding required in connection with the vesting of your RSUs and employment taxes required by applicable tax law by: (i) requiring you to pay such amount in cash; or (ii) by deducting such amount out of any other
_________________________
2 Note to Company: Does the Company ever permit deferrals? Confirm that the deferrals are administered in accordance with 409A of the tax code.
Exhibit 10.2
compensation otherwise payable to you. Certificates shall not be delivered to you unless all applicable employment and tax-withholding obligations have been satisfied.
4.Rights as a Stockholder. You shall not be entitled to any privileges of ownership with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to the Award unless and until, and only to the extent, such shares become vested and you become a stockholder of record with respect to such shares. As of each date on which the Company pays a cash dividend to record owners of shares of Common Stock (a “Dividend Date”), you shall have no entitlement to receive such cash dividend, and the number of shares subject to the Award shall increase by (i) the product of the total number of shares subject to the Award immediately prior to such Dividend Date multiplied by the dollar amount of the cash dividend paid per share of Stock by the Company on such Dividend Date, divided by (ii) the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on such Dividend Date. Any such additional shares shall be subject to the same vesting conditions and payment terms set forth herein as the shares to which they relate.
5.Designation of Beneficiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, following the execution of this Award Agreement, you may expressly designate a death beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) to your interest, if any, in this Award and any underlying shares of Common Stock. You shall designate the Beneficiary by completing and executing a designation of beneficiary agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Designation of Death Beneficiary”) and delivering an executed copy of the Designation of Beneficiary to the Company. To the extent you do not duly designate a beneficiary who survives you, your estate will automatically be your beneficiary.
6.Restrictions on Transfer of Award. Except as provided under the Plan and as set forth in Section 5 above, your rights under this Award Agreement may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Committee.
7.Taxes.
(a)General. By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you shall be solely responsible for the satisfaction of any applicable taxes that may arise pursuant to this Award (including taxes arising under Code Section 409A (regarding deferred compensation) or 4999 (regarding golden parachute excise taxes), and that neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes or to otherwise indemnify or hold you harmless from any or all of such taxes. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the requirements of the Code, including Section 409A, for purposes of the Plan and this Award Agreement.
(b)Section 409A. This Award is intended to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted and construed accordingly. To the extent any agreement between you and the Company provides for the Award to become vested and be settled upon your termination of employment, the applicable shares of Common Stock shall be transferred to you or your beneficiary upon your “separation from service,” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code; provided that if you are a “specified employee,” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, then to the extent the Award constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation, within the
Exhibit 10.2
meaning of Section 409A of the Code, such shares of Common Stock shall be transferred to you or your beneficiary upon the earlier to occur of (i) the six-month anniversary of such separation from service and (ii) the date of your death.
8.Not a Contract of Employment. By executing this Award Agreement you acknowledge and agree that (i) nothing in this Award Agreement or the Plan confers on you any right to continue an employment, service or consulting relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, nor shall it affect in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to terminate your employment, service, or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause; and (ii) the Company would not have granted this Award to you but for these acknowledgements and agreements.
9.Long-term Consideration for Award. If Section 1 above provides for the application of Plan Section 5.13 to this Award, then by executing this Award Agreement you acknowledge and agree that the Company’s key consideration in granting this Award is securing your long-term commitment to serve as a key employee who will advance and promote the Company’s business interests and objectives, and, accordingly, you agree that this Award shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Plan Section 5.13 (relating to the termination, rescission, and recapture of this Award if you violate certain commitments made therein to the Company) as material and indivisible consideration for this Award.
10.Investment Purposes. By executing this Award, you represent and warrant to the Company that any shares of Common Stock issued to you pursuant to your RSUs will be for investment for your own account and not with a view to, for resale in connection with, or with an intent of participating directly or indirectly in, any distribution of such shares of Common Stock within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
11.Securities Law Restrictions. Regardless of whether the offering and sale of shares of Common Stock under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act, or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company at its discretion may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge or other transfer of such shares of Common Stock (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates or the imposition of stop-transfer instructions) if, in the judgment of the Company, such restrictions are necessary or desirable in order to achieve compliance with the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or any other law or to enforce the intent of this Award.
12.Headings. Section and other headings contained in this Award Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope or intent of this Award Agreement or any provision hereof.
13.Severability. Every provision of this Award Agreement and of the Plan is intended to be severable. If any term hereof is illegal or invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remaining terms of this Award Agreement.
Exhibit 10.2
14.Counterparts. This Award Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
15.Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted by any provision of this Award Agreement to be given to you shall be in writing and shall be delivered electronically, personally, or sent by mail, addressed to you at the last address that the Company had for you on its records. Each party may, from time to time, by notice to the other party hereto, specify a new address for delivery of notices relating to this Award Agreement. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given as of the date such notice is personally or electronically delivered or properly mailed.
16.Binding Effect. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement or in the Plan, every covenant, term, and provision of this Award Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees, and assigns.
17.Modifications. This Award Agreement may be modified or amended at any time, in accordance with the Plan, provided that any amendment that materially impairs your rights under this Award Agreement shall require your consent.
18.Plan Governs. By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan and that your Award Agreement is subject to all the provisions contained in the Plan, the provisions of which are made a part of this Award Agreement, and your Award is subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which from time to time may be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Award Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
19.Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Award Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
Exhibit 10.2
BY YOUR SIGNATURE BELOW, along with the signature of the Company’s representative, you and the Company agree that this Award is made under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
By:
Name: Robert Beechey
Title: Chief Financial Officer
PARTICIPANT
The undersigned Participant hereby accepts the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.2
Exhibit A
Vermillion, Inc.
2019 Stock Incentive Plan
_______________________________
Plan Document
______________________________
Please click on link below to view the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan.
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/926617/000092661719000033/vrml-20190624xex10_1.htm
Exhibit 10.2
Exhibit B
Vermillion, Inc.
2019 Stock Incentive Plan
________________________________
Designation of Death Beneficiary
_________________________________
In connection with the Awards designated below that I have received pursuant to the Plan, I hereby designate the person specified below as the beneficiary upon my death of my interest in such Awards. This designation shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by me.
Name of Beneficiary:
Address:
Social Security No.:
This beneficiary designation relates to any and all of my rights under the following Award or Awards:
any Award that I have received or ever receive under the Plan.
the _________________ Award that I received pursuant to an award agreement dated ___________, ____ between myself and the Company.
I understand that this designation operates to entitle the above named beneficiary, in the event of my death, to any and all of my rights under the Award(s) designated above from the date this form is delivered to the Company until such date as this designation is revoked in writing by me, including by delivery to the Company of a written designation of beneficiary executed by me on a later date.
Date:
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.3
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN1
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1Purposes. The purposes of the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and the recipients of awards under this Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success, (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining Non-Employee Directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long‑term best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
1.2Certain Definitions.
“Agreement” shall mean the written or electronic agreement evidencing an award hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such award.
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee thereof, or such other committee designated by the Board, in each case, consisting of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is intended to be (i) a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and (ii) “independent” within the meaning of the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, within the meaning of the rules of the principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded.
“Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, and all rights appurtenant thereto.
________________________
1 As amended by the Company’s board of directors on June 23, 2022 to reflect the Company’s name change.
Exhibit 10.3
“Company” shall mean Aspira Women’s Health Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
“Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Fair Market Value” shall mean the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock on the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there shall be no reported transactions for such date, on the next preceding date for which transactions were reported; provided, however, that if the Common Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange or if Fair Market Value for any date cannot be so determined, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee by whatever means or method as the Committee, in the good faith exercise of its discretion, shall at such time deem appropriate and in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
“Free-Standing SAR” shall mean an SAR which is not granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option, which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of such SARs which are exercised.
“Government Agencies” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, which is intended by the Committee to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
“Non-Employee Director” shall mean any director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
“Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option.
“Other Stock Award” shall mean an award granted pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Plan.
“Performance Award” shall mean a right to receive an amount of cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
Exhibit 10.3
“Performance Measures” shall mean the criteria and objectives, established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met (i) as a condition to the grant or exercisability of all or a portion of an option or SAR or (ii) during the applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period as a condition to the vesting of the holder’s interest, in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, or, in the case of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, Other Stock Award or Performance Award, to the holder’s receipt of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award or of payment with respect to such award. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries, business or geographical units or operating areas of the Company (except with respect to the total shareholder return and earnings per share criteria) or individual basis, may be used by the Committee in establishing Performance Measures under this Plan: earnings per share; sales or revenue; earnings or income of the Company before or after taxes and/or interest; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net income; returns on equity, assets, capital, investments, or revenue; economic value added; working capital; total stockholder return; the attainment by a share of Common Stock of a specified Fair Market Value for a specified period of time; expenses; cost reduction goals; cash flow; gross profit or gross margin; operating profit or margin; strategic goals relating to product development, product market share, research, licensing, successful completion of clinical trials, submission of applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for new tests, receipt from the FDA of clearance for new tests, commercialization of new tests, litigation, human resources, information services, mergers, acquisitions, sales of assets of affiliates or business units, or such other goals as the Committee may determine whether or not listed herein. Each such goal may be determined on a pre-tax or post-tax basis or on an absolute or relative basis, and may include comparisons based on current internal targets, the past performance of the Company (including the performance of one or more subsidiaries, divisions, or operating units) or the past or current performance of other companies or market indices (or a combination of such past and current performance). In addition to the ratios specifically enumerated above, performance goals may include comparisons relating to capital (including, but not limited to, the cost of capital), shareholders’ equity, shares outstanding, assets or net assets, sales, or any combination thereof. In establishing a Performance Measure or determining the achievement of a Performance Measure, the Committee may provide that achievement of the applicable Performance Measures may be amended or adjusted to include or exclude components of any Performance Measure, including, without limitation, foreign exchange gains and losses, asset write-downs, acquisitions and divestitures, change in fiscal year, unbudgeted capital expenditures, special charges such as restructuring or impairment charges, debt refinancing costs, extraordinary or noncash items, unusual, infrequently occurring, nonrecurring or one-time events affecting the Company or its financial statements or changes in law or accounting principles. Performance Measures shall be subject to such other special rules and conditions as the Committee may establish at any time.
Exhibit 10.3
“Performance Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Performance Measures applicable to an award shall be measured and (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to an award shall remain in effect.
“Person” means any natural person, association, trust, business trust, cooperative, corporation, general partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, limited partnership, limited liability company, real estate investment trust, regulatory body, governmental agency or instrumentality, unincorporated organization or organizational entity.
“Prior Plan” shall mean the Vermillion, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and each other equity plan maintained by the Company under which awards are outstanding as of the effective date of this Plan.
“Recapture” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Reimbursement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.
“Rescission” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Restricted Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock which are subject to a Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be subject to the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
“Restricted Stock Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock under this Plan.
“Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean a right to receive one share of Common Stock or, in lieu thereof and to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock in cash, which shall be contingent upon the expiration of a specified Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
“Restricted Stock Unit Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock Units under this Plan.
“Restriction Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as provided in this Plan or the Agreement relating to such award, or (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award shall remain in effect.
“SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right which may be a Free‑Standing SAR or a Tandem SAR.
“Stock Award” shall mean a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award.
Exhibit 10.3
“Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or similar entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an equity interest possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the total outstanding equity interests of such entity.
“Substitute Award” shall mean an award granted under this Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, including a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided, however, that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an option or SAR.
“Tandem SAR” shall mean an SAR which is granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option (including a Nonqualified Stock Option granted prior to the date of grant of the SAR), which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise of such SAR and surrender for cancellation of all or a portion of such option, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered.
“Tax Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.
“Ten Percent Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
“Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
1.3Administration. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Any one or a combination of the following awards may be made under this Plan to eligible persons: (i) options to purchase shares of Common Stock in the form of Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options; (ii) SARs in the form of Tandem SARs or Free‑Standing SARs; (iii) Stock Awards in the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock Awards; and (iv) Performance Awards. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, select eligible persons for participation in this Plan and determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to an award, the number of SARs, the number of Restricted Stock Units, the dollar value subject to a Performance Award, the purchase price or base price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the Agreement evidencing the award. The Committee may, in its sole discretion and for any reason at any time, take action such that (i) any or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all or a portion of the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse, (iii) all or a portion of the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse and (iv) the Performance Measures (if any) applicable to any outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the
Exhibit 10.3
target, maximum or any other level. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, interpret this Plan and the application thereof, establish rules and regulations it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan and may impose, incidental to the grant of an award, conditions with respect to the award, such as limiting competitive employment or other activities. All such interpretations, rules, regulations and conditions shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.
The Committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority hereunder to the Board (or any members thereof) or, subject to applicable law, to a subcommittee of the Board, a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company as the Committee deems appropriate; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its power and authority to a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company with regard to the selection for participation in this Plan of an officer, director or other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or decisions concerning the timing, pricing or amount of an award to such an officer, director or other person.
No member of the Board or Committee, and neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other executive officer to whom the Committee delegates any of its power and authority hereunder, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Plan in good faith, and the members of the Board and the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law (except as otherwise may be provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and/or By-laws) and under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that may be in effect from time to time.
1.4Eligibility. Participants in this Plan shall consist of such officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors, agents, and persons expected to become officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Committee in its sole discretion may select from time to time. The Committee’s selection of a person to participate in this Plan at any time shall not require the Committee to select such person to participate in this Plan at any other time. Except as otherwise provided for in an Agreement, for purposes of this Plan, references to employment by the Company shall also mean employment by a Subsidiary, and references to employment shall include service as a Non-Employee Director, consultant, independent contractor or agent. The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the extent to which a participant shall be considered employed during an approved leave of absence. The aggregate value of cash compensation and the grant date fair value of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded or granted during any fiscal year of the Company to any Non-Employee Director shall not exceed $400,000.
1.5Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7 and to all other limits set forth in this Plan, 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date shall initially be available for all awards under this Plan, other than Substitute Awards. Subject to adjustment as
Exhibit 10.3
provided in Section 5.7, no more than 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate may be issued under the Plan in connection with Incentive Stock Options. The number of shares of Common Stock that remain available for future grants under the Plan shall be reduced by the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which become subject to outstanding options, outstanding Free-Standing SARs, outstanding Stock Awards and outstanding Performance Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock.
To the extent that shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding option, SAR, Stock Award or Performance Award granted under the Plan or a Prior Plan, other than Substitute Awards, are not issued or delivered by reason of (i) the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award (excluding shares subject to an option cancelled upon settlement in shares of a related Tandem SAR or shares subject to a Tandem SAR cancelled upon exercise of a related option) or (ii) the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares of Common Stock shall again be available under this Plan; provided, however, that shares of Common Stock subject to an award under this Plan or a Prior Plan shall not again be available for issuance under this Plan if such shares are (x) shares that were subject to an option or stock-settled SAR and were not issued or delivered upon the net settlement or net exercise of such option or SAR, (y) shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the purchase price or the withholding taxes related to an outstanding award or (z) shares repurchased by the Company on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise. At the time this Plan becomes effective, none of the shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the Prior Plan shall be available for grant under such Prior Plan or this Plan.
The number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under this Plan shall not be reduced by (i) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Substitute Awards or (ii) available shares under a stockholder approved plan of a company or other entity which was a party to a corporate transaction with the Company (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such corporate transaction) which become subject to awards granted under this Plan (subject to applicable stock exchange requirements).
Shares of Common Stock to be delivered under this Plan shall be made available from authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a combination thereof.
II. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
2.1Stock Options. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant options to purchase shares of Common Stock to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. Each option, or portion thereof, that is not an Incentive Stock Option, shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company, or any parent or Subsidiary) exceeds the amount (currently $100,000) established by the Code, such options shall constitute Nonqualified Stock Options.
Exhibit 10.3
Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of Shares and Purchase Price. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an option and the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of the option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of an option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such option is granted, owns capital stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company (or of any parent or Subsidiary) (a “Ten Percent Holder”), the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall not be less than the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an option that is a Substitute Award, the purchase price per share of the shares subject to such option may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate purchase price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate purchase price of such shares.
(b)Option Period and Exercisability. The period during which an option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no option shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an option or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option. The Committee shall determine whether an option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock.
(c)Method of Exercise. An option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanying such notice with payment therefor in full (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction) either (A) in cash, (B) by delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy such obligation,
Exhibit 10.3
(D) in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) a combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the option, (ii) if applicable, by surrendering to the Company any Tandem SARs which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the option and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to pay such purchase price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the participant. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until the full purchase price therefor and any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.2Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant SARs to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to an SAR shall specify whether the SAR is a Tandem SAR or a Free-Standing SAR.
SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of SARs and Base Price. The number of SARs subject to an award shall be determined by the Committee. Any Tandem SAR related to an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted at the same time that such Incentive Stock Option is granted. The base price of a Tandem SAR shall be the purchase price per share of Common Stock of the related option. The base price of a Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such base price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such SAR (or, if earlier, the date of grant of the option for which the SAR is exchanged or substituted).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an SAR that is a Substitute Award, the base price per share of the shares subject to such SAR may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate base price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate base price of such shares.
(b)Exercise Period and Exercisability. The period for the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that (i) no Tandem SAR shall be exercised later than the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or other termination of the related option and (ii) no Free-Standing SAR shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an SAR or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an SAR. The Committee shall determine whether an SAR may be exercised in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable SAR, or portion thereof, may be exercised, in the case of a Tandem SAR, only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock
Exhibit 10.3
and, in the case of a Free‑Standing SAR, only with respect to a whole number of SARs. If an SAR is exercised for shares of Restricted Stock, a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c), or such shares shall be transferred to the holder in book entry form with restrictions on the shares duly noted, and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Prior to the exercise of a stock-settled SAR, the holder of such SAR shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such SAR.
(c)Method of Exercise. A Tandem SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole SARs which are being exercised, (ii) by surrendering to the Company any options which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the Tandem SAR and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. A Free-Standing SAR may be exercised (A) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the whole number of SARs which are being exercised and (B) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an option or SAR (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such option or SAR, as the case may be, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
2.4No Repricing. The Committee shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) reduce the purchase price or base price of any previously granted option or SAR, (ii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for another option or SAR with a lower purchase price or base price or (iii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award if the purchase price of such option or the base price of such SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of such cancellation, in each case, other than in connection with a Change in Control or the adjustment provisions set forth in Section 5.7.
2.5No Dividend Equivalents.Notwithstanding anything in an Agreement to the contrary, the holder of an option or SAR shall not be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR.
III. STOCK AWARDS
3.1Stock Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to a Stock Award shall specify whether the Stock Award is a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award or, in the case of an Other Stock Award, the type of award being granted.
Exhibit 10.3
3.2Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Stock Issuance. During the Restriction Period, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by a custodian in book entry form with restrictions on such shares duly noted or, alternatively, a certificate or certificates representing a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the holder’s name and may bear a legend, in addition to any legend which may be required pursuant to Section 5.6, indicating that the ownership of the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate is subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock Award. All such certificates shall be deposited with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award in the event such award is forfeited in whole or in part. Upon termination of any applicable Restriction Period (and the satisfaction or attainment of applicable Performance Measures), subject to the Company’s right to require payment of any taxes in accordance with Section 5.5, the restrictions shall be removed from the requisite number of any shares of Common Stock that are held in book entry form, and all certificates evidencing ownership of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the holder of such award.
(d)Rights with Respect to Restricted Stock Awards. Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, the holder of such award shall have all rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock; provided, however, that a distribution or dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock, including a regular cash dividend, shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares of Common Stock with respect to which such distribution was made.
Exhibit 10.3
3.3Terms of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, including the number of shares that are earned upon the attainment of any specified Performance Measures, and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall specify (i) whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof and (ii) whether the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents, and, if determined by the Committee, interest on, or the deemed reinvestment of, any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award. Any dividend equivalents with respect to Restricted Stock Units that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards. Prior to the settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award.
3.4Other Stock Awards. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, the Committee is authorized to grant other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of Common Stock, including without limitation shares of Common Stock granted as a bonus and not subject to any vesting conditions, dividend equivalents, deferred stock units, stock purchase rights and shares of Common Stock issued in lieu of obligations of the Company to pay cash under any compensatory plan or arrangement, subject to such terms as shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such awards, which may include the right to elective deferral thereof, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify in its discretion. Any distribution, dividend or dividend equivalents with respect to Other Stock Awards that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards.
3.5Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Restriction Period or Performance Period relating to a Stock Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason
Exhibit 10.3
of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
IV. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
4.1Performance Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Performance Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.
4.2Terms of Performance Awards. Performance Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Value of Performance Awards and Performance Measures. The method of determining the value of the Performance Award and the Performance Measures and Performance Period applicable to a Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Performance Award if the specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period and for the forfeiture of such award if the specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Performance Awards. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock (including shares of Restricted Stock) or cash or a combination thereof. If a Performance Award is settled in shares of Restricted Stock, such shares of Restricted Stock shall be issued to the holder in book entry form or a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c) and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights as a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Any dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to a Performance Award shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Performance Award. Prior to the settlement of a Performance Award in shares of Common Stock, including Restricted Stock, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company.
4.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Performance Period relating to a Performance Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
V. GENERAL
5.1Effective Date and Term of Plan. This Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for approval at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and, if approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at such annual meeting of stockholders, shall become effective as of the
Exhibit 10.3
date on which the Plan was approved by stockholders (the “Effective Date”). This Plan shall terminate as of the first annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders to occur on or after the tenth anniversary of its effective date, unless terminated earlier by the Board. Termination of this Plan shall not affect the terms or conditions of any award granted prior to termination.
