As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2017

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-8

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   47-3298624

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

3000 Hanover Street,

Palo Alto, CA

  94304
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2008 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED AND RESTATED

(Full Title of the Plan)

Rishi Varma

Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company

3000 Hanover Street

Palo Alto, CA

(650) 857-1501

(Name, Address, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

 

 

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.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer   ☐  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company  
     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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Securities

to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

registered (1)

 

Proposed

maximum

offering price

per share

 

Proposed

maximum

aggregate

offering price

 

Amount of

registration fee

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  11,432,893(2)   $18.05(3)   $206,363,718.65(3)   $23,917.55(3)

 

 

(1) This Registration Statement on Form S-8 shall also cover any additional shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), that become issuable in respect of the securities identified in the above table by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the Registrant’s receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(2) Represents shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to (i) stock options outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (the “Effective Time”) of the merger of Nebraska Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”), with and into Nimble Storage, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Nimble Storage”), under the Nimble Storage 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”) and the Nimble Storage 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “2013 Plan” and together with the 2008 Plan, the “Plans”) and assumed by the Registrant on April 17, 2017, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of March 6, 2017 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Registrant, Merger Sub and Nimble Storage and (ii) restricted stock units outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time under the Plans and assumed by the Registrant on April 17, 2017 pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
(3) Calculated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), based upon the average of the high and low trading prices of the Registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on April 13, 2017.

 

 

 


Part I

Information Required in the Section 10(A) Prospectus

 

Item 1. Plan Information *

 

Item 2. Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information

 

* The prospectus containing information required by Part I of Form S-8 and related to this Registration Statement is omitted from this Registration Statement in accordance with the note to Part I of Form S-8. The documents containing the information specified in Part I will be sent or given to employees as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) under the Securities Act. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), such documents are not being filed with the Commission as part of this Registration Statement.

Part II

Information Required in the Registration Statement

 

Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference .

The Registrant hereby incorporates by reference into this Registration Statement the following documents previously filed by the Registrant with the Commission:

(a) The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 filed with the Commission on December 15, 2016 pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”);

(b) The Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2017 filed with the Commission on March 9, 2017;

(c) The Registrant’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 2, 2016, December 22, 2016, January 17, 2017 (excluding the portion furnished under Item 7.01), January 30, 2017, March 2, 2017, March 7, 2017, March 20, 2017, March 27, 2017, April 3, 2017, April 6, 2017 and April 17, 2017; and


(d) The description of the Common Stock contained in the Registrant’s registration statement on Form 10 (File No. 001-37483) filed by the Registrant on July 1, 2015, as amended.

All reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the filing of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which de-registers all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing such documents, except as to specific sections of such statements as set forth therein. Unless expressly incorporated into this Registration Statement, a report furnished on Form 8-K prior or subsequent to the date hereof shall not be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained in any subsequently filed document which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.

 

Item 4. Description of Securities .

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel .

The validity of the Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Plans will be passed upon by Rishi Varma, Esq., Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Secretary of the Registrant. Mr. Varma is paid a salary by the Registrant, is a participant in various benefit plans offered by the Registrant to employees of the Registrant generally and beneficially owns, or has rights to acquire, an aggregate of less than 1% of the Registrant’s outstanding Common Stock.

 

Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers .

The Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties as directors, and the Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation includes such an exculpation provision. The Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include provisions that indemnify, to the fullest extent allowable under the DGCL, the personal liability of directors or officers for monetary damages for actions taken as a director or officer of the Registrant, or for serving at the Registrant’s request as a director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be. The Registrant’s amended and restated bylaws also provide that the Registrant must indemnify and advance reasonable expenses to its directors and officers, subject to its receipt of an undertaking from the indemnified party as may be required under the DGCL. The Registrant’s amended and restated bylaws expressly authorize the Registrant to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance to protect the Registrant, its directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities.


The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions that are in the Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit the Registrant and its stockholders. However, these provisions do not limit or eliminate the Registrant’s rights, or those of any stockholder, to seek non-monetary relief such as injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a director’s duty of care. The provisions do not alter the liability of directors under the federal securities laws. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent that, in a class action or direct suit, the Registrant pays the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

 

Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed .

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Exhibits .

See the Exhibit Index on the page immediately following the signature pages to the Registration Statement, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9. Undertakings .

(a) The Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement; and


(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;

provided , however , that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(b) The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Palo Alto, California, on April 17, 2017.

 

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Rishi Varma

  Name:   Rishi Varma
  Title:   Senior Vice President, Deputy General
    Counsel and Assistant Secretary

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS , that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints each of Timothy C. Stonesifer and Rishi Varma as his or her true and lawful agent, proxy and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to (i) act on, sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8 together with all schedules and exhibits thereto, (ii) act on, sign and file such certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, and (iii) take any and all actions which may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, granting unto such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby approving, ratifying and confirming that all such agents, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, any of them or any of his or her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

To effect the above, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the date indicated beside each name.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and as of the dates indicated.


Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Margaret C. Whitman

Margaret C. Whitman

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   April 17, 2017

/s/ Timothy C. Stonesifer

Timothy C. Stonesifer

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   April 17, 2017

/s/ Jeff T. Ricci

Jeff T. Ricci

   Senior Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)   April 17, 2017

/s/ Patricia F. Russo

Patricia F. Russo

   Chairman   April 17, 2017

/s/ Daniel Ammann

Daniel Ammann

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Marc L. Andreessen

Marc L. Andreessen

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Michael J. Angelakis

Michael J. Angelakis

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Leslie A Brun

Leslie A. Brun

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Pamela L. Carter

Pamela L. Carter

   Director   April 17, 2017


/s/ Klaus Kleinfeld

Klaus Kleinfeld

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Raymond J. Lane

Raymond J. Lane

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Ann M. Livermore

Ann M. Livermore

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Raymond E. Ozzie

Raymond E. Ozzie

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Gary M. Reiner

Gary M. Reiner

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Lip-Bu Tan

Lip-Bu Tan

   Director   April 17, 2017

/s/ Mary Agnes Wilderotter

Mary Agnes Wilderotter

   Director   April 17, 2017


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description of Exhibit
    4.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 5, 2015).
    4.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 5, 2015).
  *4.3   Nimble Storage, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
  *4.4   Nimble Storage, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
  *5.1   Opinion re legality.
*23.1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
*23.2   Consent of Counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).
*24   Powers of Attorney (included as part of the signature pages of the Registration Statement).

 

* Filed herewith.

Exhibit 4.3

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2008 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MAY 7, 2008

APPROVED BY THE SHAREHOLDERS: JULY 12, 2008

AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MARCH 9, 2011

APPROVED BY THE SHAREHOLDERS: JULY 12, 2011

AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: JULY 19, 2011

AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: NOVEMBER 16, 2011

AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: DECEMBER 14, 2011

APPROVED BY THE SHAREHOLDERS: FEBRUARY 17, 2012

AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: NOVEMBER 15, 2012

APPROVED BY THE SHAREHOLDERS: DECEMBER 26, 2012

AMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: FEBRUARY 26, 2013

APPROVED BY THE SHAREHOLDERS: MARCH 15, 2013

TERMINATION DATE: MAY 6, 2018

1. GENERAL.

(a) Eligible Stock Award Recipients. The persons eligible to receive Stock Awards are Employees, Directors and Consultants.

(b) Available Stock Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following Stock Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options, (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options, (iii) Restricted Stock Awards, (iv) Restricted Stock Unit Awards, and (v) Stock Appreciation Rights.

(c) Purpose. The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to secure and retain the services of the group of persons eligible to receive Stock Awards as set forth in Section 1(a), to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any Affiliate, and to provide a means by which such eligible recipients may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock through the granting of Stock Awards.

2. ADMINISTRATION.

(a) Administration by Board. The Board shall administer the Plan unless and until the Board delegates administration of the Plan to a Committee, as provided in Section 2(c).

(b) Powers of Board. The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

(i) To determine from time to time (A) which of the persons eligible under the Plan shall be granted Stock Awards; (B) when and how each Stock Award shall be granted; (C) what type or combination of types of Stock Award shall be granted; (D) the provisions of

 

1


each Stock Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a person shall be permitted to receive cash or Common Stock pursuant to a Stock Award; (E) the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which a Stock Award shall be granted to each such person; and (F) the Fair Market Value applicable to a Stock Award.

(ii) To construe and interpret the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for administration of the Plan. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Stock Award fully effective.

(iii) To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it.

(iv) To accelerate the time at which a Stock Award may first be exercised or the time during which a Stock Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Stock Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.

(v) To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.

(vi) To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable, including, without limitation, relating to Incentive Stock Options and certain nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and/or to bring the Plan or Stock Awards granted under the Plan into compliance therewith, subject to the limitations, if any, of applicable law. However, except as provided in Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, to the extent required by applicable law, shareholder approval shall be required for any amendment of the Plan that either (i) materially increases the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan, (ii) materially expands the class of individuals eligible to receive Stock Awards under the Plan, (iii) materially increases the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan or materially reduces the price at which shares of Common Stock may be issued or purchased under the Plan, (iv) materially extends the term of the Plan, or (v) expands the types of Stock Awards available for issuance under the Plan. Except as provided above, rights under any Stock Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (ii) such Participant consents in writing.

(vii) To submit any amendment to the Plan for shareholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments to the Plan intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code regarding Incentive Stock Options.

(viii) To approve forms of Stock Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable than previously provided in the Stock Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion; provided

 

2


however, that, the rights under any Stock Award shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (ii) such Participant consents in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the limitations of applicable law, if any, and without the affected Participant’s consent, the Board may amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards if necessary to maintain the qualified status of the Stock Award as an Incentive Stock Option or to bring the Stock Award into compliance with Section 409A of the Code and the related guidance thereunder.

(ix) Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Stock Awards.

(x) To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Plan by Employees, Directors or Consultants who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States.

(xi) To effect, at any time and from time to time, with the consent of any adversely affected Optionholder, (1) the reduction of the exercise price of any outstanding Option under the Plan, (2) the cancellation of any outstanding Option under the Plan and the grant in substitution therefor of (A) a new Option under the Plan or another equity plan of the Company covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock, (B) a Restricted Stock Award, (C) a Stock Appreciation Right, (D) Restricted Stock Unit, (E) cash and/or (F) other valuable consideration (as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion), or (3) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles; provided, however , that no such reduction or cancellation may be effected if it is determined, in the Company’s sole discretion, that such reduction or cancellation would result in any such outstanding Option becoming subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

(c) Delegation to Committee. The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated to a Committee, the Committee shall have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board shall thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated.