Awards hereunder may be made at any time prior to the termination of this Plan, provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be granted later than ten years after the date on which the Plan was approved by the Board. In the event that this Plan is not approved by the stockholders of the Company, this Plan and any awards hereunder shall be void and of no force or effect.
5.2Amendments. The Board may amend this Plan as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that no amendment to the Plan shall be effective without the approval of the Company’s stockholders if (i) stockholder approval is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including any rule of The NASDQ Stock Market, or any other stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded, or (ii) such amendment seeks to modify the Non-Employee Director compensation limit set forth in Section 1.3 or the prohibition on repricing set forth in Section 2.4 hereof; provided further, that no amendment may materially impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding award without the consent of such holder.
5.3Agreement. Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such award. No award shall be valid until an Agreement is executed by the Company and, to the extent required by the Company, executed or electronically accepted by the recipient of such award. Upon such execution or acceptance and delivery of the Agreement to the Company within the time period specified by the Company, such award shall be effective as of the effective date set forth in the Agreement.
5.4Non-Transferability. No award shall be transferable other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to beneficiary designation procedures approved by the Company or, to the extent expressly permitted in the Agreement relating to such award, to the holder’s family members, a trust or entity established by the holder for estate planning purposes, a charitable organization designated by the holder or pursuant to a domestic relations order, in each case, without consideration. Except to the extent permitted by the foregoing sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, each award may be exercised or settled during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder or the holder’s legal representative or similar person. Except as permitted by the second preceding sentence, no award may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to so sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any award, such award and all rights thereunder shall immediately become null and void.
5.5Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant to an award made hereunder, payment by the holder of such award of any federal, state, local or other taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with such award. An Agreement may provide that (i) the Company shall withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered to a holder, having an aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the
Exhibit 10.3
date the obligation to withhold or pay taxes arises in connection with an award (the “Tax Date”), or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation or (ii) the holder may satisfy any such obligation by any of the following means: (A) a cash payment to the Company; (B) delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) to the Company of previously owned whole shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in either case equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (D) in the case of the exercise of an option, a cash payment by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the award. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate (or, if permitted by the Company, such other rate as will not cause adverse accounting consequences under the accounting rules then in effect, and is permitted under applicable IRS withholding rules). Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the holder.
5.6Restrictions on Shares. Each award made hereunder shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Company determines that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award upon any securities exchange or under any law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, or the taking of any other action is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the delivery of shares thereunder, such shares shall not be delivered unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or other action shall have been effected or obtained, free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company may require that certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to any award made hereunder bear a legend indicating that the sale, transfer or other disposition thereof by the holder is prohibited except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
5.7Adjustment. In the event of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation or any successor or replacement accounting standard) that causes the per share value of shares of Common Stock to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering or recapitalization through an extraordinary cash dividend, the number and class of securities available under this Plan, the terms of each outstanding option and SAR (including the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding option or SAR and the purchase price or base price per share), the terms of each outstanding Stock Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto), and the terms of each outstanding Performance Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto, if applicable), shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. In the event of any other change in corporate capitalization, including a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or partial or complete liquidation of the Company, such equitable adjustments described in the foregoing sentence may
Exhibit 10.3
be made as determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights of participants. In either case, the decision of the Committee regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive.
5.8Change in Control.
(a)Subject to the terms of the applicable award Agreements, in the event of a “Change in Control,” the Board, as constituted prior to the Change in Control, may, in its discretion:
(1) require that (i) some or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (ii) the Restriction Period applicable to some or all outstanding Stock Awards shall lapse in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (iii) the Performance Period applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall lapse in full or in part, and (iv) the Performance Measures applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level;
(2) require that shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding award, with an appropriate and equitable adjustment to such award as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 5.7; and/or
(3) require outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered to the Company by the holder, and to be immediately cancelled by the Company, and to provide for the holder to receive (i) a cash payment in an amount equal to (A) in the case of an option or an SAR, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such option or SAR surrendered, whether or not vested or exercisable, multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, over the purchase price or base price per share of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR, (B) in the case of a Stock Award or a Performance Award denominated in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i), whether or not vested, multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, and (C) in the case of a Performance Award denominated in cash, the value of the Performance Award then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i); (ii) shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount determined under clause (i) above; or (iii) a combination of the payment of cash pursuant to clause (i) above and the issuance of shares pursuant to clause (ii) above.
(b)For purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(1) The Company consummates a merger, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation unless: (A) the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately before the
Exhibit 10.3
merger or consolidation would continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; and (B) no Person (other than Persons who are employees at any time more than one year before a transaction) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;
(2) The sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets;
(3) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director of the Company subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that any individual who was initially elected as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation by a Person other than the Board for the purpose of opposing a solicitation by any other Person with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board shall not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(4) The consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
5.9Deferrals. The Committee may determine that the delivery of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash, or a combination thereof, upon the settlement of all or a portion of any award made hereunder shall be deferred, or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, approve deferral elections made by holders of awards. Deferrals shall be for such periods and upon such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
5.10No Right of Participation, Employment or Service. Unless otherwise set forth in an employment agreement, no person shall have any right to participate in this Plan. Neither this Plan nor any award made hereunder shall confer upon any person any right to continued employment by or service with the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company or affect in any manner the right of the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company to terminate the employment or service of any person at any time without liability hereunder.
Exhibit 10.3
5.11Rights as Stockholder. No person shall have any right as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other equity security of the Company which is subject to an award hereunder unless and until such person becomes a stockholder of record with respect to such shares of Common Stock or equity security.
5.12Designation of Beneficiary. To the extent permitted by the Company, a holder of an award may file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as such holder’s beneficiary or beneficiaries (both primary and contingent) in the event of the holder’s death or incapacity. To the extent an outstanding option or SAR granted hereunder is exercisable, such beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be entitled to exercise such option or SAR pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Company. Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when filed in writing with the Company during the holder’s lifetime on a form prescribed by the Company. The spouse of a married holder domiciled in a community property jurisdiction shall join in any designation of a beneficiary other than such spouse. The filing with the Company of a new beneficiary designation shall cancel all previously filed beneficiary designations. If a holder fails to designate a beneficiary, or if all designated beneficiaries of a holder predecease the holder, then each outstanding award held by such holder, to the extent vested or exercisable, shall be payable to or may be exercised by such holder’s executor, administrator, legal representative or similar person.
5.13Termination, Rescission and Recapture of Awards.
(a)Each award under the Plan is intended to align the participant’s long-term interests with those of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise expressly provided in an Agreement, the Company may terminate any outstanding, unexercised, unexpired, unpaid, or deferred awards (“Termination”), rescind any exercise, payment or delivery pursuant to the award (“Rescission”), or recapture any shares of Common Stock (whether restricted or unrestricted) or proceeds from the participant’s sale of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the award (“Recapture”), if the Participant does not comply with the conditions of subsections (b), (c), and (e) hereof (collectively, the “Conditions”).
(b)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to nondisclosure of the proprietary or confidential information or material of the Company or any affiliate.
(c)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to intellectual property (including but not limited to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, inventions, developments and improvements).
(d)Upon exercise, payment, or delivery of cash or Common Stock pursuant to an award, the participant shall certify on a form acceptable to the Company that he or she is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e)If the Company determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that (i) a participant has violated any of the Conditions set forth in subsection (b) or (c); (ii) during his or her service with the Company, or within one year after its termination for any reason, a participant has solicited any non-administrative employee of the Company to terminate employment with the Company; or (iii) during his or her service with the Company, a participant has engaged in activities which
Exhibit 10.3
are materially prejudicial to or in conflict with the interests of the Company, including any breaches of fiduciary duty or the duty of loyalty, then the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, impose a Termination, Rescission, and/or Recapture with respect to any or all of the Participant’s relevant Awards, Shares, and the proceeds thereof.
(f)Within ten days after receiving notice from the Company of any such activity described in Section 5.13(e) above, the participant shall deliver to the Company the shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the award, or, if participant has sold the shares of Common Stock, the gain realized, or payment received as a result of the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery; provided, that if the participant returns shares of Common Stock that the participant purchased pursuant to the exercise of an option (or the gains realized from the sale of such Common Stock), the Company shall promptly refund the exercise price, without earnings, that the participant paid for such shares. Any payment by the participant to the Company pursuant to this Section shall be made either in cash or by returning to the Company the number of shares of Common Stock that the participant received in connection with the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery.
(g)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Company has sole and absolute discretion not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture, and its determination not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any particular act by a particular participant or award shall not in any way reduce or eliminate the Company’s authority to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any other act or participant or award.
(h)If any provision within this Section is determined to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such provision will be applied to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner consistent with its objectives and any limitations required under applicable law.
(i)Nothing contained in this Section 5.13 is intended to limit the participant’s ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (x) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (y) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
5.14Recoupment of Awards. Unless otherwise specifically provided in an Agreement, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may in its sole and absolute discretion, without obtaining the approval or consent of any participant, require that any participant reimburse the Company for all or any portion of any awards granted under this Plan (“Reimbursement”), or the Committee may require the Termination or Rescission of, or the Recapture associated with, any award, if and to the extent—
Exhibit 10.3
(a)the granting, vesting, or payment of such award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material financial restatement;
(b)in the Committee’s view the participant either benefited from a calculation that later proves to be materially inaccurate, or engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for a material financial restatement by the Company or any affiliate; and
(c)a lower granting, vesting, or payment of such award would have occurred based upon the miscalculated amounts or the conduct described in clause (b) of this Section.
In each instance, the Committee will, to the extent practicable and allowable under applicable laws, require Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such award granted to a participant; provided that the Company will not seek Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such awards that were paid or vested more than three years prior to the first date of the applicable restatement period.
5.15Governing Law. This Plan, each award hereunder and the related Agreement, and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant thereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the Code or the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and construed in accordance therewith without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.
5.16Foreign Employees. Without amending this Plan, the Committee may grant awards to eligible persons who are foreign nationals and/or reside outside of the United States on such terms and conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may in the judgment of the Committee be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of this Plan and, in furtherance of such purposes the Committee may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, subplans and the like as may be necessary or advisable to comply with provisions of laws in other countries or jurisdictions in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operates or has employees.
Exhibit 10.4
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
____________________________
Stock Option Award Agreement
____________________________
You are hereby awarded this stock option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of Common Stock of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”) and in the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). A link to this Plan is attached in Exhibit A. Terms below that begin with capital letters have the special meaning set forth in the Plan (or in this Award Agreement, if defined herein).
This Award is subject to your execution of this Award Agreement specified in Section 1 below. By executing this Award Agreement, you will be irrevocably agreeing that all of your rights under this Award will be determined solely and exclusively by reference to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, subject to the provisions set forth below. As a result, you should not execute this Award Agreement until you have carefully considered the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award, plus the information disclosed within the Plan prospectus, and consulted with your personal legal and tax advisors about all of these documents.
1.Specific Terms. Your Option has the following terms:
_______________________________
1 If you directly or indirectly own more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, then the term of your ISO cannot exceed 5 years and the exercise price must be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value (100% for any other employee who is receiving ISO awards). Only employees may receive ISOs.
2 The exercise price of a Nonqualified Stock Option must be at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares.
Exhibit 10.4
Vesting: |
Your Option will vest over four years with 25% vesting on [●], and an additional 25% per year for the remaining three years. In all cases, vesting of your ISO or Nonqualified Stock Option will only occur on a particular date if your Continuous Service has not ended before the particular vesting date (subject to the terms of any employment or services agreement between you and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries). |
Recapture and Recoupment |
☒ Section 5.13 of the Plan shall apply re Termination, Rescission, and Recapture of this Award. ☒ Section 5.14 of the Plan shall apply re recoupment of this Award. |
2.Manner of Exercise. This Option shall be exercised in the manner and by any means set forth in Section 2.1(c) the Plan, using the exercise form attached hereto as Exhibit B. The amount of shares of Common Stock for which this Option may be exercised is cumulative; that is, if you fail to exercise this Option for all of the shares of Common Stock vested under this Option during any period set forth above, then any shares of Common Stock subject hereto that are not exercised during such period may be exercised during any subsequent period, until the expiration or termination of this Option pursuant to Sections 1 and 4 of this Award Agreement and the terms of the Plan. Fractional shares of Common Stock may not be purchased.
3.Special ISO Provisions. If designated as an ISO, this Option shall be treated as an ISO to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and shall otherwise be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option. If you sell or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an ISO within 1 year from the date such shares of Common Stock were acquired or 2 years from the Grant Date, you agree to deliver a written report to the Company within 10 days following the sale or other disposition of such shares of Common Stock detailing the net proceeds of such sale or disposition.
4.Termination of Continuous Service.
(a)Cessation of Vesting. Subject to the terms of any employment or services agreement between you and the Company (and/or any Subsidiary) that is in effect on the Grant Date, this Award shall be canceled and become automatically null and void immediately after termination of your Continuous Service, but only to the extent you have not become vested, pursuant to the terms of Section 1 above, on or before the date that your Continuous Service ends. For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Continuous Service” shall mean your period of service in the absence of any interruption or termination, as an employee of the Company or Subsidiary, non-employee director, or consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; (iv) changes in status from non-employee director to advisory director or emeritus status; or (iv) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Subsidiaries. Changes in status between service as an employee, non-employee director, and a consultant will
Exhibit 10.4
not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service if the individual continues to perform bona fide services for the Company. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent the vesting of the Option shall be tolled during any paid or unpaid leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting for the Option shall be tolled during any such unpaid leave (but not for a paid leave).
(b)Post-Termination Exercise Period. With respect to the portion of the Option that is vested, or vests, upon your termination of Continuous Service, the following provisions shall apply:
(c)For purposes of this Award Agreement,
(i)“Cause” will have the meaning set forth in any unexpired employment agreement between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and you in effect as of the Grant Date. In the absence of such an agreement, “Cause” will exist if you are terminated from employment or other service with the Company, a Subsidiary or an affiliate for any of the following reasons: (i) your willful failure to substantially perform your duties and responsibilities to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates or deliberate violation of a material Company or Subsidiary policy; (ii) your commission of any material act or acts of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty, or other willful misconduct; (iii) your material unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other party to whom you owe an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of your relationship with the Company; or (iv) your willful and material breach of any of your obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate your service relationship at any time, and the term “Company” will be interpreted herein to include any Affiliate or successor thereto, if appropriate.
(ii)“Disabled” means a condition under which your: (x) are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can
Exhibit 10.4
be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (y) are, 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, received income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident or health plan covering employees of the Company
(iii)“Retirement” means your termination of employment after age 65.
5.Designation of Beneficiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, following the execution of this Award Agreement, you may expressly designate a death beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) to your interest if any, in this Award and any underlying shares of Common Stock. You shall designate the Beneficiary by completing and executing a designation of beneficiary agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Designation of Death Beneficiary”) and delivering an executed copy of the Designation of Beneficiary to the Company. To the extent you do not duly designate a beneficiary who survives you, your estate will automatically be your beneficiary.
6.Restrictions on Transfer of Award. Except as provided under the Plan and as set forth in Section 5 above, your rights under this Award Agreement may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Committee.
7.Taxes. Except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in an employment or consulting agreement between you and your employer, by signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you shall be solely responsible for the satisfaction of any taxes that may arise pursuant to this Award (including taxes arising under Sections 409A (regarding deferred compensation) or 4999 (regarding golden parachute excise taxes), and that neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes or to otherwise indemnify or hold you harmless from any or all of such taxes. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the requirements of the Code, including Section 409A, for purposes of the Plan and this Award Agreement. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant this Award, payment by you of any taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with this Award, by any means set forth in Section 5.5. of the Plan.
8.Not a Contract of Employment or Continued Service. By executing this Award, you acknowledge and agree that (i) any person who is terminated before full vesting of an award, such as the one granted to you by this Award Agreement, could claim that he or she was terminated to preclude vesting; (ii) you promise never to make such a claim; (iii) nothing in this Award Agreement or the Plan confers on you any right to continue an employment, service or consulting relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, nor shall it affect in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to terminate your employment, service, or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause; and (iv) the Company would not have granted this Award to you but for these acknowledgements and agreements.
9.Investment Purposes. By executing this Award Agreement, you represent and warrant that any shares of Common Stock issued to you pursuant to your Option will be held for investment purposes only for your own account, and not with a view to, for resale in connection with, or with an
Exhibit 10.4
intent in participating directly or indirectly in, any distribution of such shares of Common Stock within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
10.Securities Law Restrictions. Regardless of whether the offering and sale of this Option or shares of Common Stock under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act, or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company at its discretion may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge or other transfer of such shares of Common Stock (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates or the imposition of stop-transfer instructions) if, in the judgment of the Company, such restrictions are necessary or desirable in order to achieve compliance with the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or any other law or to enforce the intent of this Award.
11.Headings. Section and other headings contained in this Award Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope or intent of this Award Agreement or any provision hereof.
12.Severability. Every provision of this Award Agreement and of the Plan is intended to be severable. If any term hereof is illegal or invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remaining terms of this Award Agreement.
13.Counterparts. This Award Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
14.Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted by any provision of this Award Agreement to be given to you shall be in writing and shall be delivered electronically, personally, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to you at the last address that the Company had for you on its records. Each party may, from time to time, by notice to the other party hereto, specify a new address for delivery of notices relating to this Award Agreement. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given as of the date such notice is personally or electronically delivered or properly mailed.
15.Binding Effect. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement or in the Plan, every covenant, term, and provision of this Award Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees, and assigns.
16.Modifications. This Award Agreement may be modified or amended at any time, in accordance with the Plan, provided that any amendment that materially impairs your rights under this Award Agreement shall require your consent.
17.Plan Governs. By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan and that your Award Agreement is subject to all the provisions contained in the Plan, the provisions of which are made a part of this Award Agreement and your Award is subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which from time to time may be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Award Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
Exhibit 10.4
18.Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Award Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
19.Protected Rights. Nothing contained in this Award Agreement is intended to limit your ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (A) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
BY YOUR SIGNATURE BELOW, along with the signature of the Company’s representative, you and the Company agree that this Award is made under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
By:
Name: Robert Beechey
Title: Chief Financial Officer
PARTICIPANT
The undersigned Participant hereby accepts the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.4
Exhibit A
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN1
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1Purposes. The purposes of the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and the recipients of awards under this Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success, (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining Non-Employee Directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long‑term best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
1.2Certain Definitions.
“Agreement” shall mean the written or electronic agreement evidencing an award hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such award.
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee thereof, or such other committee designated by the Board, in each case, consisting of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is intended to be (i) a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and (ii) “independent” within the meaning of the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, within the meaning of the rules of the principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded.
________________________
1 As amended by the Company’s board of directors on June 23, 2022 to reflect the Company’s name change.
Exhibit 10.4
“Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, and all rights appurtenant thereto.
“Company” shall mean Aspira Women’s Health Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
“Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Fair Market Value” shall mean the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock on the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there shall be no reported transactions for such date, on the next preceding date for which transactions were reported; provided, however, that if the Common Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange or if Fair Market Value for any date cannot be so determined, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee by whatever means or method as the Committee, in the good faith exercise of its discretion, shall at such time deem appropriate and in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
“Free-Standing SAR” shall mean an SAR which is not granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option, which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of such SARs which are exercised.
“Government Agencies” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, which is intended by the Committee to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
“Non-Employee Director” shall mean any director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
“Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option.
“Other Stock Award” shall mean an award granted pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Plan.
Exhibit 10.4
“Performance Award” shall mean a right to receive an amount of cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
“Performance Measures” shall mean the criteria and objectives, established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met (i) as a condition to the grant or exercisability of all or a portion of an option or SAR or (ii) during the applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period as a condition to the vesting of the holder’s interest, in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, or, in the case of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, Other Stock Award or Performance Award, to the holder’s receipt of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award or of payment with respect to such award. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries, business or geographical units or operating areas of the Company (except with respect to the total shareholder return and earnings per share criteria) or individual basis, may be used by the Committee in establishing Performance Measures under this Plan: earnings per share; sales or revenue; earnings or income of the Company before or after taxes and/or interest; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net income; returns on equity, assets, capital, investments, or revenue; economic value added; working capital; total stockholder return; the attainment by a share of Common Stock of a specified Fair Market Value for a specified period of time; expenses; cost reduction goals; cash flow; gross profit or gross margin; operating profit or margin; strategic goals relating to product development, product market share, research, licensing, successful completion of clinical trials, submission of applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for new tests, receipt from the FDA of clearance for new tests, commercialization of new tests, litigation, human resources, information services, mergers, acquisitions, sales of assets of affiliates or business units, or such other goals as the Committee may determine whether or not listed herein. Each such goal may be determined on a pre-tax or post-tax basis or on an absolute or relative basis, and may include comparisons based on current internal targets, the past performance of the Company (including the performance of one or more subsidiaries, divisions, or operating units) or the past or current performance of other companies or market indices (or a combination of such past and current performance). In addition to the ratios specifically enumerated above, performance goals may include comparisons relating to capital (including, but not limited to, the cost of capital), shareholders’ equity, shares outstanding, assets or net assets, sales, or any combination thereof. In establishing a Performance Measure or determining the achievement of a Performance Measure, the Committee may provide that achievement of the applicable Performance Measures may be amended or adjusted to include or exclude components of any Performance Measure, including, without limitation, foreign exchange gains and losses, asset write-downs, acquisitions and divestitures, change in fiscal year, unbudgeted capital expenditures, special charges such as restructuring or impairment charges, debt refinancing costs, extraordinary or noncash items, unusual, infrequently occurring, nonrecurring or one-time events affecting the Company or its
Exhibit 10.4
financial statements or changes in law or accounting principles. Performance Measures shall be subject to such other special rules and conditions as the Committee may establish at any time.
“Performance Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Performance Measures applicable to an award shall be measured and (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to an award shall remain in effect.
“Person” means any natural person, association, trust, business trust, cooperative, corporation, general partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, limited partnership, limited liability company, real estate investment trust, regulatory body, governmental agency or instrumentality, unincorporated organization or organizational entity.
“Prior Plan” shall mean the Vermillion, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and each other equity plan maintained by the Company under which awards are outstanding as of the effective date of this Plan.
“Recapture” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Reimbursement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.
“Rescission” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Restricted Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock which are subject to a Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be subject to the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
“Restricted Stock Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock under this Plan.
“Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean a right to receive one share of Common Stock or, in lieu thereof and to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock in cash, which shall be contingent upon the expiration of a specified Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
“Restricted Stock Unit Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock Units under this Plan.
“Restriction Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as provided in this Plan or the Agreement relating to such award, or (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award shall remain in effect.
“SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right which may be a Free‑Standing SAR or a Tandem SAR.
Exhibit 10.4
“Stock Award” shall mean a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award.
“Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or similar entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an equity interest possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the total outstanding equity interests of such entity.
“Substitute Award” shall mean an award granted under this Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, including a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided, however, that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an option or SAR.
“Tandem SAR” shall mean an SAR which is granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option (including a Nonqualified Stock Option granted prior to the date of grant of the SAR), which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise of such SAR and surrender for cancellation of all or a portion of such option, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered.
“Tax Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.
“Ten Percent Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
“Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
1.3Administration. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Any one or a combination of the following awards may be made under this Plan to eligible persons: (i) options to purchase shares of Common Stock in the form of Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options; (ii) SARs in the form of Tandem SARs or Free‑Standing SARs; (iii) Stock Awards in the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock Awards; and (iv) Performance Awards. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, select eligible persons for participation in this Plan and determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to an award, the number of SARs, the number of Restricted Stock Units, the dollar value subject to a Performance Award, the purchase price or base price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the Agreement evidencing the award. The Committee may, in its sole discretion and for any reason at any time, take action such that (i) any or all
Exhibit 10.4
outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all or a portion of the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse, (iii) all or a portion of the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse and (iv) the Performance Measures (if any) applicable to any outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, interpret this Plan and the application thereof, establish rules and regulations it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan and may impose, incidental to the grant of an award, conditions with respect to the award, such as limiting competitive employment or other activities. All such interpretations, rules, regulations and conditions shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.
The Committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority hereunder to the Board (or any members thereof) or, subject to applicable law, to a subcommittee of the Board, a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company as the Committee deems appropriate; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its power and authority to a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company with regard to the selection for participation in this Plan of an officer, director or other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or decisions concerning the timing, pricing or amount of an award to such an officer, director or other person.
No member of the Board or Committee, and neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other executive officer to whom the Committee delegates any of its power and authority hereunder, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Plan in good faith, and the members of the Board and the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law (except as otherwise may be provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and/or By-laws) and under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that may be in effect from time to time.
1.4Eligibility. Participants in this Plan shall consist of such officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors, agents, and persons expected to become officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Committee in its sole discretion may select from time to time. The Committee’s selection of a person to participate in this Plan at any time shall not require the Committee to select such person to participate in this Plan at any other time. Except as otherwise provided for in an Agreement, for purposes of this Plan, references to employment by the Company shall also mean employment by a Subsidiary, and references to employment shall include service as a Non-Employee Director, consultant, independent contractor or agent. The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the extent to which a participant shall be considered employed during an approved leave of absence. The aggregate value of cash compensation and the grant date fair value of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded or granted during any fiscal year of the Company to any Non-Employee Director shall not exceed $400,000.
Exhibit 10.4
1.5Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7 and to all other limits set forth in this Plan, 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date shall initially be available for all awards under this Plan, other than Substitute Awards. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7, no more than 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate may be issued under the Plan in connection with Incentive Stock Options. The number of shares of Common Stock that remain available for future grants under the Plan shall be reduced by the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which become subject to outstanding options, outstanding Free-Standing SARs, outstanding Stock Awards and outstanding Performance Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock.
To the extent that shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding option, SAR, Stock Award or Performance Award granted under the Plan or a Prior Plan, other than Substitute Awards, are not issued or delivered by reason of (i) the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award (excluding shares subject to an option cancelled upon settlement in shares of a related Tandem SAR or shares subject to a Tandem SAR cancelled upon exercise of a related option) or (ii) the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares of Common Stock shall again be available under this Plan; provided, however, that shares of Common Stock subject to an award under this Plan or a Prior Plan shall not again be available for issuance under this Plan if such shares are (x) shares that were subject to an option or stock-settled SAR and were not issued or delivered upon the net settlement or net exercise of such option or SAR, (y) shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the purchase price or the withholding taxes related to an outstanding award or (z) shares repurchased by the Company on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise. At the time this Plan becomes effective, none of the shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the Prior Plan shall be available for grant under such Prior Plan or this Plan.
The number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under this Plan shall not be reduced by (i) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Substitute Awards or (ii) available shares under a stockholder approved plan of a company or other entity which was a party to a corporate transaction with the Company (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such corporate transaction) which become subject to awards granted under this Plan (subject to applicable stock exchange requirements).
Shares of Common Stock to be delivered under this Plan shall be made available from authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a combination thereof.
II. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
2.1Stock Options. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant options to purchase shares of Common Stock to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. Each option, or portion thereof, that is not an Incentive Stock Option, shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of shares
Exhibit 10.4
of Common Stock with respect to which options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company, or any parent or Subsidiary) exceeds the amount (currently $100,000) established by the Code, such options shall constitute Nonqualified Stock Options.
Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of Shares and Purchase Price. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an option and the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of the option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of an option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such option is granted, owns capital stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company (or of any parent or Subsidiary) (a “Ten Percent Holder”), the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall not be less than the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an option that is a Substitute Award, the purchase price per share of the shares subject to such option may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate purchase price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate purchase price of such shares.
(b)Option Period and Exercisability. The period during which an option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no option shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an option or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option. The Committee shall determine whether an option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock.
(c)Method of Exercise. An option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanying such notice with payment therefor in full (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction) either (A) in cash, (B) by delivery (either actual delivery or by
Exhibit 10.4
attestation procedures established by the Company) of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy such obligation, (D) in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) a combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the option, (ii) if applicable, by surrendering to the Company any Tandem SARs which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the option and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to pay such purchase price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the participant. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until the full purchase price therefor and any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.2Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant SARs to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to an SAR shall specify whether the SAR is a Tandem SAR or a Free-Standing SAR.
SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of SARs and Base Price. The number of SARs subject to an award shall be determined by the Committee. Any Tandem SAR related to an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted at the same time that such Incentive Stock Option is granted. The base price of a Tandem SAR shall be the purchase price per share of Common Stock of the related option. The base price of a Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such base price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such SAR (or, if earlier, the date of grant of the option for which the SAR is exchanged or substituted).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an SAR that is a Substitute Award, the base price per share of the shares subject to such SAR may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate base price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate base price of such shares.
(b)Exercise Period and Exercisability. The period for the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that (i) no Tandem SAR shall be exercised later than the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or other termination of the related option and (ii)
Exhibit 10.4
no Free-Standing SAR shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an SAR or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an SAR. The Committee shall determine whether an SAR may be exercised in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable SAR, or portion thereof, may be exercised, in the case of a Tandem SAR, only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock and, in the case of a Free‑Standing SAR, only with respect to a whole number of SARs. If an SAR is exercised for shares of Restricted Stock, a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c), or such shares shall be transferred to the holder in book entry form with restrictions on the shares duly noted, and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Prior to the exercise of a stock-settled SAR, the holder of such SAR shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such SAR.
(c)Method of Exercise. A Tandem SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole SARs which are being exercised, (ii) by surrendering to the Company any options which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the Tandem SAR and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. A Free-Standing SAR may be exercised (A) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the whole number of SARs which are being exercised and (B) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an option or SAR (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such option or SAR, as the case may be, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
2.4No Repricing. The Committee shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) reduce the purchase price or base price of any previously granted option or SAR, (ii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for another option or SAR with a lower purchase price or base price or (iii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award if the purchase price of such option or the base price of such SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of such cancellation, in each case, other than in connection with a Change in Control or the adjustment provisions set forth in Section 5.7.
2.5No Dividend Equivalents.Notwithstanding anything in an Agreement to the contrary, the holder of an option or SAR shall not be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR.
Exhibit 10.4
III. STOCK AWARDS
3.1Stock Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to a Stock Award shall specify whether the Stock Award is a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award or, in the case of an Other Stock Award, the type of award being granted.
3.2Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Stock Issuance. During the Restriction Period, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by a custodian in book entry form with restrictions on such shares duly noted or, alternatively, a certificate or certificates representing a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the holder’s name and may bear a legend, in addition to any legend which may be required pursuant to Section 5.6, indicating that the ownership of the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate is subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock Award. All such certificates shall be deposited with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award in the event such award is forfeited in whole or in part. Upon termination of any applicable Restriction Period (and the satisfaction or attainment of applicable Performance Measures), subject to the Company’s right to require payment of any taxes in accordance with Section 5.5, the restrictions shall be removed from the requisite number of any shares of Common Stock that are held in book entry form, and all certificates evidencing ownership of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the holder of such award.
(d)Rights with Respect to Restricted Stock Awards. Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, the holder of such award shall have all rights as a stockholder of the
Exhibit 10.4
Company, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock; provided, however, that a distribution or dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock, including a regular cash dividend, shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares of Common Stock with respect to which such distribution was made.
3.3Terms of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, including the number of shares that are earned upon the attainment of any specified Performance Measures, and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall specify (i) whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof and (ii) whether the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents, and, if determined by the Committee, interest on, or the deemed reinvestment of, any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award. Any dividend equivalents with respect to Restricted Stock Units that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards. Prior to the settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award.
3.4Other Stock Awards. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, the Committee is authorized to grant other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of Common Stock, including without limitation shares of Common Stock granted as a bonus and not subject to any vesting conditions, dividend equivalents, deferred stock units, stock purchase rights and shares of Common Stock issued in lieu of obligations of the Company to pay cash under any compensatory plan or arrangement, subject to such terms as shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such awards, which may include the right to elective deferral thereof, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify in its discretion. Any distribution, dividend or dividend equivalents with
Exhibit 10.4
respect to Other Stock Awards that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards.
3.5Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Restriction Period or Performance Period relating to a Stock Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
IV. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
4.1Performance Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Performance Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.
4.2Terms of Performance Awards. Performance Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Value of Performance Awards and Performance Measures. The method of determining the value of the Performance Award and the Performance Measures and Performance Period applicable to a Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Performance Award if the specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period and for the forfeiture of such award if the specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Performance Awards. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock (including shares of Restricted Stock) or cash or a combination thereof. If a Performance Award is settled in shares of Restricted Stock, such shares of Restricted Stock shall be issued to the holder in book entry form or a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c) and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights as a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Any dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to a Performance Award shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Performance Award. Prior to the settlement of a Performance Award in shares of Common Stock, including Restricted Stock, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company.
4.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Performance Period relating to a Performance Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
Exhibit 10.4
V. GENERAL
5.1Effective Date and Term of Plan. This Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for approval at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and, if approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at such annual meeting of stockholders, shall become effective as of the date on which the Plan was approved by stockholders (the “Effective Date”). This Plan shall terminate as of the first annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders to occur on or after the tenth anniversary of its effective date, unless terminated earlier by the Board. Termination of this Plan shall not affect the terms or conditions of any award granted prior to termination.
Awards hereunder may be made at any time prior to the termination of this Plan, provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be granted later than ten years after the date on which the Plan was approved by the Board. In the event that this Plan is not approved by the stockholders of the Company, this Plan and any awards hereunder shall be void and of no force or effect.
5.2Amendments. The Board may amend this Plan as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that no amendment to the Plan shall be effective without the approval of the Company’s stockholders if (i) stockholder approval is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including any rule of The NASDQ Stock Market, or any other stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded, or (ii) such amendment seeks to modify the Non-Employee Director compensation limit set forth in Section 1.3 or the prohibition on repricing set forth in Section 2.4 hereof; provided further, that no amendment may materially impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding award without the consent of such holder.
5.3Agreement. Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such award. No award shall be valid until an Agreement is executed by the Company and, to the extent required by the Company, executed or electronically accepted by the recipient of such award. Upon such execution or acceptance and delivery of the Agreement to the Company within the time period specified by the Company, such award shall be effective as of the effective date set forth in the Agreement.
5.4Non-Transferability. No award shall be transferable other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to beneficiary designation procedures approved by the Company or, to the extent expressly permitted in the Agreement relating to such award, to the holder’s family members, a trust or entity established by the holder for estate planning purposes, a charitable organization designated by the holder or pursuant to a domestic relations order, in each case, without consideration. Except to the extent permitted by the foregoing sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, each award may be exercised or settled during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder or the holder’s legal representative or similar person. Except as permitted by the second preceding sentence, no award may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to so sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any award, such award and all rights thereunder shall immediately become null and void.
Exhibit 10.4
5.5Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant to an award made hereunder, payment by the holder of such award of any federal, state, local or other taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with such award. An Agreement may provide that (i) the Company shall withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered to a holder, having an aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the date the obligation to withhold or pay taxes arises in connection with an award (the “Tax Date”), or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation or (ii) the holder may satisfy any such obligation by any of the following means: (A) a cash payment to the Company; (B) delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) to the Company of previously owned whole shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in either case equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (D) in the case of the exercise of an option, a cash payment by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the award. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate (or, if permitted by the Company, such other rate as will not cause adverse accounting consequences under the accounting rules then in effect, and is permitted under applicable IRS withholding rules). Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the holder.
5.6Restrictions on Shares. Each award made hereunder shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Company determines that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award upon any securities exchange or under any law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, or the taking of any other action is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the delivery of shares thereunder, such shares shall not be delivered unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or other action shall have been effected or obtained, free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company may require that certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to any award made hereunder bear a legend indicating that the sale, transfer or other disposition thereof by the holder is prohibited except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
5.7Adjustment. In the event of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation or any successor or replacement accounting standard) that causes the per share value of shares of Common Stock to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering or recapitalization through an extraordinary cash dividend, the number and class of securities available under this Plan, the terms of each outstanding option and SAR (including the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding option or SAR and the purchase price or base price per share), the terms of each outstanding Stock Award (including the number
Exhibit 10.4
and class of securities subject thereto), and the terms of each outstanding Performance Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto, if applicable), shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. In the event of any other change in corporate capitalization, including a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or partial or complete liquidation of the Company, such equitable adjustments described in the foregoing sentence may be made as determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights of participants. In either case, the decision of the Committee regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive.
5.8Change in Control.
(a)Subject to the terms of the applicable award Agreements, in the event of a “Change in Control,” the Board, as constituted prior to the Change in Control, may, in its discretion:
(1) require that (i) some or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (ii) the Restriction Period applicable to some or all outstanding Stock Awards shall lapse in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (iii) the Performance Period applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall lapse in full or in part, and (iv) the Performance Measures applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level;
(2) require that shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding award, with an appropriate and equitable adjustment to such award as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 5.7; and/or
(3) require outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered to the Company by the holder, and to be immediately cancelled by the Company, and to provide for the holder to receive (i) a cash payment in an amount equal to (A) in the case of an option or an SAR, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such option or SAR surrendered, whether or not vested or exercisable, multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, over the purchase price or base price per share of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR, (B) in the case of a Stock Award or a Performance Award denominated in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i), whether or not vested, multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, and (C) in the case of a Performance Award denominated in cash, the value of the Performance Award then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i); (ii) shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount determined under clause (i) above; or (iii) a combination of the
Exhibit 10.4
payment of cash pursuant to clause (i) above and the issuance of shares pursuant to clause (ii) above.
(b)For purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(1) The Company consummates a merger, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation unless: (A) the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately before the merger or consolidation would continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; and (B) no Person (other than Persons who are employees at any time more than one year before a transaction) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;
(2) The sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets;
(3) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director of the Company subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that any individual who was initially elected as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation by a Person other than the Board for the purpose of opposing a solicitation by any other Person with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board shall not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(4) The consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
5.9Deferrals. The Committee may determine that the delivery of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash, or a combination thereof, upon the settlement of all or a portion of any award made hereunder shall be deferred, or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, approve deferral elections made by holders of awards. Deferrals shall be for such periods and upon such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
Exhibit 10.4
5.10No Right of Participation, Employment or Service. Unless otherwise set forth in an employment agreement, no person shall have any right to participate in this Plan. Neither this Plan nor any award made hereunder shall confer upon any person any right to continued employment by or service with the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company or affect in any manner the right of the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company to terminate the employment or service of any person at any time without liability hereunder.
5.11Rights as Stockholder. No person shall have any right as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other equity security of the Company which is subject to an award hereunder unless and until such person becomes a stockholder of record with respect to such shares of Common Stock or equity security.
5.12Designation of Beneficiary. To the extent permitted by the Company, a holder of an award may file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as such holder’s beneficiary or beneficiaries (both primary and contingent) in the event of the holder’s death or incapacity. To the extent an outstanding option or SAR granted hereunder is exercisable, such beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be entitled to exercise such option or SAR pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Company. Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when filed in writing with the Company during the holder’s lifetime on a form prescribed by the Company. The spouse of a married holder domiciled in a community property jurisdiction shall join in any designation of a beneficiary other than such spouse. The filing with the Company of a new beneficiary designation shall cancel all previously filed beneficiary designations. If a holder fails to designate a beneficiary, or if all designated beneficiaries of a holder predecease the holder, then each outstanding award held by such holder, to the extent vested or exercisable, shall be payable to or may be exercised by such holder’s executor, administrator, legal representative or similar person.
5.13Termination, Rescission and Recapture of Awards.
(a)Each award under the Plan is intended to align the participant’s long-term interests with those of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise expressly provided in an Agreement, the Company may terminate any outstanding, unexercised, unexpired, unpaid, or deferred awards (“Termination”), rescind any exercise, payment or delivery pursuant to the award (“Rescission”), or recapture any shares of Common Stock (whether restricted or unrestricted) or proceeds from the participant’s sale of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the award (“Recapture”), if the Participant does not comply with the conditions of subsections (b), (c), and (e) hereof (collectively, the “Conditions”).
(b)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to nondisclosure of the proprietary or confidential information or material of the Company or any affiliate.
(c)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to intellectual property (including but not limited to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, inventions, developments and improvements).
Exhibit 10.4
(d)Upon exercise, payment, or delivery of cash or Common Stock pursuant to an award, the participant shall certify on a form acceptable to the Company that he or she is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e)If the Company determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that (i) a participant has violated any of the Conditions set forth in subsection (b) or (c); (ii) during his or her service with the Company, or within one year after its termination for any reason, a participant has solicited any non-administrative employee of the Company to terminate employment with the Company; or (iii) during his or her service with the Company, a participant has engaged in activities which are materially prejudicial to or in conflict with the interests of the Company, including any breaches of fiduciary duty or the duty of loyalty, then the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, impose a Termination, Rescission, and/or Recapture with respect to any or all of the Participant’s relevant Awards, Shares, and the proceeds thereof.
(f)Within ten days after receiving notice from the Company of any such activity described in Section 5.13(e) above, the participant shall deliver to the Company the shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the award, or, if participant has sold the shares of Common Stock, the gain realized, or payment received as a result of the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery; provided, that if the participant returns shares of Common Stock that the participant purchased pursuant to the exercise of an option (or the gains realized from the sale of such Common Stock), the Company shall promptly refund the exercise price, without earnings, that the participant paid for such shares. Any payment by the participant to the Company pursuant to this Section shall be made either in cash or by returning to the Company the number of shares of Common Stock that the participant received in connection with the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery.
(g)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Company has sole and absolute discretion not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture, and its determination not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any particular act by a particular participant or award shall not in any way reduce or eliminate the Company’s authority to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any other act or participant or award.
(h)If any provision within this Section is determined to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such provision will be applied to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner consistent with its objectives and any limitations required under applicable law.
(i)Nothing contained in this Section 5.13 is intended to limit the participant’s ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (x) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for
Exhibit 10.4
the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (y) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
5.14Recoupment of Awards. Unless otherwise specifically provided in an Agreement, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may in its sole and absolute discretion, without obtaining the approval or consent of any participant, require that any participant reimburse the Company for all or any portion of any awards granted under this Plan (“Reimbursement”), or the Committee may require the Termination or Rescission of, or the Recapture associated with, any award, if and to the extent—
(a)the granting, vesting, or payment of such award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material financial restatement;
(b)in the Committee’s view the participant either benefited from a calculation that later proves to be materially inaccurate, or engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for a material financial restatement by the Company or any affiliate; and
(c)a lower granting, vesting, or payment of such award would have occurred based upon the miscalculated amounts or the conduct described in clause (b) of this Section.
In each instance, the Committee will, to the extent practicable and allowable under applicable laws, require Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such award granted to a participant; provided that the Company will not seek Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such awards that were paid or vested more than three years prior to the first date of the applicable restatement period.