(d) Delegation to an Officer. The Board may delegate to one or more Officers the authority to do one or both of the following: (i) designate Employees who are not Officers to be recipients of Options (and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, other Stock Awards) and the terms thereof, and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to such Stock Awards granted to such Employees; provided, however, that the Board resolutions regarding such delegation shall specify the total number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to the Stock Awards granted by such Officer and that such Officer may not grant a Stock Award to himself or herself. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may not delegate authority to an Officer to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock pursuant to Section 13(t) below.

 

3


(e) Effect of Board’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith shall not be subject to review by any person and shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

3. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

(a) Subject to Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock of the Company that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards after the Effective Date shall not exceed twenty-seven million seven hundred eighty-one thousand five hundred seventy-eight (27,781,578) shares. For clarity, the limitation in this Section 3(a) is a limitation in the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Plan. Accordingly, this Section 3(a) does not limit the granting of Stock Awards except as provided in Section 7(a). Furthermore, if a Stock Award (i) expires or otherwise terminates without having been exercised in full or (ii) is settled in cash ( i.e. , the holder of the Stock Award receives cash rather than stock), such expiration, termination or settlement shall not reduce (or otherwise offset) the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Plan.

(b) If any shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to a Stock Award are forfeited back to the Company because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such shares in the Participant, then the shares which are forfeited shall revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan. Also, any shares reacquired by the Company pursuant to Section 8(g) or as consideration for the exercise of an Option shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 3(b), any such shares shall not be subsequently issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options.

(c) Incentive Stock Option Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3(c), subject to the provisions of Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall be two (2) times the number of shares reserved under Section 3(a) above.

(d) Source of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan shall be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market.

(e) Share Reserve Limitation. To the extent required by Section 260.140.45 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations, the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of all outstanding Options and the total number of shares of Common Stock provided for under any stock bonus or similar plan of the Company shall not exceed the applicable percentage as calculated in accordance with the conditions and exclusions of Section 260.140.45 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations, based on the shares of Common Stock of the Company that are outstanding at the time the calculation is made.

 

4


4. ELIGIBILITY.

(a) Eligibility for Specific Stock Awards. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof (as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code). Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants.

(b) Ten Percent Shareholders.

(i) A Ten Percent Shareholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant.

(ii) A Ten Percent Shareholder shall not be granted a Restricted Stock Award or Stock Appreciation Right (if such award could be settled in shares of Common Stock) unless the purchase price of the restricted stock is at least (i) one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant or (ii) such lower percentage of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant as is permitted by Section 260.140.42 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at the time of the grant of the award.

(c) Consultants. A Consultant shall not be eligible for the grant of a Stock Award if, at the time of grant, either the offer or the sale of the Company’s securities to such Consultant is not exempt under Rule 701 of the Securities Act (“ Rule 701 ”) because of the nature of the services that the Consultant is providing to the Company, because the Consultant is not a natural person, or because of any other provision of Rule 701, unless the Company determines that such grant need not comply with the requirements of Rule 701 and will satisfy another exemption under the Securities Act as well as comply with the securities laws of all other relevant jurisdictions.

5. OPTION PROVISIONS.

Each Option shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates shall be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. If an Option is not specifically designated as an Incentive Stock Option, then the Option shall be a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical; provided, however , that each Option Agreement shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(a) Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant or such shorter period specified in the Option Agreement.

(b) Exercise Price. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, the exercise price of each Option shall be not less than one hundred percent

 

5


(100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner consistent with the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code (whether or not such options are Incentive Stock Options).

(c) Consideration. The purchase price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, by any combination of the methods of payment set forth below. The Board shall have the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to utilize a particular method of payment. The permitted methods of payment are as follows:

(i) by cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;

(ii) pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of the stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;

(iii) by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock;

(iv) by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price; provided, however, that the Company shall accept a cash or other payment from the Participant to the extent of any remaining balance of the aggregate exercise price not satisfied by such reduction in the number of whole shares to be issued; provided, further, that shares of Common Stock will no longer be outstanding under an Option and will not be exercisable thereafter to the extent that (A) shares are used to pay the exercise price pursuant to the “net exercise,” (B) shares are delivered to the Participant as a result of such exercise, and (C) shares are withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations; or

(v) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board.

(d) Transferability of Options. The Board may, in its sole discretion, impose such limitations on the transferability of Options as the Board shall determine. In the absence of such a determination by the Board to the contrary, the following restrictions on the transferability of Options shall apply:

(i) Restrictions on Transfer. An Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder; provided, however , that the Board may, in its sole discretion, permit transfer of the Option to such extent as permitted by Section 260.140.41(d) of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at the time of the grant of the Option and in a manner consistent with applicable tax and securities laws upon the Optionholder’s request.

 

6


(ii) Domestic Relations Orders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order, provided, however, that an Incentive Stock Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer.

(iii) Beneficiary Designation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form provided by or otherwise satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be the beneficiary of an Option with the right to exercise the Option and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from the Option exercise.

(e) Vesting of Options Generally. The total number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option may vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may or may not be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may or may not be exercised (which may be based on the satisfaction of performance goals or other criteria) as the Board may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary. The provisions of this Section 5(e) are subject to any Option provisions governing the minimum number of shares of Common Stock as to which an Option may be exercised.