5.15Governing Law. This Plan, each award hereunder and the related Agreement, and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant thereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the Code or the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and construed in accordance therewith without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.
5.16Foreign Employees. Without amending this Plan, the Committee may grant awards to eligible persons who are foreign nationals and/or reside outside of the United States on such terms and conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may in the judgment of the Committee be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of this Plan and, in furtherance of such purposes the Committee may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, subplans and the like as may be necessary or advisable to comply with provisions of laws in other countries or jurisdictions in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operates or has employees.
Exhibit 10.4
Exhibit B
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
__________________________________________
Form of Exercise of Stock Option Award Agreement
___________________________________________
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
12117 Bee Caves Road, Building 3, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78738
Attention: _Robert Beechey_______
Dear Sir or Madam:
The undersigned elects to exercise his/her Option to purchase _____ shares of Common Stock of the Company under and pursuant to a Stock Option Agreement dated as of ______________.
1. Delivered herewith is a certified or bank cashier’s or teller’s check and/or shares of Common Stock owned by the undersigned, valued at the closing sale price of the stock on the date of exercise, as follows:
$____________in cash
$____________in the form of ____ shares of Common Stock,
valued at $___________ per share
$ Total
2. The undersigned elects a net exercise, hereby authorizing the Company to withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise subject to this Option a number of shares sufficient to cover the exercise price and minimum statutory withholding taxes payable pursuant to this exercise.*
If method 1 is chosen, the name or names to be on the stock certificate or certificates and the address and Social Security Number of such person(s) is as follows:
Name:
Address:
Social Security Number
Very truly yours,
_________________
DateOptionee
*The Committee must approve this method in writing before your election
Exhibit 10.4
Exhibit C
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
_________________________________
Designation of Death Beneficiary
_________________________________
In connection with the Awards designated below that I have received pursuant to the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), I hereby designate the person specified below as the beneficiary upon my death of my interest in such Awards. This designation shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by me.
Name of Beneficiary:
Address:__________________
Social Security No.:
This beneficiary designation relates to any and all of my rights under the following Award or Awards:
any Award that I have received or ever receive under the Plan.
the _________________ Award that I received pursuant to an award agreement dated _________ __, ____ between myself and the Company.
I understand that this designation operates to entitle the above named beneficiary, in the event of my death, to any and all of my rights under the Award(s) designated above from the date this form is delivered to the Company until such date as this designation is revoked in writing by me, including by delivery to the Company of a written designation of beneficiary executed by me on a later date.
Date:
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.5
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
____________________________
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
____________________________
You are hereby awarded Restricted Stock Units (the “RSUs”) subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement” or “Award”), and in the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). A copy of the Plan is attached as Exhibit A. Terms beginning with initial capital letters within this Agreement have the special meaning defined in the Plan (or in this Award Agreement, if defined herein).
This Award is subject to your execution of this Award Agreement [within 75 (seventy-five) days] 1 after the Grant Date specified in Section 1 below. By executing this Award Agreement, you will be irrevocably agreeing that all of your rights under this Award will be determined solely and exclusively by reference to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, subject to the provisions set forth below. As a result, you should not execute this Award Agreement until you have carefully considered the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award, plus the information disclosed within the Plan prospectus, and consulted with your personal legal and tax advisors about all of these documents.
1.Specific Terms. Your RSUs have the following terms:
__________________________
1 Note to Company: Discuss whether to retain this requirement.
Exhibit 10.5
Deferral Elections2 |
☐Permitted if approved by the Committee in accordance with Section 5.9 of the Plan ☐Not allowed. |
Recapture and Recoupment |
☐Section 5.13 of the Plan shall apply re Termination, Rescission, and Recapture of this Award. ☐Section 5.14 of the Plan shall apply re recoupment of this Award. |
2.Termination of Continuous Service. Subject to the terms of any employment agreement between you and the Company (and/or any Subsidiary) that is in effect on the Grant Date, this Award shall be canceled and become automatically null and void immediately after termination of your Continuous Service for any reason, but only to the extent you have not become vested, pursuant to terms of Section 1 above, on or before the date that your Continuous Service ends. For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Continuous Service” shall mean your period of service in the absence of any interruption or termination, as an employee of the Company or Subsidiary, non-employee director, or consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; (iv) changes in status from non-employee director to advisory director or emeritus status; or (iv) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Subsidiaries. Changes in status between service as an employee, non-employee director, and a consultant will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service if the individual continues to perform bona fide services for the Company. Subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Committee shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent the vesting of the Award shall be tolled during any paid or unpaid leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting for the Award shall be tolled during any such unpaid leave (but not for a paid leave).
3.Satisfaction of Vesting Restrictions. No shares of Common Stock will be issued before you complete the requirements that are necessary for you to vest in the shares of Common Stock underlying your RSUs. Within sixty (60) days after the later of (i) the date on which your RSUs vest, in whole or in part, or (ii) the distribution date or dates set forth in your deferral and distribution election forms (if permitted under Section 1, made by you, and approved by the Committee), the Company will issue to you or your duly-authorized transferee, free from vesting restrictions (but subject to such legends as the Company determines to be appropriate), one share of Common Stock for each vested RSU. The Company may satisfy any minimum statutory tax withholding required in connection with the vesting of your RSUs and employment taxes required by applicable tax law by: (i) requiring you to pay such amount in cash; or (ii) by deducting such amount out of any other
_______________________
2 Note to Company: Does the Company ever permit deferrals? Confirm that the deferrals are administered in accordance with 409A of the tax code.
Exhibit 10.5
compensation otherwise payable to you. Certificates shall not be delivered to you unless all applicable employment and tax-withholding obligations have been satisfied.
4. Rights as a Stockholder. You shall not be entitled to any privileges of ownership with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to the Award unless and until, and only to the extent, such shares become vested and you become a stockholder of record with respect to such shares. As of each date on which the Company pays a cash dividend to record owners of shares of Common Stock (a “Dividend Date”), you shall have no entitlement to receive such cash dividend, and the number of shares subject to the Award shall increase by (i) the product of the total number of shares subject to the Award immediately prior to such Dividend Date multiplied by the dollar amount of the cash dividend paid per share of Stock by the Company on such Dividend Date, divided by (ii) the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on such Dividend Date. Any such additional shares shall be subject to the same vesting conditions and payment terms set forth herein as the shares to which they relate.
5.Designation of Beneficiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, following the execution of this Award Agreement, you may expressly designate a death beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) to your interest, if any, in this Award and any underlying shares of Common Stock. You shall designate the Beneficiary by completing and executing a designation of beneficiary agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Designation of Death Beneficiary”) and delivering an executed copy of the Designation of Beneficiary to the Company. To the extent you do not duly designate a beneficiary who survives you, your estate will automatically be your beneficiary.
6.Restrictions on Transfer of Award. Except as provided under the Plan and as set forth in Section 5 above, your rights under this Award Agreement may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Committee.
7.Taxes.
(a)General. By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you shall be solely responsible for the satisfaction of any applicable taxes that may arise pursuant to this Award (including taxes arising under Code Section 409A (regarding deferred compensation) or 4999 (regarding golden parachute excise taxes), and that neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes or to otherwise indemnify or hold you harmless from any or all of such taxes. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the requirements of the Code, including Section 409A, for purposes of the Plan and this Award Agreement.
(b)Section 409A. This Award is intended to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted and construed accordingly. To the extent any agreement between you and the Company provides for the Award to become vested and be settled upon your termination of employment, the applicable shares of Common Stock shall be transferred to you or your beneficiary upon your “separation from service,” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code; provided that if you are a “specified employee,” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, then to the extent the Award constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation, within the
Exhibit 10.5
meaning of Section 409A of the Code, such shares of Common Stock shall be transferred to you or your beneficiary upon the earlier to occur of (i) the six-month anniversary of such separation from service and (ii) the date of your death.
8.Not a Contract of Employment. By executing this Award Agreement you acknowledge and agree that (i) nothing in this Award Agreement or the Plan confers on you any right to continue an employment, service or consulting relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, nor shall it affect in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to terminate your employment, service, or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause; and (ii) the Company would not have granted this Award to you but for these acknowledgements and agreements.
9.Long-term Consideration for Award. If Section 1 above provides for the application of Plan Section 5.13 to this Award, then by executing this Award Agreement you acknowledge and agree that the Company’s key consideration in granting this Award is securing your long-term commitment to serve as a key employee who will advance and promote the Company’s business interests and objectives, and, accordingly, you agree that this Award shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Plan Section 5.13 (relating to the termination, rescission, and recapture of this Award if you violate certain commitments made therein to the Company) as material and indivisible consideration for this Award.
10.Investment Purposes. By executing this Award, you represent and warrant to the Company that any shares of Common Stock issued to you pursuant to your RSUs will be for investment for your own account and not with a view to, for resale in connection with, or with an intent of participating directly or indirectly in, any distribution of such shares of Common Stock within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
11.Securities Law Restrictions. Regardless of whether the offering and sale of shares of Common Stock under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act, or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company at its discretion may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge or other transfer of such shares of Common Stock (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates or the imposition of stop-transfer instructions) if, in the judgment of the Company, such restrictions are necessary or desirable in order to achieve compliance with the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or any other law or to enforce the intent of this Award.
12.Headings. Section and other headings contained in this Award Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope or intent of this Award Agreement or any provision hereof.
13.Severability. Every provision of this Award Agreement and of the Plan is intended to be severable. If any term hereof is illegal or invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remaining terms of this Award Agreement.
Exhibit 10.5
14.Counterparts. This Award Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
15.Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted by any provision of this Award Agreement to be given to you shall be in writing and shall be delivered electronically, personally, or sent by mail, addressed to you at the last address that the Company had for you on its records. Each party may, from time to time, by notice to the other party hereto, specify a new address for delivery of notices relating to this Award Agreement. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given as of the date such notice is personally or electronically delivered or properly mailed.
16.Binding Effect. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement or in the Plan, every covenant, term, and provision of this Award Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees, and assigns.
17.Modifications. This Award Agreement may be modified or amended at any time, in accordance with the Plan, provided that any amendment that materially impairs your rights under this Award Agreement shall require your consent.
18.Plan Governs. By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan and that your Award Agreement is subject to all the provisions contained in the Plan, the provisions of which are made a part of this Award Agreement, and your Award is subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which from time to time may be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Award Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
19.Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Award Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
Exhibit 10.5
BY YOUR SIGNATURE BELOW, along with the signature of the Company’s representative, you and the Company agree that this Award is made under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
By:
Name: Robert Beechey
Title: Chief Financial Officer
PARTICIPANT
The undersigned Participant hereby accepts the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.5
Exhibit A
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN1
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1Purposes. The purposes of the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and the recipients of awards under this Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success, (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining Non-Employee Directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long‑term best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
1.2Certain Definitions.
“Agreement” shall mean the written or electronic agreement evidencing an award hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such award.
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee thereof, or such other committee designated by the Board, in each case, consisting of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is intended to be (i) a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and (ii) “independent” within the meaning of the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, within the meaning of the rules of the principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded.
“Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, and all rights appurtenant thereto.
______________________
1 As amended by the Company’s board of directors on June 23, 2022 to reflect the Company’s name change.
Exhibit 10.5
“Company” shall mean Aspira Women’s Health Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
“Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Fair Market Value” shall mean the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock on the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there shall be no reported transactions for such date, on the next preceding date for which transactions were reported; provided, however, that if the Common Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange or if Fair Market Value for any date cannot be so determined, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee by whatever means or method as the Committee, in the good faith exercise of its discretion, shall at such time deem appropriate and in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
“Free-Standing SAR” shall mean an SAR which is not granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option, which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of such SARs which are exercised.
“Government Agencies” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, which is intended by the Committee to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
“Non-Employee Director” shall mean any director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
“Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option.
“Other Stock Award” shall mean an award granted pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Plan.
“Performance Award” shall mean a right to receive an amount of cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
Exhibit 10.5
“Performance Measures” shall mean the criteria and objectives, established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met (i) as a condition to the grant or exercisability of all or a portion of an option or SAR or (ii) during the applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period as a condition to the vesting of the holder’s interest, in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, or, in the case of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, Other Stock Award or Performance Award, to the holder’s receipt of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award or of payment with respect to such award. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries, business or geographical units or operating areas of the Company (except with respect to the total shareholder return and earnings per share criteria) or individual basis, may be used by the Committee in establishing Performance Measures under this Plan: earnings per share; sales or revenue; earnings or income of the Company before or after taxes and/or interest; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net income; returns on equity, assets, capital, investments, or revenue; economic value added; working capital; total stockholder return; the attainment by a share of Common Stock of a specified Fair Market Value for a specified period of time; expenses; cost reduction goals; cash flow; gross profit or gross margin; operating profit or margin; strategic goals relating to product development, product market share, research, licensing, successful completion of clinical trials, submission of applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for new tests, receipt from the FDA of clearance for new tests, commercialization of new tests, litigation, human resources, information services, mergers, acquisitions, sales of assets of affiliates or business units, or such other goals as the Committee may determine whether or not listed herein. Each such goal may be determined on a pre-tax or post-tax basis or on an absolute or relative basis, and may include comparisons based on current internal targets, the past performance of the Company (including the performance of one or more subsidiaries, divisions, or operating units) or the past or current performance of other companies or market indices (or a combination of such past and current performance). In addition to the ratios specifically enumerated above, performance goals may include comparisons relating to capital (including, but not limited to, the cost of capital), shareholders’ equity, shares outstanding, assets or net assets, sales, or any combination thereof. In establishing a Performance Measure or determining the achievement of a Performance Measure, the Committee may provide that achievement of the applicable Performance Measures may be amended or adjusted to include or exclude components of any Performance Measure, including, without limitation, foreign exchange gains and losses, asset write-downs, acquisitions and divestitures, change in fiscal year, unbudgeted capital expenditures, special charges such as restructuring or impairment charges, debt refinancing costs, extraordinary or noncash items, unusual, infrequently occurring, nonrecurring or one-time events affecting the Company or its financial statements or changes in law or accounting principles. Performance Measures shall be subject to such other special rules and conditions as the Committee may establish at any time.
Exhibit 10.5
“Performance Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Performance Measures applicable to an award shall be measured and (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to an award shall remain in effect.
“Person” means any natural person, association, trust, business trust, cooperative, corporation, general partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, limited partnership, limited liability company, real estate investment trust, regulatory body, governmental agency or instrumentality, unincorporated organization or organizational entity.
“Prior Plan” shall mean the Vermillion, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and each other equity plan maintained by the Company under which awards are outstanding as of the effective date of this Plan.
“Recapture” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Reimbursement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.
“Rescission” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Restricted Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock which are subject to a Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be subject to the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
“Restricted Stock Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock under this Plan.
“Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean a right to receive one share of Common Stock or, in lieu thereof and to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock in cash, which shall be contingent upon the expiration of a specified Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
“Restricted Stock Unit Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock Units under this Plan.
“Restriction Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as provided in this Plan or the Agreement relating to such award, or (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award shall remain in effect.
“SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right which may be a Free‑Standing SAR or a Tandem SAR.
“Stock Award” shall mean a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award.
Exhibit 10.5
“Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or similar entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an equity interest possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the total outstanding equity interests of such entity.
“Substitute Award” shall mean an award granted under this Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, including a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided, however, that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an option or SAR.
“Tandem SAR” shall mean an SAR which is granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option (including a Nonqualified Stock Option granted prior to the date of grant of the SAR), which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise of such SAR and surrender for cancellation of all or a portion of such option, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered.
“Tax Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.
“Ten Percent Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
“Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
1.3Administration. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Any one or a combination of the following awards may be made under this Plan to eligible persons: (i) options to purchase shares of Common Stock in the form of Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options; (ii) SARs in the form of Tandem SARs or Free‑Standing SARs; (iii) Stock Awards in the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock Awards; and (iv) Performance Awards. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, select eligible persons for participation in this Plan and determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to an award, the number of SARs, the number of Restricted Stock Units, the dollar value subject to a Performance Award, the purchase price or base price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the Agreement evidencing the award. The Committee may, in its sole discretion and for any reason at any time, take action such that (i) any or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all or a portion of the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse, (iii) all or a portion of the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse and (iv) the Performance
Exhibit 10.5
Measures (if any) applicable to any outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, interpret this Plan and the application thereof, establish rules and regulations it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan and may impose, incidental to the grant of an award, conditions with respect to the award, such as limiting competitive employment or other activities. All such interpretations, rules, regulations and conditions shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.
The Committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority hereunder to the Board (or any members thereof) or, subject to applicable law, to a subcommittee of the Board, a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company as the Committee deems appropriate; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its power and authority to a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company with regard to the selection for participation in this Plan of an officer, director or other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or decisions concerning the timing, pricing or amount of an award to such an officer, director or other person.
No member of the Board or Committee, and neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other executive officer to whom the Committee delegates any of its power and authority hereunder, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Plan in good faith, and the members of the Board and the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law (except as otherwise may be provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and/or By-laws) and under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that may be in effect from time to time.
1.4Eligibility. Participants in this Plan shall consist of such officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors, agents, and persons expected to become officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Committee in its sole discretion may select from time to time. The Committee’s selection of a person to participate in this Plan at any time shall not require the Committee to select such person to participate in this Plan at any other time. Except as otherwise provided for in an Agreement, for purposes of this Plan, references to employment by the Company shall also mean employment by a Subsidiary, and references to employment shall include service as a Non-Employee Director, consultant, independent contractor or agent. The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the extent to which a participant shall be considered employed during an approved leave of absence. The aggregate value of cash compensation and the grant date fair value of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded or granted during any fiscal year of the Company to any Non-Employee Director shall not exceed $400,000.
1.5Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7 and to all other limits set forth in this Plan, 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date shall initially be
Exhibit 10.5
available for all awards under this Plan, other than Substitute Awards. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7, no more than 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate may be issued under the Plan in connection with Incentive Stock Options. The number of shares of Common Stock that remain available for future grants under the Plan shall be reduced by the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which become subject to outstanding options, outstanding Free-Standing SARs, outstanding Stock Awards and outstanding Performance Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock.
To the extent that shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding option, SAR, Stock Award or Performance Award granted under the Plan or a Prior Plan, other than Substitute Awards, are not issued or delivered by reason of (i) the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award (excluding shares subject to an option cancelled upon settlement in shares of a related Tandem SAR or shares subject to a Tandem SAR cancelled upon exercise of a related option) or (ii) the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares of Common Stock shall again be available under this Plan; provided, however, that shares of Common Stock subject to an award under this Plan or a Prior Plan shall not again be available for issuance under this Plan if such shares are (x) shares that were subject to an option or stock-settled SAR and were not issued or delivered upon the net settlement or net exercise of such option or SAR, (y) shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the purchase price or the withholding taxes related to an outstanding award or (z) shares repurchased by the Company on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise. At the time this Plan becomes effective, none of the shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the Prior Plan shall be available for grant under such Prior Plan or this Plan.
The number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under this Plan shall not be reduced by (i) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Substitute Awards or (ii) available shares under a stockholder approved plan of a company or other entity which was a party to a corporate transaction with the Company (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such corporate transaction) which become subject to awards granted under this Plan (subject to applicable stock exchange requirements).
Shares of Common Stock to be delivered under this Plan shall be made available from authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a combination thereof.
II. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
2.1Stock Options. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant options to purchase shares of Common Stock to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. Each option, or portion thereof, that is not an Incentive Stock Option, shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company, or any parent or Subsidiary) exceeds the amount (currently $100,000) established by the Code, such options shall constitute Nonqualified Stock Options.
Exhibit 10.5
Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of Shares and Purchase Price. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an option and the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of the option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of an option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such option is granted, owns capital stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company (or of any parent or Subsidiary) (a “Ten Percent Holder”), the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall not be less than the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an option that is a Substitute Award, the purchase price per share of the shares subject to such option may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate purchase price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate purchase price of such shares.
(b)Option Period and Exercisability. The period during which an option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no option shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an option or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option. The Committee shall determine whether an option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock.
(c)Method of Exercise. An option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanying such notice with payment therefor in full (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction) either (A) in cash, (B) by delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value,
Exhibit 10.5
determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy such obligation, (D) in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) a combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the option, (ii) if applicable, by surrendering to the Company any Tandem SARs which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the option and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to pay such purchase price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the participant. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until the full purchase price therefor and any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.2Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant SARs to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to an SAR shall specify whether the SAR is a Tandem SAR or a Free-Standing SAR.
SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of SARs and Base Price. The number of SARs subject to an award shall be determined by the Committee. Any Tandem SAR related to an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted at the same time that such Incentive Stock Option is granted. The base price of a Tandem SAR shall be the purchase price per share of Common Stock of the related option. The base price of a Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such base price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such SAR (or, if earlier, the date of grant of the option for which the SAR is exchanged or substituted).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an SAR that is a Substitute Award, the base price per share of the shares subject to such SAR may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate base price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate base price of such shares.
(b)Exercise Period and Exercisability. The period for the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that (i) no Tandem SAR shall be exercised later than the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or other termination of the related option and (ii) no Free-Standing SAR shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an SAR or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an SAR. The Committee shall determine whether an SAR may be exercised in cumulative or non-cumulative
Exhibit 10.5
installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable SAR, or portion thereof, may be exercised, in the case of a Tandem SAR, only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock and, in the case of a Free‑Standing SAR, only with respect to a whole number of SARs. If an SAR is exercised for shares of Restricted Stock, a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c), or such shares shall be transferred to the holder in book entry form with restrictions on the shares duly noted, and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Prior to the exercise of a stock-settled SAR, the holder of such SAR shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such SAR.