(f) Minimum Vesting. Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 5(e), to the extent that the following restrictions on vesting are required by Section 260.140.41(f) of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at the time of the grant of the Option, then:

(i) Options granted to an Employee who is not an Officer, Director or Consultant shall provide for vesting of the total number of shares of Common Stock at a rate of at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the Option was granted, subject to reasonable conditions such as continued employment; and

(ii) Options granted to Officers, Directors or Consultants may be made fully exercisable, subject to reasonable conditions such as continued employment, at any time or during any period established by the Board.

(g) Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Option Agreement or other agreement between the Optionholder and the Company, in the event that an Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates (other than for Cause or upon the Optionholder’s death or Disability), the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination of Continuous Service) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date three (3) months following the termination of the Optionholder’s Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement, which period shall not be less than thirty (30) days unless such termination is for Cause), or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein or in the Option Agreement (as applicable), the Option shall terminate.

 

7


(h) Extension of Termination Date. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Option Agreement or other agreement between the Optionholder and the Company, if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Optionholder’s Continuous Service (other than for Cause or upon the Optionholder’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a period of three (3) months after the termination of the Optionholder’s Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement.

(i) Disability of Optionholder. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Option Agreement or other agreement between the Optionholder and the Company, in the event that an Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder’s Disability, the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination of Continuous Service), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date twelve (12) months following such termination of Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement, which period shall not be less than six (6) months), or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein or in the Option Agreement (as applicable), the Option shall terminate.

(j) Death of Optionholder. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Option Agreement or other agreement between the Optionholder and the Company, in the event that (i) an Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder’s death, or (ii) the Optionholder dies within the period (if any) specified in the Option Agreement after the termination of the Optionholder’s Continuous Service for a reason other than death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death) by the Optionholder’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated as the beneficiary of the Option upon the Optionholder’s death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (i) the date eighteen (18) months following the date of death (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement, which period shall not be less than six (6) months), or (ii) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after the Optionholder’s death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein or in the Option Agreement (as applicable), the Option shall terminate. If the Optionholder designates a third party beneficiary of the Option in accordance with Section 5(d)(iii), then upon the death of the Optionholder such designated beneficiary shall have the sole right to exercise the Option and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from the Option exercise.

(k) Termination for Cause. Except as explicitly provided otherwise in an Optionholder’s Option Agreement, in the event that an Optionholder’s Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Option shall terminate upon the termination date of such Optionholder’s Continuous Service, and the Optionholder shall be prohibited from exercising his or her Option from and after the time of such termination of Continuous Service.

 

8


(l) Non-Exempt Employees. No Option granted to an Employee that is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, shall be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock until at least six months following the date of grant of the Option. The foregoing provision is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Option will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay.

(m) Early Exercise. The Option may, but need not, include a provision whereby the Optionholder may elect at any time before the Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates to exercise the Option as to any part or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option prior to the full vesting of the Option. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(l), any unvested shares of Common Stock so purchased may be subject to a repurchase option in favor of the Company or to any other restriction the Board determines to be appropriate. Provided that the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(l) is not violated, the Company shall not be required to exercise its repurchase option until at least six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid classification of the Option as a liability for financial accounting purposes) have elapsed following exercise of the Option unless the Board otherwise specifically provides in the Option Agreement.

(n) Right of Repurchase. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(l), the Option may include a provision whereby the Company may elect to repurchase all or any part of the vested shares of Common Stock acquired by the Optionholder pursuant to the exercise of the Option. Provided that the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(l) is not violated, the Company shall not be required to exercise its repurchase option until at least six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time necessary to avoid classification of the Option as a liability for financial accounting purposes) have elapsed following exercise of the Option unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option Agreement.

(o) Right of First Refusal. The Option may include a provision whereby the Company may elect to exercise a right of first refusal following receipt of notice from the Optionholder of the intent to transfer all or any part of the shares of Common Stock received upon the exercise of the Option. Except as expressly provided in this Section 5(o) or in the Stock Award Agreement for the Option, such right of first refusal shall otherwise comply with any applicable provisions of the Bylaws of the Company. The Company will not exercise its right of first refusal until at least six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time necessary to avoid classification of the Option as a liability for financial accounting purposes) have elapsed following exercise of the Option unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option Agreement.

6. PROVISIONS OF STOCK AWARDS OTHER THAN OPTIONS.

(a) Restricted Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. To the extent consistent with the Company’s Bylaws, at the Board’s election, shares of Common Stock may be (x) held in book entry form subject to the Company’s instructions until any restrictions relating to the Restricted Stock Award lapse; or (y) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate shall be held in such form and manner as determined by the Board. The terms and

 

9


conditions of Restricted Stock Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Award Agreements need not be identical; provided, however , that each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall include (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(i) Consideration. A Restricted Stock Award may be awarded in consideration for (A) past services actually rendered to the Company or an Affiliate, or (B) any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board in its sole discretion and permissible under applicable law. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, any price to be paid by the Participant for each share subject to the Restricted Stock Award shall not be less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Common Stock’s Fair Market Value on the date such Stock Award is made or at the time the purchase is consummated.

(ii) Vesting. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(l), shares of Common Stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may be subject to forfeiture to the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board.