(c)Method of Exercise. A Tandem SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole SARs which are being exercised, (ii) by surrendering to the Company any options which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the Tandem SAR and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. A Free-Standing SAR may be exercised (A) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the whole number of SARs which are being exercised and (B) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an option or SAR (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such option or SAR, as the case may be, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
2.4No Repricing. The Committee shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) reduce the purchase price or base price of any previously granted option or SAR, (ii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for another option or SAR with a lower purchase price or base price or (iii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award if the purchase price of such option or the base price of such SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of such cancellation, in each case, other than in connection with a Change in Control or the adjustment provisions set forth in Section 5.7.
2.5No Dividend Equivalents.Notwithstanding anything in an Agreement to the contrary, the holder of an option or SAR shall not be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR.
III. STOCK AWARDS
3.1Stock Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to a Stock Award shall specify whether the Stock Award is a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award or, in the case of an Other Stock Award, the type of award being granted.
Exhibit 10.5
3.2Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Stock Issuance. During the Restriction Period, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by a custodian in book entry form with restrictions on such shares duly noted or, alternatively, a certificate or certificates representing a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the holder’s name and may bear a legend, in addition to any legend which may be required pursuant to Section 5.6, indicating that the ownership of the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate is subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock Award. All such certificates shall be deposited with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award in the event such award is forfeited in whole or in part. Upon termination of any applicable Restriction Period (and the satisfaction or attainment of applicable Performance Measures), subject to the Company’s right to require payment of any taxes in accordance with Section 5.5, the restrictions shall be removed from the requisite number of any shares of Common Stock that are held in book entry form, and all certificates evidencing ownership of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the holder of such award.
(d)Rights with Respect to Restricted Stock Awards. Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, the holder of such award shall have all rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock; provided, however, that a distribution or dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock, including a regular cash dividend, shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares of Common Stock with respect to which such distribution was made.
Exhibit 10.5
3.3Terms of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, including the number of shares that are earned upon the attainment of any specified Performance Measures, and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall specify (i) whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof and (ii) whether the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents, and, if determined by the Committee, interest on, or the deemed reinvestment of, any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award. Any dividend equivalents with respect to Restricted Stock Units that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards. Prior to the settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award.
3.4Other Stock Awards. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, the Committee is authorized to grant other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of Common Stock, including without limitation shares of Common Stock granted as a bonus and not subject to any vesting conditions, dividend equivalents, deferred stock units, stock purchase rights and shares of Common Stock issued in lieu of obligations of the Company to pay cash under any compensatory plan or arrangement, subject to such terms as shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such awards, which may include the right to elective deferral thereof, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify in its discretion. Any distribution, dividend or dividend equivalents with respect to Other Stock Awards that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards.
3.5Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Restriction Period or Performance Period relating to a Stock Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination
Exhibit 10.5
of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
IV. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
4.1Performance Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Performance Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.
4.2Terms of Performance Awards. Performance Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Value of Performance Awards and Performance Measures. The method of determining the value of the Performance Award and the Performance Measures and Performance Period applicable to a Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Performance Award if the specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period and for the forfeiture of such award if the specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Performance Awards. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock (including shares of Restricted Stock) or cash or a combination thereof. If a Performance Award is settled in shares of Restricted Stock, such shares of Restricted Stock shall be issued to the holder in book entry form or a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c) and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights as a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Any dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to a Performance Award shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Performance Award. Prior to the settlement of a Performance Award in shares of Common Stock, including Restricted Stock, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company.
4.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Performance Period relating to a Performance Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
Exhibit 10.5
V. GENERAL
5.1Effective Date and Term of Plan. This Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for approval at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and, if approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at such annual meeting of stockholders, shall become effective as of the date on which the Plan was approved by stockholders (the “Effective Date”). This Plan shall terminate as of the first annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders to occur on or after the tenth anniversary of its effective date, unless terminated earlier by the Board. Termination of this Plan shall not affect the terms or conditions of any award granted prior to termination.
Awards hereunder may be made at any time prior to the termination of this Plan, provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be granted later than ten years after the date on which the Plan was approved by the Board. In the event that this Plan is not approved by the stockholders of the Company, this Plan and any awards hereunder shall be void and of no force or effect.
5.2Amendments. The Board may amend this Plan as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that no amendment to the Plan shall be effective without the approval of the Company’s stockholders if (i) stockholder approval is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including any rule of The NASDQ Stock Market, or any other stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded, or (ii) such amendment seeks to modify the Non-Employee Director compensation limit set forth in Section 1.3 or the prohibition on repricing set forth in Section 2.4 hereof; provided further, that no amendment may materially impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding award without the consent of such holder.
5.3Agreement. Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such award. No award shall be valid until an Agreement is executed by the Company and, to the extent required by the Company, executed or electronically accepted by the recipient of such award. Upon such execution or acceptance and delivery of the Agreement to the Company within the time period specified by the Company, such award shall be effective as of the effective date set forth in the Agreement.
5.4Non-Transferability. No award shall be transferable other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to beneficiary designation procedures approved by the Company or, to the extent expressly permitted in the Agreement relating to such award, to the holder’s family members, a trust or entity established by the holder for estate planning purposes, a charitable organization designated by the holder or pursuant to a domestic relations order, in each case, without consideration. Except to the extent permitted by the foregoing sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, each award may be exercised or settled during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder or the holder’s legal representative or similar person. Except as permitted by the second preceding sentence, no award may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to so sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any award, such award and all rights thereunder shall immediately become null and void.
Exhibit 10.5
5.5Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant to an award made hereunder, payment by the holder of such award of any federal, state, local or other taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with such award. An Agreement may provide that (i) the Company shall withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered to a holder, having an aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the date the obligation to withhold or pay taxes arises in connection with an award (the “Tax Date”), or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation or (ii) the holder may satisfy any such obligation by any of the following means: (A) a cash payment to the Company; (B) delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) to the Company of previously owned whole shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in either case equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (D) in the case of the exercise of an option, a cash payment by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the award. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate (or, if permitted by the Company, such other rate as will not cause adverse accounting consequences under the accounting rules then in effect, and is permitted under applicable IRS withholding rules). Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the holder.
5.6Restrictions on Shares. Each award made hereunder shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Company determines that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award upon any securities exchange or under any law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, or the taking of any other action is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the delivery of shares thereunder, such shares shall not be delivered unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or other action shall have been effected or obtained, free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company may require that certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to any award made hereunder bear a legend indicating that the sale, transfer or other disposition thereof by the holder is prohibited except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
5.7Adjustment. In the event of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation or any successor or replacement accounting standard) that causes the per share value of shares of Common Stock to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering or recapitalization through an extraordinary cash dividend, the number and class of securities available under this Plan, the terms of each outstanding option and SAR (including the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding option or SAR and the purchase price or base price per share), the terms of each outstanding Stock Award (including the number
Exhibit 10.5
and class of securities subject thereto), and the terms of each outstanding Performance Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto, if applicable), shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. In the event of any other change in corporate capitalization, including a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or partial or complete liquidation of the Company, such equitable adjustments described in the foregoing sentence may be made as determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights of participants. In either case, the decision of the Committee regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive.
5.8Change in Control.
(a)Subject to the terms of the applicable award Agreements, in the event of a “Change in Control,” the Board, as constituted prior to the Change in Control, may, in its discretion:
(1) require that (i) some or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (ii) the Restriction Period applicable to some or all outstanding Stock Awards shall lapse in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (iii) the Performance Period applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall lapse in full or in part, and (iv) the Performance Measures applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level;
(2) require that shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding award, with an appropriate and equitable adjustment to such award as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 5.7; and/or
(3) require outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered to the Company by the holder, and to be immediately cancelled by the Company, and to provide for the holder to receive (i) a cash payment in an amount equal to (A) in the case of an option or an SAR, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such option or SAR surrendered, whether or not vested or exercisable, multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, over the purchase price or base price per share of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR, (B) in the case of a Stock Award or a Performance Award denominated in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i), whether or not vested, multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, and (C) in the case of a Performance Award denominated in cash, the value of the Performance Award then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i); (ii) shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount determined under clause (i) above; or (iii) a combination of the
Exhibit 10.5
payment of cash pursuant to clause (i) above and the issuance of shares pursuant to clause (ii) above.
(b)For purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(1) The Company consummates a merger, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation unless: (A) the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately before the merger or consolidation would continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; and (B) no Person (other than Persons who are employees at any time more than one year before a transaction) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;
(2) The sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets;
(3) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director of the Company subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that any individual who was initially elected as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation by a Person other than the Board for the purpose of opposing a solicitation by any other Person with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board shall not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(4) The consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
5.9Deferrals. The Committee may determine that the delivery of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash, or a combination thereof, upon the settlement of all or a portion of any award made hereunder shall be deferred, or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, approve deferral elections made by holders of awards. Deferrals shall be for such periods and upon such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
Exhibit 10.5
5.10No Right of Participation, Employment or Service. Unless otherwise set forth in an employment agreement, no person shall have any right to participate in this Plan. Neither this Plan nor any award made hereunder shall confer upon any person any right to continued employment by or service with the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company or affect in any manner the right of the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company to terminate the employment or service of any person at any time without liability hereunder.
5.11Rights as Stockholder. No person shall have any right as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other equity security of the Company which is subject to an award hereunder unless and until such person becomes a stockholder of record with respect to such shares of Common Stock or equity security.
5.12Designation of Beneficiary. To the extent permitted by the Company, a holder of an award may file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as such holder’s beneficiary or beneficiaries (both primary and contingent) in the event of the holder’s death or incapacity. To the extent an outstanding option or SAR granted hereunder is exercisable, such beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be entitled to exercise such option or SAR pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Company. Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when filed in writing with the Company during the holder’s lifetime on a form prescribed by the Company. The spouse of a married holder domiciled in a community property jurisdiction shall join in any designation of a beneficiary other than such spouse. The filing with the Company of a new beneficiary designation shall cancel all previously filed beneficiary designations. If a holder fails to designate a beneficiary, or if all designated beneficiaries of a holder predecease the holder, then each outstanding award held by such holder, to the extent vested or exercisable, shall be payable to or may be exercised by such holder’s executor, administrator, legal representative or similar person.
5.13Termination, Rescission and Recapture of Awards.
(a)Each award under the Plan is intended to align the participant’s long-term interests with those of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise expressly provided in an Agreement, the Company may terminate any outstanding, unexercised, unexpired, unpaid, or deferred awards (“Termination”), rescind any exercise, payment or delivery pursuant to the award (“Rescission”), or recapture any shares of Common Stock (whether restricted or unrestricted) or proceeds from the participant’s sale of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the award (“Recapture”), if the Participant does not comply with the conditions of subsections (b), (c), and (e) hereof (collectively, the “Conditions”).
(b)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to nondisclosure of the proprietary or confidential information or material of the Company or any affiliate.
(c)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to intellectual property (including but not limited to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, inventions, developments and improvements).
Exhibit 10.5
(d)Upon exercise, payment, or delivery of cash or Common Stock pursuant to an award, the participant shall certify on a form acceptable to the Company that he or she is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e)If the Company determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that (i) a participant has violated any of the Conditions set forth in subsection (b) or (c); (ii) during his or her service with the Company, or within one year after its termination for any reason, a participant has solicited any non-administrative employee of the Company to terminate employment with the Company; or (iii) during his or her service with the Company, a participant has engaged in activities which are materially prejudicial to or in conflict with the interests of the Company, including any breaches of fiduciary duty or the duty of loyalty, then the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, impose a Termination, Rescission, and/or Recapture with respect to any or all of the Participant’s relevant Awards, Shares, and the proceeds thereof.
(f)Within ten days after receiving notice from the Company of any such activity described in Section 5.13(e) above, the participant shall deliver to the Company the shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the award, or, if participant has sold the shares of Common Stock, the gain realized, or payment received as a result of the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery; provided, that if the participant returns shares of Common Stock that the participant purchased pursuant to the exercise of an option (or the gains realized from the sale of such Common Stock), the Company shall promptly refund the exercise price, without earnings, that the participant paid for such shares. Any payment by the participant to the Company pursuant to this Section shall be made either in cash or by returning to the Company the number of shares of Common Stock that the participant received in connection with the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery.
(g)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Company has sole and absolute discretion not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture, and its determination not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any particular act by a particular participant or award shall not in any way reduce or eliminate the Company’s authority to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any other act or participant or award.
(h)If any provision within this Section is determined to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such provision will be applied to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner consistent with its objectives and any limitations required under applicable law.
(i)Nothing contained in this Section 5.13 is intended to limit the participant’s ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (x) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for
Exhibit 10.5
the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (y) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
5.14Recoupment of Awards. Unless otherwise specifically provided in an Agreement, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may in its sole and absolute discretion, without obtaining the approval or consent of any participant, require that any participant reimburse the Company for all or any portion of any awards granted under this Plan (“Reimbursement”), or the Committee may require the Termination or Rescission of, or the Recapture associated with, any award, if and to the extent—
(a)the granting, vesting, or payment of such award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material financial restatement;
(b)in the Committee’s view the participant either benefited from a calculation that later proves to be materially inaccurate, or engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for a material financial restatement by the Company or any affiliate; and
(c)a lower granting, vesting, or payment of such award would have occurred based upon the miscalculated amounts or the conduct described in clause (b) of this Section.
In each instance, the Committee will, to the extent practicable and allowable under applicable laws, require Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such award granted to a participant; provided that the Company will not seek Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such awards that were paid or vested more than three years prior to the first date of the applicable restatement period.
5.15Governing Law. This Plan, each award hereunder and the related Agreement, and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant thereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the Code or the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and construed in accordance therewith without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.
5.16Foreign Employees. Without amending this Plan, the Committee may grant awards to eligible persons who are foreign nationals and/or reside outside of the United States on such terms and conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may in the judgment of the Committee be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of this Plan and, in furtherance of such purposes the Committee may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, subplans and the like as may be necessary or advisable to comply with provisions of laws in other countries or jurisdictions in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operates or has employees.
Exhibit 10.5
Exhibit B
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
2019 Stock Incentive Plan
________________________________
Designation of Death Beneficiary
_________________________________
In connection with the Awards designated below that I have received pursuant to the Plan, I hereby designate the person specified below as the beneficiary upon my death of my interest in such Awards. This designation shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by me.
Name of Beneficiary:
Address:
Social Security No.:
This beneficiary designation relates to any and all of my rights under the following Award or Awards:
any Award that I have received or ever receive under the Plan.
the _________________ Award that I received pursuant to an award agreement dated ___________, ____ between myself and the Company.
I understand that this designation operates to entitle the above named beneficiary, in the event of my death, to any and all of my rights under the Award(s) designated above from the date this form is delivered to the Company until such date as this designation is revoked in writing by me, including by delivery to the Company of a written designation of beneficiary executed by me on a later date.
Date:
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.6
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
____________________________
Stock Option Award Agreement (non-employee)
____________________________
You are hereby awarded this stock option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of Common Stock of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”) and in the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). A copy of the Plan is attached as Exhibit A. Terms below that begin with capital letters have the special meaning set forth in the Plan (or in this Award Agreement, if defined herein).
This Award is subject to your execution of this Award Agreement specified in Section 1 below. By executing this Award Agreement, you will be irrevocably agreeing that all of your rights under this Award will be determined solely and exclusively by reference to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, subject to the provisions set forth below. As a result, you should not execute this Award Agreement until you have carefully considered the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award, plus the information disclosed within the Plan prospectus and consulted with your personal legal and tax advisors about all of these documents.
Specific Terms. Your Option has the following terms:
Exhibit 10.6
Recapture and Recoupment |
☒ Section 5.13 of the Plan shall apply re Termination, Rescission, and Recapture of this Award. ☒ Section 5.14 of the Plan shall apply re recoupment of this Award. |
Manner of Exercise. This Option shall be exercised in the manner and by any means set forth in Section 2.1(c) the Plan, using the exercise form attached hereto as Exhibit B. The amount of shares of Common Stock for which this Option may be exercised is cumulative; that is, if you fail to exercise this Option for all of the shares of Common Stock vested under this Option during any period set forth above, then any shares of Common Stock subject hereto that are not exercised during such period may be exercised during any subsequent period, until the expiration or termination of this Option pursuant to Sections 1 and 4 of this Award Agreement and the terms of the Plan. Fractional shares of Common Stock may not be purchased.
Special ISO Provisions. If designated as an ISO, this Option shall be treated as an ISO to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and shall otherwise be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option. If you sell or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an ISO within 1 year from the date such shares of Common Stock were acquired or 2 years from the Grant Date, you agree to deliver a written report to the Company within 10 days following the sale or other disposition of such shares of Common Stock detailing the net proceeds of such sale or disposition.
Termination of Continuous Service.
Cessation of Vesting. Subject to the terms of any consulting or services agreement between you and the Company (and/or any Subsidiary) that is in effect on the Grant Date, this Award shall be canceled and become automatically null and void immediately after termination of your Continuous Service, but only to the extent you have not become vested, pursuant to the terms of Section 1 above, on or before the date that your Continuous Service ends. For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Continuous Service” shall mean your period of service in the absence of any interruption or termination, as non-employee director, or consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless continued services upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; (iv) changes in status from non-employee director to advisory director or emeritus status; or (iv) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Subsidiaries. Changes in status between service as a non-employee director, and a consultant will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service if the individual continues to perform bona fide services for the Company. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent the vesting of the Option shall be tolled during any paid or unpaid leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting for the Option shall be tolled during any such unpaid leave (but not for a paid leave).
Exhibit 10.6
Post-Termination Exercise Period. With respect to the portion of the Option that is vested, or vests, upon your termination of Continuous Service, the following provisions shall apply:
Reason for terminating Continuous Service |
Option Termination Date |
(I) By the Company for Cause, or what would have been Cause if the Company had known all of the relevant facts. |
Termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service. |
(II) Disability of the Participant. |
Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service. |
(III) Death of the Participant during Continuous Service or within 90 days thereafter. |
Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service. |
(IV) Other than due to Cause or the Participant’s Disability, or Death. |
Within 90 days after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service. |
For purposes of this Award Agreement,
“Cause” will have the meaning set forth in any unexpired consulting or services agreement between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and you in effect as of the Grant Date. In the absence of such an agreement, “Cause” will exist if you are terminated from service with the Company, a Subsidiary or an affiliate for any of the following reasons: (i) your willful failure to substantially perform your duties and responsibilities to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates or deliberate violation of a material Company or Subsidiary policy; (ii) your commission of any material act or acts of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty, or other willful misconduct; (iii) your material unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other party to whom you owe an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of your relationship with the Company; or (iv) your willful and material breach of any of your obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate your service relationship at any time, and the term “Company” will be interpreted herein to include any Affiliate or successor thereto, if appropriate.
“Disabled” means a condition under which your: (x) are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity 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, or (y) are, 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, received income replacement benefits for a period
Exhibit 10.6
of not less than three months under an accident or health plan covering consultants of the Company.
Designation of Beneficiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, following the execution of this Award Agreement, you may expressly designate a death beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) to your interest if any, in this Award and any underlying shares of Common Stock. You shall designate the Beneficiary by completing and executing a designation of beneficiary agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Designation of Death Beneficiary”) and delivering an executed copy of the Designation of Beneficiary to the Company. To the extent you do not duly designate a beneficiary who survives you, your estate will automatically be your beneficiary.
Restrictions on Transfer of Award. Except as provided under the Plan and as set forth in Section 5 above, your rights under this Award Agreement may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Committee.
Taxes. Except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in a consulting or services agreement between you and the Company, by signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you shall be solely responsible for the satisfaction of any taxes that may arise pursuant to this Award (including taxes arising under Sections 409A (regarding deferred compensation) or 4999 (regarding golden parachute excise taxes), and that neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes or to otherwise indemnify or hold you harmless from any or all of such taxes. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the requirements of the Code, including Section 409A, for purposes of the Plan and this Award Agreement. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant this Award, payment by you of any taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with this Award, by any means set forth in Section 5.5. of the Plan.
Not a Contract of Continued Service. By executing this Award, you acknowledge and agree that (i) any person who is terminated before full vesting of an award, such as the one granted to you by this Award Agreement, could claim that he or she was terminated to preclude vesting; (ii) you promise never to make such a claim; (iii) nothing in this Award Agreement or the Plan confers on you any right to continue a service or consulting relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, nor shall it affect in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to terminate your service or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause; and (iv) the Company would not have granted this Award to you but for these acknowledgements and agreements.
Investment Purposes. By executing this Award Agreement, you represent and warrant that any shares of Common Stock issued to you pursuant to your Option will be held for investment purposes only for your own account, and not with a view to, for resale in connection with, or with an intent in participating directly or indirectly in, any distribution of such shares of Common Stock within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Securities Law Restrictions. Regardless of whether the offering and sale of this Option or shares of Common Stock under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act, or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company at its discretion may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge or other transfer of such shares of Common Stock (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates or the imposition of stop-transfer instructions) if, in the judgment of the Company, such restrictions are necessary or desirable in order to achieve
Exhibit 10.6
compliance with the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or any other law or to enforce the intent of this Award.