(iii) Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. In the event a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates, the Company may receive via a forfeiture condition, any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant which have not vested as of the date of termination of Continuous Service under the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

(iv) Transferability. Rights to acquire shares of Common Stock under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be transferable by the Participant only upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, as the Board shall determine in its sole discretion, so long as Common Stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement remains subject to the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

(b) Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements need not be identical, provided, however, that each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall include (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(i) Consideration. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board will determine the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of each share of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Unit Award. The consideration to be paid (if any) by the Participant for each share of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award may be paid in any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board in its sole discretion and permissible under applicable law.

 

10


(ii) Vesting. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board may impose such restrictions or conditions to the vesting of the Restricted Stock Unit Award as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

(iii) Minimum Vesting. Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 6(b)(ii), to the extent that the following restrictions on vesting are required by Section 260.140.42(h)(2) of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at the time of the grant of the Restricted Stock Unit Award, then:

(1) Restricted Stock Unit Awards granted to an Employee who is not an Officer, Director or Consultant shall provide for vesting of the total number of shares of Common Stock covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award at a rate of at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the Restricted Stock Unit Award was granted, subject to reasonable conditions such as continued employment; and

(2) Restricted Stock Unit Awards granted to Officers, Directors or Consultants may vest at any time established by the Board.

(iv) Payment. A Restricted Stock Unit Award may be settled by the delivery of shares of Common Stock, their cash equivalent, any combination thereof or in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Board and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.

(v) Additional Restrictions. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board, as it deems appropriate, may impose such restrictions or conditions that delay the delivery of the shares of Common Stock (or their cash equivalent) subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award to a time after the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award.

(vi) Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of Common Stock covered by a Restricted Stock Unit Award, as determined by the Board and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. At the sole discretion of the Board, such dividend equivalents may be converted into additional shares of Common Stock covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award in such manner as determined by the Board. Any additional shares covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award credited by reason of such dividend equivalents will be subject to all the terms and conditions of the underlying Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to which they relate.

(vii) Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service . Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, such portion of the Restricted Stock Unit Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service.

(viii) Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Restricted Stock Unit Award granted under the Plan that is not exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code shall contain such provisions so that such Restricted Stock Unit Award will comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Such restrictions, if any, shall be determined by the Board and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement evidencing such Restricted Stock Unit Award. For example, such restrictions may include, without limitation, a requirement that any Common Stock that is to be issued in a year following the year in which the Restricted Stock Unit Award vests must be issued in accordance with a fixed pre-determined schedule.

 

11


(c) Stock Appreciation Rights. Each Stock Appreciation Right Agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted as stand-alone Stock Awards or in tandem with other Stock Awards. The terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Right Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Stock Appreciation Right Agreements need not be identical; provided, however , that each Stock Appreciation Right Agreement shall include (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

(i) Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, no Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter period specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement.

(ii) Strike Price. Each Stock Appreciation Right will be denominated in shares of Common Stock equivalents. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, the strike price of each Stock Appreciation Right granted as a stand-alone or tandem Stock Award shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock equivalents subject to the Stock Appreciation Right on the date of grant.

(iii) Calculation of Appreciation. The appreciation distribution payable on the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be not greater than an amount equal to the excess of (A) the aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date of the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right) of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of share of Common Stock equivalents in which the Participant is vested under such Stock Appreciation Right, and with respect to which the Participant is exercising the Stock Appreciation Right on such date, over (B) the strike price that will be determined by the Board on the date of grant.

(iv) Vesting. At the time of the grant of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Board may impose such restrictions or conditions to the vesting of such Stock Appreciation Right as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

(v) Minimum Vesting. Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 6(c)(iv), to the extent that the following restrictions on vesting are required by Section 260.140.41(f) of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at the time of the grant of the Stock Appreciation Right, then:

(1) Stock Appreciation Rights granted to an Employee who is not an Officer, Director or Consultant shall provide for vesting of the total number of shares of Common Stock at a rate of at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the Stock Appreciation Right was granted, subject to reasonable conditions such as continued employment; and

(2) Stock Appreciation Rights granted to Officers, Directors or Consultants may be made fully exercisable, subject to reasonable conditions such as continued employment, at any time or during any period established by the Company.

 

12


(vi) Exercise. To exercise any outstanding Stock Appreciation Right, the Participant must provide written notice of exercise to the Company in compliance with the provisions of the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement evidencing such Stock Appreciation Right.

(vii) Non-Exempt Employees. No Stock Appreciation Right granted to an Employee that is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, shall be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock until at least six months following the date of grant of the Stock Appreciation Right. The foregoing provision is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay.

(viii) Payment. The appreciation distribution in respect to a Stock Appreciation Right may be paid in Common Stock, in cash, in any combination of the two or in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Board and contained in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement evidencing such Stock Appreciation Right.

(ix) Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Stock Appreciation Right Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, in the event that a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates (other than for Cause or upon the Participant’s death or Disability), the Participant may exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Right (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Stock Appreciation Right as of the date of termination of Continuous Service) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (A) the date three (3) months following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, which period shall not be less than thirty (30) days unless such termination is for Cause), or (B) the expiration of the term of the Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Right within the time specified herein or in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement (as applicable), the Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate.

(x) Disability of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Stock Appreciation Right Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, in the event that a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Right (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Stock Appreciation Right as of the date of termination of Continuous Service), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (A) the date twelve (12) months following such termination of Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, which period shall not be less than six (6) months), or (B) the expiration of the term of the Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Right within the time specified herein or in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement (as applicable), the Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate.