Headings. Section and other headings contained in this Award Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope or intent of this Award Agreement or any provision hereof.
Severability. Every provision of this Award Agreement and of the Plan is intended to be severable. If any term hereof is illegal or invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remaining terms of this Award Agreement.
Counterparts. This Award Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted by any provision of this Award Agreement to be given to you shall be in writing and shall be delivered electronically, personally, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to you at the last address that the Company had for you on its records. Each party may, from time to time, by notice to the other party hereto, specify a new address for delivery of notices relating to this Award Agreement. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given as of the date such notice is personally or electronically delivered or properly mailed.
Binding Effect. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement or in the Plan, every covenant, term, and provision of this Award Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees, and assigns.
Modifications. This Award Agreement may be modified or amended at any time, in accordance with the Plan, provided that any amendment that materially impairs your rights under this Award Agreement shall require your consent.
Plan Governs. By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan and that your Award Agreement is subject to all the provisions contained in the Plan, the provisions of which are made a part of this Award Agreement and your Award is subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which from time to time may be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Award Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Award Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
Protected Rights. Nothing contained in this Award Agreement is intended to limit your ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or
Exhibit 10.6
otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (A) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
BY YOUR SIGNATURE BELOW, along with the signature of the Company’s representative, you and the Company agree that this Award is made under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
By:
Name: Robert Beechey
Title: Chief Financial Officer
PARTICIPANT
The undersigned Participant hereby accepts the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.6
Exhibit A
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
1.
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1Purposes. The purposes of the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and the recipients of awards under this Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success, (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining Non-Employee Directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long‑term best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
1.2Certain Definitions.
2.“Agreement” shall mean the written or electronic agreement evidencing an award hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such award.
3.“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
4.“Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).
5.“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
6.“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee thereof, or such other committee designated by the Board, in each case, consisting of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is intended to be (i) a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and (ii) “independent” within the meaning of the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, within the meaning of the rules of the principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded.
7.“Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, and all rights appurtenant thereto.
“Company” shall mean Vermillion, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
Exhibit 10.6
8.“Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
9.“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Fair Market Value” shall mean the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock on the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there shall be no reported transactions for such date, on the next preceding date for which transactions were reported; provided, however, that if the Common Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange or if Fair Market Value for any date cannot be so determined, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee by whatever means or method as the Committee, in the good faith exercise of its discretion, shall at such time deem appropriate and in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
10.“Free-Standing SAR” shall mean an SAR which is not granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option, which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of such SARs which are exercised.
“Government Agencies” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
11.“Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, which is intended by the Committee to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
12.“Non-Employee Director” shall mean any director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
13.“Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option.
14.“Other Stock Award” shall mean an award granted pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Plan.
15.“Performance Award” shall mean a right to receive an amount of cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
16.“Performance Measures” shall mean the criteria and objectives, established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met (i) as a condition to the grant or exercisability of
Exhibit 10.6
all or a portion of an option or SAR or (ii) during the applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period as a condition to the vesting of the holder’s interest, in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, or, in the case of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, Other Stock Award or Performance Award, to the holder’s receipt of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award or of payment with respect to such award. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries, business or geographical units or operating areas of the Company (except with respect to the total shareholder return and earnings per share criteria) or individual basis, may be used by the Committee in establishing Performance Measures under this Plan: earnings per share; sales or revenue; earnings or income of the Company before or after taxes and/or interest; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net income; returns on equity, assets, capital, investments, or revenue; economic value added; working capital; total stockholder return; the attainment by a share of Common Stock of a specified Fair Market Value for a specified period of time; expenses; cost reduction goals; cash flow; gross profit or gross margin; operating profit or margin; strategic goals relating to product development, product market share, research, licensing, successful completion of clinical trials, submission of applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for new tests, receipt from the FDA of clearance for new tests, commercialization of new tests, litigation, human resources, information services, mergers, acquisitions, sales of assets of affiliates or business units, or such other goals as the Committee may determine whether or not listed herein. Each such goal may be determined on a pre-tax or post-tax basis or on an absolute or relative basis, and may include comparisons based on current internal targets, the past performance of the Company (including the performance of one or more subsidiaries, divisions, or operating units) or the past or current performance of other companies or market indices (or a combination of such past and current performance). In addition to the ratios specifically enumerated above, performance goals may include comparisons relating to capital (including, but not limited to, the cost of capital), shareholders’ equity, shares outstanding, assets or net assets, sales, or any combination thereof. In establishing a Performance Measure or determining the achievement of a Performance Measure, the Committee may provide that achievement of the applicable Performance Measures may be amended or adjusted to include or exclude components of any Performance Measure, including, without limitation, foreign exchange gains and losses, asset write-downs, acquisitions and divestitures, change in fiscal year, unbudgeted capital expenditures, special charges such as restructuring or impairment charges, debt refinancing costs, extraordinary or noncash items, unusual, infrequently occurring, nonrecurring or one-time events affecting the Company or its financial statements or changes in law or accounting principles. Performance Measures shall be subject to such other special rules and conditions as the Committee may establish at any time.
17. “Performance Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Performance Measures applicable to an award shall be measured and (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to an award shall remain in effect.
Exhibit 10.6
18.“Person” means any natural person, association, trust, business trust, cooperative, corporation, general partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, limited partnership, limited liability company, real estate investment trust, regulatory body, governmental agency or instrumentality, unincorporated organization or organizational entity.
19.“Prior Plan” shall mean the Vermillion, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and each other equity plan maintained by the Company under which awards are outstanding as of the effective date of this Plan.
“Recapture” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Reimbursement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.
“Rescission” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
20.“Restricted Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock which are subject to a Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be subject to the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
21.“Restricted Stock Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock under this Plan.
22.“Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean a right to receive one share of Common Stock or, in lieu thereof and to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock in cash, which shall be contingent upon the expiration of a specified Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
23.“Restricted Stock Unit Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock Units under this Plan.
24.“Restriction Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as provided in this Plan or the Agreement relating to such award, or (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award shall remain in effect.
25.“SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right which may be a Free‑Standing SAR or a Tandem SAR.
“Stock Award” shall mean a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award.
Exhibit 10.6
“Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or similar entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an equity interest possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the total outstanding equity interests of such entity.
26.“Substitute Award” shall mean an award granted under this Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, including a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided, however, that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an option or SAR.
27.“Tandem SAR” shall mean an SAR which is granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option (including a Nonqualified Stock Option granted prior to the date of grant of the SAR), which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise of such SAR and surrender for cancellation of all or a portion of such option, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered.
“Tax Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.
“Ten Percent Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
“Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
1.3Administration. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Any one or a combination of the following awards may be made under this Plan to eligible persons: (i) options to purchase shares of Common Stock in the form of Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options; (ii) SARs in the form of Tandem SARs or Free‑Standing SARs; (iii) Stock Awards in the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock Awards; and (iv) Performance Awards. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, select eligible persons for participation in this Plan and determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to an award, the number of SARs, the number of Restricted Stock Units, the dollar value subject to a Performance Award, the purchase price or base price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the Agreement evidencing the award. The Committee may, in its sole discretion and for any reason at any time, take action such that (i) any or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all or a portion of
Exhibit 10.6
the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse, (iii) all or a portion of the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse and (iv) the Performance Measures (if any) applicable to any outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, interpret this Plan and the application thereof, establish rules and regulations it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan and may impose, incidental to the grant of an award, conditions with respect to the award, such as limiting competitive employment or other activities. All such interpretations, rules, regulations and conditions shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.
28.The Committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority hereunder to the Board (or any members thereof) or, subject to applicable law, to a subcommittee of the Board, a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company as the Committee deems appropriate; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its power and authority to a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company with regard to the selection for participation in this Plan of an officer, director or other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or decisions concerning the timing, pricing or amount of an award to such an officer, director or other person.
29.No member of the Board or Committee, and neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other executive officer to whom the Committee delegates any of its power and authority hereunder, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Plan in good faith, and the members of the Board and the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law (except as otherwise may be provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and/or By-laws) and under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that may be in effect from time to time.
1.4Eligibility. Participants in this Plan shall consist of such officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors, agents, and persons expected to become officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Committee in its sole discretion may select from time to time. The Committee’s selection of a person to participate in this Plan at any time shall not require the Committee to select such person to participate in this Plan at any other time. Except as otherwise provided for in an Agreement, for purposes of this Plan, references to employment by the Company shall also mean employment by a Subsidiary, and references to employment shall include service as a Non-Employee Director, consultant, independent contractor or agent. The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the extent to which a participant shall be considered employed during an approved leave of absence. The aggregate value of cash compensation and the grant date fair value of shares of Common
Exhibit 10.6
Stock that may be awarded or granted during any fiscal year of the Company to any Non-Employee Director shall not exceed $400,000.
1.5Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7 and to all other limits set forth in this Plan, 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date shall initially be available for all awards under this Plan, other than Substitute Awards. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7, no more than 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate may be issued under the Plan in connection with Incentive Stock Options. The number of shares of Common Stock that remain available for future grants under the Plan shall be reduced by the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which become subject to outstanding options, outstanding Free-Standing SARs, outstanding Stock Awards and outstanding Performance Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock.
To the extent that shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding option, SAR, Stock Award or Performance Award granted under the Plan or a Prior Plan, other than Substitute Awards, are not issued or delivered by reason of (i) the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award (excluding shares subject to an option cancelled upon settlement in shares of a related Tandem SAR or shares subject to a Tandem SAR cancelled upon exercise of a related option) or (ii) the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares of Common Stock shall again be available under this Plan; provided, however, that shares of Common Stock subject to an award under this Plan or a Prior Plan shall not again be available for issuance under this Plan if such shares are (x) shares that were subject to an option or stock-settled SAR and were not issued or delivered upon the net settlement or net exercise of such option or SAR, (y) shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the purchase price or the withholding taxes related to an outstanding award or (z) shares repurchased by the Company on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise. At the time this Plan becomes effective, none of the shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the Prior Plan shall be available for grant under such Prior Plan or this Plan.
30.The number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under this Plan shall not be reduced by (i) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Substitute Awards or (ii) available shares under a stockholder approved plan of a company or other entity which was a party to a corporate transaction with the Company (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such corporate transaction) which become subject to awards granted under this Plan (subject to applicable stock exchange requirements).
31.Shares of Common Stock to be delivered under this Plan shall be made available from authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a combination thereof.
Exhibit 10.6
II. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
2.1Stock Options. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant options to purchase shares of Common Stock to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. Each option, or portion thereof, that is not an Incentive Stock Option, shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company, or any parent or Subsidiary) exceeds the amount (currently $100,000) established by the Code, such options shall constitute Nonqualified Stock Options.
32.Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of Shares and Purchase Price. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an option and the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of the option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of an option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such option is granted, owns capital stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company (or of any parent or Subsidiary) (a “Ten Percent Holder”), the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall not be less than the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
33.Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an option that is a Substitute Award, the purchase price per share of the shares subject to such option may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate purchase price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate purchase price of such shares.
(b)Option Period and Exercisability. The period during which an option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no option shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance
Exhibit 10.6
Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an option or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option. The Committee shall determine whether an option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock.
(c)Method of Exercise. An option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanying such notice with payment therefor in full (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction) either (A) in cash, (B) by delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy such obligation, (D) in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) a combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the option, (ii) if applicable, by surrendering to the Company any Tandem SARs which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the option and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to pay such purchase price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the participant. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until the full purchase price therefor and any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.2Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant SARs to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to an SAR shall specify whether the SAR is a Tandem SAR or a Free-Standing SAR.
34.SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of SARs and Base Price. The number of SARs subject to an award shall be determined by the Committee. Any Tandem SAR related to an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted at the same time that such Incentive Stock Option is granted. The base price of a Tandem SAR shall be the purchase price per share of Common Stock of the related option. The base price of a Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such base price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such SAR (or, if earlier, the date of grant of the option for which the SAR is exchanged or substituted).
Exhibit 10.6
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an SAR that is a Substitute Award, the base price per share of the shares subject to such SAR may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate base price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate base price of such shares.
(b)Exercise Period and Exercisability. The period for the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that (i) no Tandem SAR shall be exercised later than the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or other termination of the related option and (ii) no Free-Standing SAR shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an SAR or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an SAR. The Committee shall determine whether an SAR may be exercised in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable SAR, or portion thereof, may be exercised, in the case of a Tandem SAR, only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock and, in the case of a Free‑Standing SAR, only with respect to a whole number of SARs. If an SAR is exercised for shares of Restricted Stock, a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c), or such shares shall be transferred to the holder in book entry form with restrictions on the shares duly noted, and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Prior to the exercise of a stock-settled SAR, the holder of such SAR shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such SAR.
(c)Method of Exercise. A Tandem SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole SARs which are being exercised, (ii) by surrendering to the Company any options which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the Tandem SAR and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. A Free-Standing SAR may be exercised (A) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the whole number of SARs which are being exercised and (B) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an option or SAR (i) upon a termination of employment with
Exhibit 10.6
or service to the Company of the holder of such option or SAR, as the case may be, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
2.4No Repricing. The Committee shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) reduce the purchase price or base price of any previously granted option or SAR, (ii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for another option or SAR with a lower purchase price or base price or (iii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award if the purchase price of such option or the base price of such SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of such cancellation, in each case, other than in connection with a Change in Control or the adjustment provisions set forth in Section 5.7.
2.5No Dividend Equivalents.Notwithstanding anything in an Agreement to the contrary, the holder of an option or SAR shall not be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR.
III. STOCK AWARDS
3.1Stock Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to a Stock Award shall specify whether the Stock Award is a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award or, in the case of an Other Stock Award, the type of award being granted.
3.2Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
Exhibit 10.6
(c)Stock Issuance. During the Restriction Period, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by a custodian in book entry form with restrictions on such shares duly noted or, alternatively, a certificate or certificates representing a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the holder’s name and may bear a legend, in addition to any legend which may be required pursuant to Section 5.6, indicating that the ownership of the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate is subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock Award. All such certificates shall be deposited with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award in the event such award is forfeited in whole or in part. Upon termination of any applicable Restriction Period (and the satisfaction or attainment of applicable Performance Measures), subject to the Company’s right to require payment of any taxes in accordance with Section 5.5, the restrictions shall be removed from the requisite number of any shares of Common Stock that are held in book entry form, and all certificates evidencing ownership of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the holder of such award.
(d)Rights with Respect to Restricted Stock Awards. Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, the holder of such award shall have all rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock; provided, however, that a distribution or dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock, including a regular cash dividend, shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares of Common Stock with respect to which such distribution was made.
3.3Terms of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, including the number of shares that are earned upon the attainment of any specified Performance Measures, and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified
Exhibit 10.6
Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall specify (i) whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof and (ii) whether the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents, and, if determined by the Committee, interest on, or the deemed reinvestment of, any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award. Any dividend equivalents with respect to Restricted Stock Units that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards. Prior to the settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award.
3.4Other Stock Awards. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, the Committee is authorized to grant other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of Common Stock, including without limitation shares of Common Stock granted as a bonus and not subject to any vesting conditions, dividend equivalents, deferred stock units, stock purchase rights and shares of Common Stock issued in lieu of obligations of the Company to pay cash under any compensatory plan or arrangement, subject to such terms as shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such awards, which may include the right to elective deferral thereof, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify in its discretion. Any distribution, dividend or dividend equivalents with respect to Other Stock Awards that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards.
3.5Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Restriction Period or Performance Period relating to a Stock Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
IV. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
4.1Performance Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Performance Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.
Exhibit 10.6
4.2Terms of Performance Awards. Performance Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Value of Performance Awards and Performance Measures. The method of determining the value of the Performance Award and the Performance Measures and Performance Period applicable to a Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Performance Award if the specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period and for the forfeiture of such award if the specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Performance Awards. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock (including shares of Restricted Stock) or cash or a combination thereof. If a Performance Award is settled in shares of Restricted Stock, such shares of Restricted Stock shall be issued to the holder in book entry form or a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c) and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights as a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Any dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to a Performance Award shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Performance Award. Prior to the settlement of a Performance Award in shares of Common Stock, including Restricted Stock, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company.
4.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Performance Period relating to a Performance Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
V. GENERAL
5.1Effective Date and Term of Plan. This Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for approval at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and, if approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at such annual meeting of stockholders, shall become effective as of the date on which the Plan was approved by stockholders (the “Effective Date”). This Plan shall terminate as of the first annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders to occur on or after the
Exhibit 10.6
tenth anniversary of its effective date, unless terminated earlier by the Board. Termination of this Plan shall not affect the terms or conditions of any award granted prior to termination.
35.Awards hereunder may be made at any time prior to the termination of this Plan, provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be granted later than ten years after the date on which the Plan was approved by the Board. In the event that this Plan is not approved by the stockholders of the Company, this Plan and any awards hereunder shall be void and of no force or effect.
5.2Amendments. The Board may amend this Plan as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that no amendment to the Plan shall be effective without the approval of the Company’s stockholders if (i) stockholder approval is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including any rule of The NASDQ Stock Market, or any other stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded, or (ii) such amendment seeks to modify the Non-Employee Director compensation limit set forth in Section 1.3 or the prohibition on repricing set forth in Section 2.4 hereof; provided further, that no amendment may materially impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding award without the consent of such holder.
5.3Agreement. Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such award. No award shall be valid until an Agreement is executed by the Company and, to the extent required by the Company, executed or electronically accepted by the recipient of such award. Upon such execution or acceptance and delivery of the Agreement to the Company within the time period specified by the Company, such award shall be effective as of the effective date set forth in the Agreement.
5.4Non-Transferability. No award shall be transferable other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to beneficiary designation procedures approved by the Company or, to the extent expressly permitted in the Agreement relating to such award, to the holder’s family members, a trust or entity established by the holder for estate planning purposes, a charitable organization designated by the holder or pursuant to a domestic relations order, in each case, without consideration. Except to the extent permitted by the foregoing sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, each award may be exercised or settled during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder or the holder’s legal representative or similar person. Except as permitted by the second preceding sentence, no award may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to so sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any award, such award and all rights thereunder shall immediately become null and void.
5.5Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant to an award made hereunder, payment by the holder of such award of any federal, state, local or other taxes which
Exhibit 10.6
may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with such award. An Agreement may provide that (i) the Company shall withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered to a holder, having an aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the date the obligation to withhold or pay taxes arises in connection with an award (the “Tax Date”), or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation or (ii) the holder may satisfy any such obligation by any of the following means: (A) a cash payment to the Company; (B) delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) to the Company of previously owned whole shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in either case equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (D) in the case of the exercise of an option, a cash payment by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the award. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate (or, if permitted by the Company, such other rate as will not cause adverse accounting consequences under the accounting rules then in effect, and is permitted under applicable IRS withholding rules). Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the holder.
5.6Restrictions on Shares. Each award made hereunder shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Company determines that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award upon any securities exchange or under any law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, or the taking of any other action is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the delivery of shares thereunder, such shares shall not be delivered unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or other action shall have been effected or obtained, free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company may require that certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to any award made hereunder bear a legend indicating that the sale, transfer or other disposition thereof by the holder is prohibited except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
5.7Adjustment. In the event of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation or any successor or replacement accounting standard) that causes the per share value of shares of Common Stock to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering or recapitalization through an extraordinary cash dividend, the number and class
Exhibit 10.6
of securities available under this Plan, the terms of each outstanding option and SAR (including the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding option or SAR and the purchase price or base price per share), the terms of each outstanding Stock Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto), and the terms of each outstanding Performance Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto, if applicable), shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. In the event of any other change in corporate capitalization, including a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or partial or complete liquidation of the Company, such equitable adjustments described in the foregoing sentence may be made as determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights of participants. In either case, the decision of the Committee regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive.
5.8Change in Control.
(a)Subject to the terms of the applicable award Agreements, in the event of a “Change in Control,” the Board, as constituted prior to the Change in Control, may, in its discretion:
(1) require that (i) some or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (ii) the Restriction Period applicable to some or all outstanding Stock Awards shall lapse in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (iii) the Performance Period applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall lapse in full or in part, and (iv) the Performance Measures applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level;
(2) require that shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding award, with an appropriate and equitable adjustment to such award as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 5.7; and/or
(3) require outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered to the Company by the holder, and to be immediately cancelled by the Company, and to provide for the holder to receive (i) a cash payment in an amount equal to (A) in the case of an option or an SAR, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such option or SAR surrendered, whether or not vested or exercisable, multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, over the purchase price or base price per share of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR, (B) in the case of a Stock Award or a Performance Award denominated in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed
Exhibit 10.6
satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i), whether or not vested, multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, and (C) in the case of a Performance Award denominated in cash, the value of the Performance Award then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i); (ii) shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount determined under clause (i) above; or (iii) a combination of the payment of cash pursuant to clause (i) above and the issuance of shares pursuant to clause (ii) above.
(b)For purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(1) The Company consummates a merger, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation unless: (A) the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately before the merger or consolidation would continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; and (B) no Person (other than Persons who are employees at any time more than one year before a transaction) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;
(2) The sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets;
(3) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director of the Company subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that any individual who was initially elected as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation by a Person other than the Board for the purpose of opposing a solicitation by any other Person with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board shall not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(4) The consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately
Exhibit 10.6
following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
5.9Deferrals. The Committee may determine that the delivery of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash, or a combination thereof, upon the settlement of all or a portion of any award made hereunder shall be deferred, or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, approve deferral elections made by holders of awards. Deferrals shall be for such periods and upon such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
5.10No Right of Participation, Employment or Service. Unless otherwise set forth in an employment agreement, no person shall have any right to participate in this Plan. Neither this Plan nor any award made hereunder shall confer upon any person any right to continued employment by or service with the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company or affect in any manner the right of the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company to terminate the employment or service of any person at any time without liability hereunder.