 

13


(xi) Death of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Stock Appreciation Right Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, in the event that (i) a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s death, or (ii) the Participant dies within the period (if any) specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service for a reason other than death, then the Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised (to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such Stock Appreciation Right as of the date of death) by the Participant’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated as the beneficiary of the Stock Appreciation Right upon the Participant’s death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (i) the date eighteen (18) months following the date of death (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, which period shall not be less than six (6) months), or (ii) the expiration of the term of such Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. If, after the Participant’s death, the Stock Appreciation Right is not exercised within the time specified herein or in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement (as applicable), the Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate.

(xii) Termination for Cause. Except as explicitly provided otherwise in an Participant’s Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, in the event that a Participant’s Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate upon the termination date of such Participant’s Continuous Service, and the Participant shall be prohibited from exercising his or her Stock Appreciation Right from and after the time of such termination of Continuous Service.

(xiii) Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan that are not exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code shall contain such provisions so that such Stock Appreciation Rights will comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Such restrictions, if any, shall be determined by the Board and contained in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement evidencing such Stock Appreciation Right. For example, such restrictions may include, without limitation, a requirement that a Stock Appreciation Right that is to be paid wholly or partly in cash must be exercised and paid in accordance with a fixed pre-determined schedule.

7. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.

(a) Availability of Shares. During the terms of the Stock Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock reasonably required to satisfy such Stock Awards.

(b) Securities Law Compliance. The Company shall seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Stock Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Stock Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to

 

14


register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Stock Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Stock Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Stock Awards unless and until such authority is obtained.

(c) No Obligation to Notify. The Company shall have no duty or obligation to any holder of a Stock Award to advise such holder as to the time or manner of exercising such Stock Award. Furthermore, the Company shall have no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder of a pending termination or expiration of a Stock Award or a possible period in which the Stock Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of a Stock Award to the holder of such Stock Award.

8. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a) Use of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall constitute general funds of the Company.

(b) Corporate Action Constituting Grant of Stock Awards. Corporate action constituting a grant by the Company of a Stock Award to any Participant shall be deemed completed as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Board, regardless of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Stock Award is communicated to, or actually received or accepted by, the Participant.

(c) Shareholder Rights. No Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Stock Award unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Stock Award pursuant to its terms and the Participant shall not be deemed to be a shareholder of record until the issuance of the Common Stock pursuant to such exercise has been entered into the books and records of the Company.

(d) No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan, any Stock Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Stock Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

(e) Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any

 

15


calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s).

(f) Investment Assurances. The Company may require a Participant, as a condition of exercising or acquiring Common Stock under any Stock Award, (i) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company as to the Participant’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and that he or she is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Stock Award; and (ii) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that the Participant is acquiring Common Stock subject to the Stock Award for the Participant’s own account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the Common Stock. The foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, shall be inoperative if (x) the issuance of the shares upon the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Stock Award has been registered under a then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or (y) as to any particular requirement, a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances under the then applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel to the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the Common Stock.

(g) Withholding Obligations. To the extent provided by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to a Stock Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company’s right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Stock Award; provided, however , that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lower amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of the Stock Award as a liability for financial accounting purposes); (iii) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; (iv) withholding cash from a Stock Award settled in cash; or (v) by such other method as may be set forth in the Stock Award Agreement.

(h) Electronic Delivery. Any reference herein to a “written” agreement or document shall include any agreement or document delivered electronically or posted on the Company’s intranet.

(i) Deferrals. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock or the payment of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Stock Award may be deferred and may establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made by Participants. Deferrals by Participants will be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. Consistent with Section 409A of the Code, the Board may provide for distributions while a Participant is still an

 

16


employee. The Board is authorized to make deferrals of Stock Awards and determine when, and in what annual percentages, Participants may receive payments, including lump sum payments, following the Participant’s termination of employment or retirement, and implement such other terms and conditions consistent with the provisions of the Plan and in accordance with applicable law.

(j) Compliance with Section 409A. To the extent that the Board determines that any Stock Award granted hereunder is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Stock Award Agreement evidencing such Stock Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions necessary to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and Stock Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued or amended after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Board determines that any Stock Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance (including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Board may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Stock Award Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Board determines are necessary or appropriate to (1) exempt the Stock Award from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Stock Award, or (2) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance.

(k) Information Obligation. To the extent required by Section 260.140.46 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations, the Company shall deliver financial statements to Participants at least annually. This Section 8(k) shall not apply to key Employees whose duties in connection with the Company assure them access to equivalent information.

(l) Repurchase Limitation. The terms of any repurchase option shall be specified in the Stock Award, and the repurchase price may be either the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of termination of Continuous Service or the lower of (i) the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of repurchase or (ii) their original purchase price. To the extent required by Section 260.140.41 and Section 260.140.42 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations at the time a Stock Award is made, any repurchase option contained in a Stock Award granted to a person who is not an Officer, Director or Consultant shall be upon the terms described below:

( i ) Fair Market Value. If the repurchase option gives the Company the right to repurchase the shares of Common Stock upon termination of Continuous Service at not less than the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock to be purchased on the date of termination of Continuous Service, then (i) the right to repurchase shall be exercised for cash or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness for the shares of Common Stock within ninety (90) days of termination of Continuous Service (or in the case of shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of Stock Awards after such date of termination, within ninety (90) days after the date of the exercise) or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Company and the Participant (for example, for purposes of satisfying the requirements of Section 1202(c)(3) of the Code regarding “qualified small business stock”) and (ii) the right terminates when the shares of Common Stock become publicly traded.