5.11Rights as Stockholder. No person shall have any right as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other equity security of the Company which is subject to an award hereunder unless and until such person becomes a stockholder of record with respect to such shares of Common Stock or equity security.
5.12Designation of Beneficiary. To the extent permitted by the Company, a holder of an award may file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as such holder’s beneficiary or beneficiaries (both primary and contingent) in the event of the holder’s death or incapacity. To the extent an outstanding option or SAR granted hereunder is exercisable, such beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be entitled to exercise such option or SAR pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Company. Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when filed in writing with the Company during the holder’s lifetime on a form prescribed by the Company. The spouse of a married holder domiciled in a community property jurisdiction shall join in any designation of a beneficiary other than such spouse. The filing with the Company of a new beneficiary designation shall cancel all previously filed beneficiary designations. If a holder fails to designate a beneficiary, or if all designated beneficiaries of a holder predecease the holder, then each outstanding award held by such holder, to the extent vested or exercisable, shall be payable to or may be exercised by such holder’s executor, administrator, legal representative or similar person.
5.13Termination, Rescission and Recapture of Awards.
Exhibit 10.6
(a)Each award under the Plan is intended to align the participant’s long-term interests with those of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise expressly provided in an Agreement, the Company may terminate any outstanding, unexercised, unexpired, unpaid, or deferred awards (“Termination”), rescind any exercise, payment or delivery pursuant to the award (“Rescission”), or recapture any shares of Common Stock (whether restricted or unrestricted) or proceeds from the participant’s sale of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the award (“Recapture”), if the Participant does not comply with the conditions of subsections (b), (c), and (e) hereof (collectively, the “Conditions”).
(b)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to nondisclosure of the proprietary or confidential information or material of the Company or any affiliate.
(c)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to intellectual property (including but not limited to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, inventions, developments and improvements).
(d)Upon exercise, payment, or delivery of cash or Common Stock pursuant to an award, the participant shall certify on a form acceptable to the Company that he or she is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e)If the Company determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that (i) a participant has violated any of the Conditions set forth in subsection (b) or (c); (ii) during his or her service with the Company, or within one year after its termination for any reason, a participant has solicited any non-administrative employee of the Company to terminate employment with the Company; or (iii) during his or her service with the Company, a participant has engaged in activities which are materially prejudicial to or in conflict with the interests of the Company, including any breaches of fiduciary duty or the duty of loyalty, then the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, impose a Termination, Rescission, and/or Recapture with respect to any or all of the Participant’s relevant Awards, Shares, and the proceeds thereof.
(f)Within ten days after receiving notice from the Company of any such activity described in Section 5.13(e) above, the participant shall deliver to the Company the shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the award, or, if participant has sold the shares of Common Stock, the gain realized, or payment received as a result of the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery; provided, that if the participant returns shares of Common Stock that the participant purchased pursuant to the exercise of an option (or the gains realized from the sale of such Common Stock), the Company shall promptly refund the exercise price, without earnings, that the participant paid for such shares. Any payment by the participant to the Company pursuant to this Section shall be made either in cash or by returning to the Company the number of shares of Common Stock that the participant received in connection with the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery.
Exhibit 10.6
(g)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Company has sole and absolute discretion not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture, and its determination not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any particular act by a particular participant or award shall not in any way reduce or eliminate the Company’s authority to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any other act or participant or award.
(h)If any provision within this Section is determined to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such provision will be applied to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner consistent with its objectives and any limitations required under applicable law.
(i)Nothing contained in this Section 5.13 is intended to limit the participant’s ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (x) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (y) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
5.14Recoupment of Awards. Unless otherwise specifically provided in an Agreement, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may in its sole and absolute discretion, without obtaining the approval or consent of any participant, require that any participant reimburse the Company for all or any portion of any awards granted under this Plan (“Reimbursement”), or the Committee may require the Termination or Rescission of, or the Recapture associated with, any award, if and to the extent—
(a)the granting, vesting, or payment of such award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material financial restatement;
(b)in the Committee’s view the participant either benefited from a calculation that later proves to be materially inaccurate, or engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for a material financial restatement by the Company or any affiliate; and
(c)a lower granting, vesting, or payment of such award would have occurred based upon the miscalculated amounts or the conduct described in clause (b) of this Section.
Exhibit 10.6
In each instance, the Committee will, to the extent practicable and allowable under applicable laws, require Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such award granted to a participant; provided that the Company will not seek Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such awards that were paid or vested more than three years prior to the first date of the applicable restatement period.
5.15Governing Law. This Plan, each award hereunder and the related Agreement, and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant thereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the Code or the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and construed in accordance therewith without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.
5.16Foreign Employees. Without amending this Plan, the Committee may grant awards to eligible persons who are foreign nationals and/or reside outside of the United States on such terms and conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may in the judgment of the Committee be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of this Plan and, in furtherance of such purposes the Committee may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, subplans and the like as may be necessary or advisable to comply with provisions of laws in other countries or jurisdictions in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operates or has employees.
Exhibit 10.6
Exhibit B
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
__________________________________________
Form of Exercise of Stock Option Award Agreement
___________________________________________
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
12117 Bee Caves Road, Building 3, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78738
Attention: _Robert Beechey_______
Dear Sir or Madam:
The undersigned elects to exercise his/her Option to purchase _____ shares of Common Stock of the Company under and pursuant to a Stock Option Agreement dated as of ______________.
Delivered herewith is a certified or bank cashier’s or teller’s check and/or shares of Common Stock owned by the undersigned, valued at the closing sale price of the stock on the date of exercise, as follows:
$____________in cash
$____________in the form of ____ shares of Common Stock,
valued at $___________ per share
$ Total
If method 1 is chosen, the name or names to be on the stock certificate or certificates and the address and Social Security Number of such person(s) is as follows:
Name:
Address:
Social Security Number
Very truly yours,
_________________
DateOptionee
*The Committee must approve this method in writing before your election
Exhibit 10.6
Exhibit C
VERMILLION, INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
_________________________________
Designation of Death Beneficiary
_________________________________
In connection with the Awards designated below that I have received pursuant to the Vermillion, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), I hereby designate the person specified below as the beneficiary upon my death of my interest in such Awards. This designation shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by me.
Name of Beneficiary:
Address:__________________
Social Security No.:
This beneficiary designation relates to any and all of my rights under the following Award or Awards:
any Award that I have received or ever receive under the Plan.
the _________________ Award that I received pursuant to an award agreement dated _________ __, ____ between myself and the Company.
I understand that this designation operates to entitle the above named beneficiary, in the event of my death, to any and all of my rights under the Award(s) designated above from the date this form is delivered to the Company until such date as this designation is revoked in writing by me, including by delivery to the Company of a written designation of beneficiary executed by me on a later date.
Date:
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.7
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
____________________________
Stock Option Award Agreement (non-employee)
____________________________
You are hereby awarded this stock option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of Common Stock of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”) and in the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). A copy of the Plan is attached as Exhibit A. Terms below that begin with capital letters have the special meaning set forth in the Plan (or in this Award Agreement, if defined herein).
This Award is subject to your execution of this Award Agreement specified in Section 1 below. By executing this Award Agreement, you will be irrevocably agreeing that all of your rights under this Award will be determined solely and exclusively by reference to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, subject to the provisions set forth below. As a result, you should not execute this Award Agreement until you have carefully considered the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award, plus the information disclosed within the Plan prospectus and consulted with your personal legal and tax advisors about all of these documents.
Specific Terms. Your Option has the following terms:
Exhibit 10.7
Recapture and Recoupment |
☒ Section 5.13 of the Plan shall apply re Termination, Rescission, and Recapture of this Award. ☒ Section 5.14 of the Plan shall apply re recoupment of this Award. |
Manner of Exercise. This Option shall be exercised in the manner and by any means set forth in Section 2.1(c) the Plan, using the exercise form attached hereto as Exhibit B. The amount of shares of Common Stock for which this Option may be exercised is cumulative; that is, if you fail to exercise this Option for all of the shares of Common Stock vested under this Option during any period set forth above, then any shares of Common Stock subject hereto that are not exercised during such period may be exercised during any subsequent period, until the expiration or termination of this Option pursuant to Sections 1 and 4 of this Award Agreement and the terms of the Plan. Fractional shares of Common Stock may not be purchased.
Special ISO Provisions. If designated as an ISO, this Option shall be treated as an ISO to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and shall otherwise be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option. If you sell or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an ISO within 1 year from the date such shares of Common Stock were acquired or 2 years from the Grant Date, you agree to deliver a written report to the Company within 10 days following the sale or other disposition of such shares of Common Stock detailing the net proceeds of such sale or disposition.
Termination of Continuous Service.
Cessation of Vesting. Subject to the terms of any consulting or services agreement between you and the Company (and/or any Subsidiary) that is in effect on the Grant Date, this Award shall be canceled and become automatically null and void immediately after termination of your Continuous Service, but only to the extent you have not become vested, pursuant to the terms of Section 1 above, on or before the date that your Continuous Service ends. For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Continuous Service” shall mean your period of service in the absence of any interruption or termination, as non-employee director, or consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless continued services upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; (iv) changes in status from non-employee director to advisory director or emeritus status; or (iv) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Subsidiaries. Changes in status between service as a non-employee director, and a consultant will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service if the individual continues to perform bona fide services for the Company. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent the vesting of the Option shall be tolled during any paid or unpaid leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting for the Option shall be tolled during any such unpaid leave (but not for a paid leave).
Exhibit 10.7
Post-Termination Exercise Period. With respect to the portion of the Option that is vested, or vests, upon your termination of Continuous Service, the following provisions shall apply:
|
|
Reason for terminating Continuous Service |
Option Termination Date |
(I) By the Company for Cause, or what would have been Cause if the Company had known all of the relevant facts. |
Termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service. |
(II) Disability of the Participant. |
Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service. |
(III) Death of the Participant during Continuous Service or within 90 days thereafter. |
Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service. |
(IV) Other than due to Cause or the Participant’s Disability, or Death. |
Within 90 days after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service. |
For purposes of this Award Agreement,
“Cause” will have the meaning set forth in any unexpired consulting or services agreement between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and you in effect as of the Grant Date. In the absence of such an agreement, “Cause” will exist if you are terminated from service with the Company, a Subsidiary or an affiliate for any of the following reasons: (i) your willful failure to substantially perform your duties and responsibilities to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates or deliberate violation of a material Company or Subsidiary policy; (ii) your commission of any material act or acts of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty, or other willful misconduct; (iii) your material unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other party to whom you owe an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of your relationship with the Company; or (iv) your willful and material breach of any of your obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate your service relationship at any time, and the term “Company” will be interpreted herein to include any Affiliate or successor thereto, if appropriate.
“Disabled” means a condition under which your: (x) are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity 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, or (y) are, 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, received income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident or health plan covering consultants of the Company.
Exhibit 10.7
Designation of Beneficiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, following the execution of this Award Agreement, you may expressly designate a death beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) to your interest if any, in this Award and any underlying shares of Common Stock. You shall designate the Beneficiary by completing and executing a designation of beneficiary agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Designation of Death Beneficiary”) and delivering an executed copy of the Designation of Beneficiary to the Company. To the extent you do not duly designate a beneficiary who survives you, your estate will automatically be your beneficiary.
Restrictions on Transfer of Award. Except as provided under the Plan and as set forth in Section 5 above, your rights under this Award Agreement may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Committee.
Taxes. Except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in a consulting or services agreement between you and the Company, by signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you shall be solely responsible for the satisfaction of any taxes that may arise pursuant to this Award (including taxes arising under Sections 409A (regarding deferred compensation) or 4999 (regarding golden parachute excise taxes), and that neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes or to otherwise indemnify or hold you harmless from any or all of such taxes. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the requirements of the Code, including Section 409A, for purposes of the Plan and this Award Agreement. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant this Award, payment by you of any taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with this Award, by any means set forth in Section 5.5. of the Plan.
Not a Contract of Continued Service. By executing this Award, you acknowledge and agree that (i) any person who is terminated before full vesting of an award, such as the one granted to you by this Award Agreement, could claim that he or she was terminated to preclude vesting; (ii) you promise never to make such a claim; (iii) nothing in this Award Agreement or the Plan confers on you any right to continue a service or consulting relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, nor shall it affect in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to terminate your service or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause; and (iv) the Company would not have granted this Award to you but for these acknowledgements and agreements.
Investment Purposes. By executing this Award Agreement, you represent and warrant that any shares of Common Stock issued to you pursuant to your Option will be held for investment purposes only for your own account, and not with a view to, for resale in connection with, or with an intent in participating directly or indirectly in, any distribution of such shares of Common Stock within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Securities Law Restrictions. Regardless of whether the offering and sale of this Option or shares of Common Stock under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act, or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company at its discretion may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge or other transfer of such shares of Common Stock (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates or the imposition of stop-transfer instructions) if, in the judgment of the Company, such restrictions are necessary or desirable in order to achieve compliance with the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or any other law or to enforce the intent of this Award.
Exhibit 10.7
Headings. Section and other headings contained in this Award Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope or intent of this Award Agreement or any provision hereof.
Severability. Every provision of this Award Agreement and of the Plan is intended to be severable. If any term hereof is illegal or invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remaining terms of this Award Agreement.
Counterparts. This Award Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted by any provision of this Award Agreement to be given to you shall be in writing and shall be delivered electronically, personally, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to you at the last address that the Company had for you on its records. Each party may, from time to time, by notice to the other party hereto, specify a new address for delivery of notices relating to this Award Agreement. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given as of the date such notice is personally or electronically delivered or properly mailed.
Binding Effect. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement or in the Plan, every covenant, term, and provision of this Award Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees, and assigns.
Modifications. This Award Agreement may be modified or amended at any time, in accordance with the Plan, provided that any amendment that materially impairs your rights under this Award Agreement shall require your consent.
Plan Governs. By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan and that your Award Agreement is subject to all the provisions contained in the Plan, the provisions of which are made a part of this Award Agreement and your Award is subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which from time to time may be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Award Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.
Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Award Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
Protected Rights. Nothing contained in this Award Agreement is intended to limit your ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (A) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state,
Exhibit 10.7
and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
BY YOUR SIGNATURE BELOW, along with the signature of the Company’s representative, you and the Company agree that this Award is made under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
By:
Name: Robert Beechey
Title: Chief Financial Officer
PARTICIPANT
The undersigned Participant hereby accepts the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan.
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 10.7
Exhibit A
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN1
1.
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1Purposes. The purposes of the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and the recipients of awards under this Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success, (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining Non-Employee Directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long‑term best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
1.2Certain Definitions.
2.“Agreement” shall mean the written or electronic agreement evidencing an award hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such award.
3.“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
4.“Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).
5.“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
6.“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee thereof, or such other committee designated by the Board, in each case, consisting of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is intended to be (i) a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and (ii) “independent” within the meaning of the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, within the meaning of the rules of the principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded.
_______________________
1 As amended by the Company’s board of directors on June 23, 2022 to reflect the Company’s name change.
Exhibit 10.7
7.“Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, and all rights appurtenant thereto.
“Company” shall mean Aspira Women’s Health Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
8.“Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
9.“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Fair Market Value” shall mean the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock on the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there shall be no reported transactions for such date, on the next preceding date for which transactions were reported; provided, however, that if the Common Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange or if Fair Market Value for any date cannot be so determined, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee by whatever means or method as the Committee, in the good faith exercise of its discretion, shall at such time deem appropriate and in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
10.“Free-Standing SAR” shall mean an SAR which is not granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option, which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of such SARs which are exercised.
“Government Agencies” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
11.“Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, which is intended by the Committee to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
12.“Non-Employee Director” shall mean any director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
13.“Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option.
14.“Other Stock Award” shall mean an award granted pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Plan.
Exhibit 10.7
15.“Performance Award” shall mean a right to receive an amount of cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
16.“Performance Measures” shall mean the criteria and objectives, established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met (i) as a condition to the grant or exercisability of all or a portion of an option or SAR or (ii) during the applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period as a condition to the vesting of the holder’s interest, in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, or, in the case of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, Other Stock Award or Performance Award, to the holder’s receipt of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award or of payment with respect to such award. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries, business or geographical units or operating areas of the Company (except with respect to the total shareholder return and earnings per share criteria) or individual basis, may be used by the Committee in establishing Performance Measures under this Plan: earnings per share; sales or revenue; earnings or income of the Company before or after taxes and/or interest; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net income; returns on equity, assets, capital, investments, or revenue; economic value added; working capital; total stockholder return; the attainment by a share of Common Stock of a specified Fair Market Value for a specified period of time; expenses; cost reduction goals; cash flow; gross profit or gross margin; operating profit or margin; strategic goals relating to product development, product market share, research, licensing, successful completion of clinical trials, submission of applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for new tests, receipt from the FDA of clearance for new tests, commercialization of new tests, litigation, human resources, information services, mergers, acquisitions, sales of assets of affiliates or business units, or such other goals as the Committee may determine whether or not listed herein. Each such goal may be determined on a pre-tax or post-tax basis or on an absolute or relative basis, and may include comparisons based on current internal targets, the past performance of the Company (including the performance of one or more subsidiaries, divisions, or operating units) or the past or current performance of other companies or market indices (or a combination of such past and current performance). In addition to the ratios specifically enumerated above, performance goals may include comparisons relating to capital (including, but not limited to, the cost of capital), shareholders’ equity, shares outstanding, assets or net assets, sales, or any combination thereof. In establishing a Performance Measure or determining the achievement of a Performance Measure, the Committee may provide that achievement of the applicable Performance Measures may be amended or adjusted to include or exclude components of any Performance Measure, including, without limitation, foreign exchange gains and losses, asset write-downs, acquisitions and divestitures, change in fiscal year, unbudgeted capital expenditures, special charges such as restructuring or impairment charges, debt refinancing costs, extraordinary or noncash items, unusual, infrequently occurring, nonrecurring or one-time events affecting the Company or its financial statements or changes in law or accounting principles.
Exhibit 10.7
Performance Measures shall be subject to such other special rules and conditions as the Committee may establish at any time.
17. “Performance Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Performance Measures applicable to an award shall be measured and (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to an award shall remain in effect.
18.“Person” means any natural person, association, trust, business trust, cooperative, corporation, general partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, limited partnership, limited liability company, real estate investment trust, regulatory body, governmental agency or instrumentality, unincorporated organization or organizational entity.
19.“Prior Plan” shall mean the Vermillion, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and each other equity plan maintained by the Company under which awards are outstanding as of the effective date of this Plan.
“Recapture” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
“Reimbursement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.
“Rescission” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
20.“Restricted Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock which are subject to a Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be subject to the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
21.“Restricted Stock Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock under this Plan.
22.“Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean a right to receive one share of Common Stock or, in lieu thereof and to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock in cash, which shall be contingent upon the expiration of a specified Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.
23.“Restricted Stock Unit Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock Units under this Plan.
24.“Restriction Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as provided in this Plan or the Agreement relating to such award, or (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award shall remain in effect.
Exhibit 10.7
25.“SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right which may be a Free‑Standing SAR or a Tandem SAR.
“Stock Award” shall mean a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award.
“Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or similar entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an equity interest possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the total outstanding equity interests of such entity.
26.“Substitute Award” shall mean an award granted under this Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, including a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided, however, that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an option or SAR.
27.“Tandem SAR” shall mean an SAR which is granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option (including a Nonqualified Stock Option granted prior to the date of grant of the SAR), which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise of such SAR and surrender for cancellation of all or a portion of such option, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered.
“Tax Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.
“Ten Percent Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
“Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.
1.3Administration. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Any one or a combination of the following awards may be made under this Plan to eligible persons: (i) options to purchase shares of Common Stock in the form of Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options; (ii) SARs in the form of Tandem SARs or Free‑Standing SARs; (iii) Stock Awards in the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock Awards; and (iv) Performance Awards. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, select eligible persons for participation in this Plan and determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to an award, the number of SARs, the number of Restricted Stock Units, the dollar value subject to a
Exhibit 10.7
Performance Award, the purchase price or base price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the Agreement evidencing the award. The Committee may, in its sole discretion and for any reason at any time, take action such that (i) any or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all or a portion of the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse, (iii) all or a portion of the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse and (iv) the Performance Measures (if any) applicable to any outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, interpret this Plan and the application thereof, establish rules and regulations it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan and may impose, incidental to the grant of an award, conditions with respect to the award, such as limiting competitive employment or other activities. All such interpretations, rules, regulations and conditions shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.
28.The Committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority hereunder to the Board (or any members thereof) or, subject to applicable law, to a subcommittee of the Board, a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company as the Committee deems appropriate; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its power and authority to a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company with regard to the selection for participation in this Plan of an officer, director or other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or decisions concerning the timing, pricing or amount of an award to such an officer, director or other person.
29.No member of the Board or Committee, and neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other executive officer to whom the Committee delegates any of its power and authority hereunder, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Plan in good faith, and the members of the Board and the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law (except as otherwise may be provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and/or By-laws) and under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that may be in effect from time to time.