 

17


(ii) Original Purchase Price. If the repurchase option gives the Company the right to repurchase the shares of Common Stock upon termination of Continuous Service at the lower of (i) the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of repurchase or (ii) their original purchase price, then (x) the right to repurchase at the original purchase price shall lapse at the rate of at least twenty percent (20%) of the shares of Common Stock per year over five (5) years from the date the Stock Award is granted (without respect to the date the Stock Award was exercised or became exercisable) and (y) the right to repurchase shall be exercised for cash or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness for the shares of Common Stock within ninety (90) days of termination of Continuous Service (or in the case of shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of Options after such date of termination, within ninety (90) days after the date of the exercise) or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Company and the Participant (for example, for purposes of satisfying the requirements of Section 1202(c)(3) of the Code regarding “qualified small business stock”).

9. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK; OTHER CORPORATE EVENTS.

(a) Capitalization Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board shall proportionately and appropriately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 3(c), and (iii) the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of stock subject to outstanding Stock Awards. The Board shall make such adjustments, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.

(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. Except as otherwise provided in the Stock Award Agreement, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all outstanding Stock Awards (other than Stock Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject to the Company’s right of repurchase) shall terminate immediately prior to the completion of such dissolution or liquidation, and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Company’s repurchase option may be repurchased by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder of such Stock Award is providing Continuous Service, provided, however, that the Board may, in its sole discretion, cause some or all Stock Awards to become fully vested, exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such Stock Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the dissolution or liquidation is completed but contingent on its completion.

(c) Corporate Transaction. The following provisions shall apply to Stock Awards in the event of a Corporate Transaction unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Stock Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the holder of the Stock Award or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of a Stock Award. Except as otherwise stated in the Stock Award Agreement, in the event of a Corporate Transaction, then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, each Stock Award shall terminate and be cancelled to the extent not vested or exercised prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction unless the Board elects to take one or more of the following actions with respect to such Stock Award:

(i) arrange for the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) to assume or continue the Stock Award or to substitute a similar stock award for the Stock Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the shareholders of the Company pursuant to the Corporate Transaction);

 

18


(ii) arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Stock Award to the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company);

(iii) accelerate the vesting of the Stock Award (and, if applicable, the time at which the Stock Award may be exercised) to a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Transaction as the Board shall determine (or, if the Board shall not determine such a date, to the date that is five (5) days prior to the effective date of the Corporate Transaction), with such Stock Award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction;

(iv) arrange for the lapse of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to the Stock Award; and

(v) make a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the value of the property the holder of the Stock Award would have received upon the exercise of the Stock Award, over (B) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise; provided that if the Board elects to make the payment described in this clause (v), the entire Stock Award (both vested and unvested portions) shall be terminated and cancelled in consideration of such payment.

The Board need not take the same action with respect to all Stock Awards or with respect to all Participants.

(d) Change in Control. A Stock Award may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a Change in Control as may be provided in the Stock Award Agreement for such Stock Award or as may be provided in any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, but in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration shall occur.

10. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN.

(a) Plan Term. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Unless sooner terminated by the Board pursuant to Section 2, the Plan shall automatically terminate on the day before the tenth (10th) anniversary of the earlier of (i) the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, or (ii) the date the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company. No Stock Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

(b) No Impairment of Rights. Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.

 

19


11. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.

This Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date.

12. CHOICE OF LAW.

The law of the State of California shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to that state’s conflict of laws rules.

13. DEFINITIONS. As used in the Plan, the following definitions shall apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:

(a) Affiliate ” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “majority-owned subsidiary” of the Company, as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. The Board shall have the authority to determine the time or times at which “parent” or “majority-owned subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.

(b) Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(c) Capitalization Adjustment ” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Stock Award after the Effective Date without the receipt of consideration by the Company (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other transaction not involving the receipt of consideration by the Company). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as a transaction “without the receipt of consideration” by the Company.

(d) Cause ” means with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) such Participant’s commission of any felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; (ii) such Participant’s attempted commission of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company; (iii) such Participant’s intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between the Participant and the Company or of any statutory duty owed to the Company; (iv) such Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; or (v) such Participant’s gross misconduct. The determination that a termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion. Any determination by the Company that the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated by reason of dismissal without Cause for the purposes of outstanding Stock Awards held by such Participant shall have no effect upon any determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any other purpose.

 

20


(e) Change in Control ” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

(i) any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur (A) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Company’s securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities or (B) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the “ Subject Person ”) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to occur;

(ii) there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the shareholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (B) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;

(iii) the shareholders of the Company approve or the Board approves a plan of complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or a complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company shall otherwise occur, except for a liquidation into a parent corporation; or

(iv) there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition.

The term Change in Control shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company.

 

21


Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Stock Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply.

(f) Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(g) Committee ” means a committee of two (2) or more Directors to whom authority has been delegated by the Board in accordance with Section 2(c).

(h) Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company.

(i) Company ” means Nimble Storage, Inc., a Delaware company.

(j) Consultant ” means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, shall not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan.