1.4Eligibility. Participants in this Plan shall consist of such officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors, agents, and persons expected to become officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Committee in its sole discretion may select from time to time. The Committee’s selection of a person to participate in this Plan at any time shall not require the Committee to select such person to participate in this Plan at any other time. Except as otherwise provided for in an Agreement, for purposes of this
Exhibit 10.7
Plan, references to employment by the Company shall also mean employment by a Subsidiary, and references to employment shall include service as a Non-Employee Director, consultant, independent contractor or agent. The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the extent to which a participant shall be considered employed during an approved leave of absence. The aggregate value of cash compensation and the grant date fair value of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded or granted during any fiscal year of the Company to any Non-Employee Director shall not exceed $400,000.
1.5Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7 and to all other limits set forth in this Plan, 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date shall initially be available for all awards under this Plan, other than Substitute Awards. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7, no more than 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate may be issued under the Plan in connection with Incentive Stock Options. The number of shares of Common Stock that remain available for future grants under the Plan shall be reduced by the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which become subject to outstanding options, outstanding Free-Standing SARs, outstanding Stock Awards and outstanding Performance Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock.
To the extent that shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding option, SAR, Stock Award or Performance Award granted under the Plan or a Prior Plan, other than Substitute Awards, are not issued or delivered by reason of (i) the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award (excluding shares subject to an option cancelled upon settlement in shares of a related Tandem SAR or shares subject to a Tandem SAR cancelled upon exercise of a related option) or (ii) the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares of Common Stock shall again be available under this Plan; provided, however, that shares of Common Stock subject to an award under this Plan or a Prior Plan shall not again be available for issuance under this Plan if such shares are (x) shares that were subject to an option or stock-settled SAR and were not issued or delivered upon the net settlement or net exercise of such option or SAR, (y) shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the purchase price or the withholding taxes related to an outstanding award or (z) shares repurchased by the Company on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise. At the time this Plan becomes effective, none of the shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the Prior Plan shall be available for grant under such Prior Plan or this Plan.
30.The number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under this Plan shall not be reduced by (i) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Substitute Awards or (ii) available shares under a stockholder approved plan of a company or other entity which was a party to a corporate transaction with the Company (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such corporate transaction) which become subject to awards granted under this Plan (subject to applicable stock exchange requirements).
Exhibit 10.7
31.Shares of Common Stock to be delivered under this Plan shall be made available from authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a combination thereof.
II. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
2.1Stock Options. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant options to purchase shares of Common Stock to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. Each option, or portion thereof, that is not an Incentive Stock Option, shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company, or any parent or Subsidiary) exceeds the amount (currently $100,000) established by the Code, such options shall constitute Nonqualified Stock Options.
32.Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of Shares and Purchase Price. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an option and the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of the option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of an option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such option is granted, owns capital stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company (or of any parent or Subsidiary) (a “Ten Percent Holder”), the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall not be less than the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
33.Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an option that is a Substitute Award, the purchase price per share of the shares subject to such option may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate purchase price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate purchase price of such shares.
Exhibit 10.7
(b)Option Period and Exercisability. The period during which an option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no option shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an option or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option. The Committee shall determine whether an option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock.
(c)Method of Exercise. An option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanying such notice with payment therefor in full (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction) either (A) in cash, (B) by delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy such obligation, (D) in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) a combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the option, (ii) if applicable, by surrendering to the Company any Tandem SARs which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the option and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to pay such purchase price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the participant. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until the full purchase price therefor and any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.2Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant SARs to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to an SAR shall specify whether the SAR is a Tandem SAR or a Free-Standing SAR.
34.SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:
(a)Number of SARs and Base Price. The number of SARs subject to an award shall be determined by the Committee. Any Tandem SAR related to an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted at the same time that such Incentive Stock Option is granted. The base price of a
Exhibit 10.7
Tandem SAR shall be the purchase price per share of Common Stock of the related option. The base price of a Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such base price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such SAR (or, if earlier, the date of grant of the option for which the SAR is exchanged or substituted).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an SAR that is a Substitute Award, the base price per share of the shares subject to such SAR may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate base price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate base price of such shares.
(b)Exercise Period and Exercisability. The period for the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that (i) no Tandem SAR shall be exercised later than the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or other termination of the related option and (ii) no Free-Standing SAR shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an SAR or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an SAR. The Committee shall determine whether an SAR may be exercised in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable SAR, or portion thereof, may be exercised, in the case of a Tandem SAR, only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock and, in the case of a Free‑Standing SAR, only with respect to a whole number of SARs. If an SAR is exercised for shares of Restricted Stock, a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c), or such shares shall be transferred to the holder in book entry form with restrictions on the shares duly noted, and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Prior to the exercise of a stock-settled SAR, the holder of such SAR shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such SAR.
(c)Method of Exercise. A Tandem SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole SARs which are being exercised, (ii) by surrendering to the Company any options which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the Tandem SAR and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. A Free-Standing SAR may be exercised (A) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the whole number of SARs which are being exercised and (B) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no
Exhibit 10.7
certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
2.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an option or SAR (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such option or SAR, as the case may be, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
2.4No Repricing. The Committee shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) reduce the purchase price or base price of any previously granted option or SAR, (ii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for another option or SAR with a lower purchase price or base price or (iii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award if the purchase price of such option or the base price of such SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of such cancellation, in each case, other than in connection with a Change in Control or the adjustment provisions set forth in Section 5.7.
2.5No Dividend Equivalents.Notwithstanding anything in an Agreement to the contrary, the holder of an option or SAR shall not be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR.
III. STOCK AWARDS
3.1Stock Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to a Stock Award shall specify whether the Stock Award is a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award or, in the case of an Other Stock Award, the type of award being granted.
3.2Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (i)
Exhibit 10.7
if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Stock Issuance. During the Restriction Period, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by a custodian in book entry form with restrictions on such shares duly noted or, alternatively, a certificate or certificates representing a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the holder’s name and may bear a legend, in addition to any legend which may be required pursuant to Section 5.6, indicating that the ownership of the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate is subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock Award. All such certificates shall be deposited with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award in the event such award is forfeited in whole or in part. Upon termination of any applicable Restriction Period (and the satisfaction or attainment of applicable Performance Measures), subject to the Company’s right to require payment of any taxes in accordance with Section 5.5, the restrictions shall be removed from the requisite number of any shares of Common Stock that are held in book entry form, and all certificates evidencing ownership of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the holder of such award.
(d)Rights with Respect to Restricted Stock Awards. Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, the holder of such award shall have all rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock; provided, however, that a distribution or dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock, including a regular cash dividend, shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares of Common Stock with respect to which such distribution was made.
3.3Terms of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, including the number of shares that are earned upon the attainment of any specified Performance Measures, and the Restriction Period, Performance
Exhibit 10.7
Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall specify (i) whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof and (ii) whether the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents, and, if determined by the Committee, interest on, or the deemed reinvestment of, any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award. Any dividend equivalents with respect to Restricted Stock Units that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards. Prior to the settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award.
3.4Other Stock Awards. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, the Committee is authorized to grant other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of Common Stock, including without limitation shares of Common Stock granted as a bonus and not subject to any vesting conditions, dividend equivalents, deferred stock units, stock purchase rights and shares of Common Stock issued in lieu of obligations of the Company to pay cash under any compensatory plan or arrangement, subject to such terms as shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such awards, which may include the right to elective deferral thereof, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify in its discretion. Any distribution, dividend or dividend equivalents with respect to Other Stock Awards that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards.
3.5Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Restriction Period or Performance Period relating to a Stock Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason
Exhibit 10.7
of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
IV. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
4.1Performance Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Performance Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.
4.2Terms of Performance Awards. Performance Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.
(a)Value of Performance Awards and Performance Measures. The method of determining the value of the Performance Award and the Performance Measures and Performance Period applicable to a Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Performance Award if the specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period and for the forfeiture of such award if the specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period.
(c)Settlement of Vested Performance Awards. The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock (including shares of Restricted Stock) or cash or a combination thereof. If a Performance Award is settled in shares of Restricted Stock, such shares of Restricted Stock shall be issued to the holder in book entry form or a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c) and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights as a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d). Any dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to a Performance Award shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Performance Award. Prior to the settlement of a Performance Award in shares of Common Stock, including Restricted Stock, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company.
4.3Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Performance Period relating to a Performance Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.
Exhibit 10.7
V. GENERAL
5.1Effective Date and Term of Plan. This Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for approval at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and, if approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at such annual meeting of stockholders, shall become effective as of the date on which the Plan was approved by stockholders (the “Effective Date”). This Plan shall terminate as of the first annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders to occur on or after the tenth anniversary of its effective date, unless terminated earlier by the Board. Termination of this Plan shall not affect the terms or conditions of any award granted prior to termination.
35.Awards hereunder may be made at any time prior to the termination of this Plan, provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be granted later than ten years after the date on which the Plan was approved by the Board. In the event that this Plan is not approved by the stockholders of the Company, this Plan and any awards hereunder shall be void and of no force or effect.
5.2Amendments. The Board may amend this Plan as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that no amendment to the Plan shall be effective without the approval of the Company’s stockholders if (i) stockholder approval is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including any rule of The NASDQ Stock Market, or any other stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded, or (ii) such amendment seeks to modify the Non-Employee Director compensation limit set forth in Section 1.3 or the prohibition on repricing set forth in Section 2.4 hereof; provided further, that no amendment may materially impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding award without the consent of such holder.
5.3Agreement. Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such award. No award shall be valid until an Agreement is executed by the Company and, to the extent required by the Company, executed or electronically accepted by the recipient of such award. Upon such execution or acceptance and delivery of the Agreement to the Company within the time period specified by the Company, such award shall be effective as of the effective date set forth in the Agreement.
5.4Non-Transferability. No award shall be transferable other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to beneficiary designation procedures approved by the Company or, to the extent expressly permitted in the Agreement relating to such award, to the holder’s family members, a trust or entity established by the holder for estate planning purposes, a charitable organization designated by the holder or pursuant to a domestic relations order, in each case, without consideration. Except to the extent permitted by the foregoing sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, each award may be exercised or settled during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder or the holder’s legal representative or similar person. Except as permitted by the second preceding sentence, no award may be sold, transferred, assigned,
Exhibit 10.7
pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to so sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any award, such award and all rights thereunder shall immediately become null and void.
5.5Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant to an award made hereunder, payment by the holder of such award of any federal, state, local or other taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with such award. An Agreement may provide that (i) the Company shall withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered to a holder, having an aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the date the obligation to withhold or pay taxes arises in connection with an award (the “Tax Date”), or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation or (ii) the holder may satisfy any such obligation by any of the following means: (A) a cash payment to the Company; (B) delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) to the Company of previously owned whole shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in either case equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (D) in the case of the exercise of an option, a cash payment by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the award. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate (or, if permitted by the Company, such other rate as will not cause adverse accounting consequences under the accounting rules then in effect, and is permitted under applicable IRS withholding rules). Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the holder.
5.6Restrictions on Shares. Each award made hereunder shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Company determines that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award upon any securities exchange or under any law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, or the taking of any other action is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the delivery of shares thereunder, such shares shall not be delivered unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or other action shall have been effected or obtained, free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company may require that certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to any award made hereunder bear a legend indicating that
Exhibit 10.7
the sale, transfer or other disposition thereof by the holder is prohibited except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
5.7Adjustment. In the event of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation or any successor or replacement accounting standard) that causes the per share value of shares of Common Stock to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering or recapitalization through an extraordinary cash dividend, the number and class of securities available under this Plan, the terms of each outstanding option and SAR (including the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding option or SAR and the purchase price or base price per share), the terms of each outstanding Stock Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto), and the terms of each outstanding Performance Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto, if applicable), shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. In the event of any other change in corporate capitalization, including a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or partial or complete liquidation of the Company, such equitable adjustments described in the foregoing sentence may be made as determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights of participants. In either case, the decision of the Committee regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive.
5.8Change in Control.
(a)Subject to the terms of the applicable award Agreements, in the event of a “Change in Control,” the Board, as constituted prior to the Change in Control, may, in its discretion:
(1) require that (i) some or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (ii) the Restriction Period applicable to some or all outstanding Stock Awards shall lapse in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (iii) the Performance Period applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall lapse in full or in part, and (iv) the Performance Measures applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level;
(2) require that shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding award, with an appropriate and equitable adjustment to such award as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 5.7; and/or
(3) require outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered to the Company by the holder, and to be immediately cancelled by the Company, and to provide for the holder to
Exhibit 10.7
receive (i) a cash payment in an amount equal to (A) in the case of an option or an SAR, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such option or SAR surrendered, whether or not vested or exercisable, multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, over the purchase price or base price per share of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR, (B) in the case of a Stock Award or a Performance Award denominated in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i), whether or not vested, multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, and (C) in the case of a Performance Award denominated in cash, the value of the Performance Award then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i); (ii) shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount determined under clause (i) above; or (iii) a combination of the payment of cash pursuant to clause (i) above and the issuance of shares pursuant to clause (ii) above.
(b)For purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(1) The Company consummates a merger, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation unless: (A) the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately before the merger or consolidation would continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; and (B) no Person (other than Persons who are employees at any time more than one year before a transaction) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;
(2) The sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets;
(3) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director of the Company subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that any individual who was initially elected as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation by a Person other than the Board for
Exhibit 10.7
the purpose of opposing a solicitation by any other Person with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board shall not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(4) The consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.
5.9Deferrals. The Committee may determine that the delivery of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash, or a combination thereof, upon the settlement of all or a portion of any award made hereunder shall be deferred, or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, approve deferral elections made by holders of awards. Deferrals shall be for such periods and upon such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
5.10No Right of Participation, Employment or Service. Unless otherwise set forth in an employment agreement, no person shall have any right to participate in this Plan. Neither this Plan nor any award made hereunder shall confer upon any person any right to continued employment by or service with the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company or affect in any manner the right of the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company to terminate the employment or service of any person at any time without liability hereunder.
5.11Rights as Stockholder. No person shall have any right as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other equity security of the Company which is subject to an award hereunder unless and until such person becomes a stockholder of record with respect to such shares of Common Stock or equity security.
5.12Designation of Beneficiary. To the extent permitted by the Company, a holder of an award may file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as such holder’s beneficiary or beneficiaries (both primary and contingent) in the event of the holder’s death or incapacity. To the extent an outstanding option or SAR granted hereunder is exercisable, such beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be entitled to exercise such option or SAR pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Company. Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when filed in writing with the Company during the holder’s lifetime on a form prescribed by the Company. The spouse of a married holder domiciled in a community property jurisdiction shall join in any designation of a beneficiary other than such spouse. The filing with
Exhibit 10.7
the Company of a new beneficiary designation shall cancel all previously filed beneficiary designations. If a holder fails to designate a beneficiary, or if all designated beneficiaries of a holder predecease the holder, then each outstanding award held by such holder, to the extent vested or exercisable, shall be payable to or may be exercised by such holder’s executor, administrator, legal representative or similar person.
5.13Termination, Rescission and Recapture of Awards.
(a)Each award under the Plan is intended to align the participant’s long-term interests with those of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise expressly provided in an Agreement, the Company may terminate any outstanding, unexercised, unexpired, unpaid, or deferred awards (“Termination”), rescind any exercise, payment or delivery pursuant to the award (“Rescission”), or recapture any shares of Common Stock (whether restricted or unrestricted) or proceeds from the participant’s sale of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the award (“Recapture”), if the Participant does not comply with the conditions of subsections (b), (c), and (e) hereof (collectively, the “Conditions”).
(b)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to nondisclosure of the proprietary or confidential information or material of the Company or any affiliate.
(c)The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to intellectual property (including but not limited to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, inventions, developments and improvements).
(d)Upon exercise, payment, or delivery of cash or Common Stock pursuant to an award, the participant shall certify on a form acceptable to the Company that he or she is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e)If the Company determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that (i) a participant has violated any of the Conditions set forth in subsection (b) or (c); (ii) during his or her service with the Company, or within one year after its termination for any reason, a participant has solicited any non-administrative employee of the Company to terminate employment with the Company; or (iii) during his or her service with the Company, a participant has engaged in activities which are materially prejudicial to or in conflict with the interests of the Company, including any breaches of fiduciary duty or the duty of loyalty, then the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, impose a Termination, Rescission, and/or Recapture with respect to any or all of the Participant’s relevant Awards, Shares, and the proceeds thereof.
(f)Within ten days after receiving notice from the Company of any such activity described in Section 5.13(e) above, the participant shall deliver to the Company the shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the award, or, if participant has sold the shares of Common Stock, the
Exhibit 10.7
gain realized, or payment received as a result of the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery; provided, that if the participant returns shares of Common Stock that the participant purchased pursuant to the exercise of an option (or the gains realized from the sale of such Common Stock), the Company shall promptly refund the exercise price, without earnings, that the participant paid for such shares. Any payment by the participant to the Company pursuant to this Section shall be made either in cash or by returning to the Company the number of shares of Common Stock that the participant received in connection with the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery.
(g)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Company has sole and absolute discretion not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture, and its determination not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any particular act by a particular participant or award shall not in any way reduce or eliminate the Company’s authority to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any other act or participant or award.
(h)If any provision within this Section is determined to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such provision will be applied to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner consistent with its objectives and any limitations required under applicable law.
(i)Nothing contained in this Section 5.13 is intended to limit the participant’s ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (x) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (y) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
5.14Recoupment of Awards. Unless otherwise specifically provided in an Agreement, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may in its sole and absolute discretion, without obtaining the approval or consent of any participant, require that any participant reimburse the Company for all or any portion of any awards granted under this Plan (“Reimbursement”), or the Committee may require the Termination or Rescission of, or the Recapture associated with, any award, if and to the extent—
Exhibit 10.7
(a)the granting, vesting, or payment of such award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material financial restatement;
(b)in the Committee’s view the participant either benefited from a calculation that later proves to be materially inaccurate, or engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for a material financial restatement by the Company or any affiliate; and
(c)a lower granting, vesting, or payment of such award would have occurred based upon the miscalculated amounts or the conduct described in clause (b) of this Section.
In each instance, the Committee will, to the extent practicable and allowable under applicable laws, require Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such award granted to a participant; provided that the Company will not seek Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such awards that were paid or vested more than three years prior to the first date of the applicable restatement period.
5.15Governing Law. This Plan, each award hereunder and the related Agreement, and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant thereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the Code or the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and construed in accordance therewith without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.
5.16Foreign Employees. Without amending this Plan, the Committee may grant awards to eligible persons who are foreign nationals and/or reside outside of the United States on such terms and conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may in the judgment of the Committee be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of this Plan and, in furtherance of such purposes the Committee may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, subplans and the like as may be necessary or advisable to comply with provisions of laws in other countries or jurisdictions in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operates or has employees.
Exhibit 10.7
Exhibit B
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
__________________________________________
Form of Exercise of Stock Option Award Agreement
___________________________________________
Aspira Women’s Health Inc.
12117 Bee Caves Road, Building 3, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78738
Attention: _Robert Beechey_______
Dear Sir or Madam:
The undersigned elects to exercise his/her Option to purchase _____ shares of Common Stock of the Company under and pursuant to a Stock Option Agreement dated as of ______________.
Delivered herewith is a certified or bank cashier’s or teller’s check and/or shares of Common Stock owned by the undersigned, valued at the closing sale price of the stock on the date of exercise, as follows:
$____________in cash
$____________in the form of ____ shares of Common Stock,
valued at $___________ per share
$ Total
If method 1 is chosen, the name or names to be on the stock certificate or certificates and the address and Social Security Number of such person(s) is as follows:
Name:
Address:
Social Security Number
Very truly yours,
_________________
DateOptionee
*The Committee must approve this method in writing before your election
Exhibit 10.7
Exhibit C
ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.
2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
_________________________________
Designation of Death Beneficiary
_________________________________
In connection with the Awards designated below that I have received pursuant to the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), I hereby designate the person specified below as the beneficiary upon my death of my interest in such Awards. This designation shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by me.
Name of Beneficiary:
Address:__________________
Social Security No.:
This beneficiary designation relates to any and all of my rights under the following Award or Awards:
any Award that I have received or ever receive under the Plan.
the _________________ Award that I received pursuant to an award agreement dated _________ __, ____ between myself and the Company.
I understand that this designation operates to entitle the above named beneficiary, in the event of my death, to any and all of my rights under the Award(s) designated above from the date this form is delivered to the Company until such date as this designation is revoked in writing by me, including by delivery to the Company of a written designation of beneficiary executed by me on a later date.
Date:
By:
Name of Participant:
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002
I, Nicole Sandford, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. |
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 10, 2022 |
/s/ Nicole Sandford |
|
Nicole Sandford President and Chief Executive Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002
I, Robert Beechey, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 of Aspira Women’s Health Inc.; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. |
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 10, 2022 |
/s/ Robert Beechey |
|
Robert Beechey Chief Financial Officer (Duly Authorized Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
with Respect to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the Period Ended June 30, 2022
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Aspira Women’s Health Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, that:
1. |
The Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022, (the “Form 10-Q”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
2. |
Information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: August 10, 2022 |
/s/ Nicole Sandford |
|
Nicole Sandford President and Chief Executive Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
Date: August 10, 2022 |
/s/ Robert Beechey |
|
Robert Beechey Chief Financial Officer (Duly Authorized Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
The certification set forth above is being furnished as an Exhibit solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-Q or as a separate disclosure document of the Company or the certifying officers.