(k) Continuous Service ” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director, or Consultant or a change in the Entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, shall not terminate a Participant’s Continuous Service; provided, however , if the Entity for which a Participant is rendering service ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, such Participant’s Continuous Service shall be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate. For example, a change in status from an employee of the Company to a consultant of an Affiliate or to a Director shall not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. To the extent permitted by law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party’s sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence shall be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in a Stock Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by law.

(l) Corporate Transaction ” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

(i) the consummation of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

22


(ii) the consummation of a sale or other disposition of at least ninety percent (90%) of the outstanding securities of the Company;

(iii) the consummation of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or

(iv) the consummation of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.

(m) Director ” means a member of the Board.

(n) Disability ” means the inability of a Participant to engage in any substantially gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, and shall be determined by the Board on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances.

(o) Effective Date ” means the effective date of this Plan, which is the earlier of (i) the date that this Plan is first approved by the Company’s shareholders, or (ii) the date this Plan is adopted by the Board.

(p) Employee ” means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, shall not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.

(q) Entity ” means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.

(r) Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(s) Exchange Act Person ” means any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that “Exchange Act Person” shall not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company; or (v) any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date of the Plan as set forth in Section 11, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.

(t) Fair Market Value ” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined by the Board (i) in a manner consistent with Section 260.140.50 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations and (ii) in compliance with Section 409A of the Code or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, in compliance with Section 422 of the Code.

 

23


(u) Incentive Stock Option ” means an Option that qualifies as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(v) Nonstatutory Stock Option ” means an Option that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

(w) Officer ” means any person designated by the Company as an officer.

(x) Option ” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.

(y) Option Agreement ” means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of an Option grant. Each Option Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(z) Optionholder ” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

(aa) Own ,” “ Owned ,” “ Owner ,” “ Ownership ” A person or Entity shall be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.

(bb) Participant ” means a person to whom a Stock Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.

(cc) Plan ” means this Nimble Storage, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan.

(dd) Restricted Stock Award ” means an award of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(a).

(ee) Restricted Stock Award Agreement ” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(ff) Restricted Stock Unit Award ” means a right to receive shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(b).

(gg) Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement ” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Unit Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Unit Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

24


(hh) Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(ii) Stock Appreciation Right ” means a right to receive the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(c).

(jj) Stock Appreciation Right Agreement ” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Stock Appreciation Right evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Appreciation Right grant. Each Stock Appreciation Right Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(kk) Stock Award ” means any right to receive Common Stock granted under the Plan, including an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, or a Stock Appreciation Right.

(ll) Stock Award Agreement ” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Award grant. Each Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(mm) Subsidiary ” means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than fifty percent (50%).

(nn) Ten Percent Shareholder ” means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

25


NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

(2008 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN)

Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to Optionholder an option to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock set forth below. This option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Stock Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Notice of Exercise, all of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety.

 

Optionholder:   

 

Date of Grant:   

 

Vesting Commencement Date:   

 

Number of Shares Subject to Option:   

 

Exercise Price (Per Share):   

 

Total Exercise Price:   

 

Expiration Date:   

 

 

Type of Grant:       Incentive Stock Option       Nonstatutory Stock Option
Exercise Schedule :       Same as Vesting Schedule       Early Exercise Permitted
Vesting Schedule :    One-fourth (1/4th) of the shares subject to the Option shall vest on the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and one-forty-eighth (1/48th) of the shares subject to the Option shall vest monthly thereafter; provided , that at each such vesting date, the Optionholder shall then be providing services to the Company, as set forth in the Plan.
Payment:    By one or a combination of the following items (described in the Stock Option Agreement):
      By cash or check
      By net exercise

Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: The undersigned Optionholder acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Stock Option Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan. Optionholder further acknowledges that as of the Date of Grant, this Stock Option Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Optionholder and the Company regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company and supersede all prior oral and written agreements on that subject with the exception of: (i) options previously granted and delivered to Optionholder under the Plan, and (ii) stock previously purchased by Optionholder, and (iii) the following agreements, if any:

 

OTHER AGREEMENTS:

 

                                          

 

                                          

 

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.      OPTIONHOLDER:
By:  

                                          

    

                                          

  Suresh Vasudevan      Signature
  Chief Executive Officer     
      

                                          

       Print Name
Date:  

                                                              

     Date:  

                                                                                   

Attachments: Option Agreement, 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, and Notice of Exercise

 

1


ATTACHMENT I

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


ATTACHMENT II

2008 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN


ATTACHMENT III

NOTICE OF EXERCISE


NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

OPTION AGREEMENT

(INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION OR NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION)

Pursuant to your Stock Option Grant Notice (“ Grant Notice ”) and this Option Agreement, Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) has granted you an option under its 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock indicated in your Grant Notice at the exercise price indicated in your Grant Notice. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Option Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan.

The details of your option are as follows:

1. VESTING. Subject to the limitations contained herein, your option will vest as provided in your Grant Notice, provided that vesting will cease upon the termination of your Continuous Service.

2. NUMBER OF SHARES AND EXERCISE PRICE. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to your option and your exercise price per share referenced in your Grant Notice may be adjusted from time to time for Capitalization Adjustments.

3. EXERCISE RESTRICTION FOR NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEES. In the event that you are an Employee eligible for overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended (i.e ., a “ Non-Exempt Employee ”), you may not exercise your option until you have completed at least six (6) months of Continuous Service measured from the Date of Grant specified in your Grant Notice, notwithstanding any other provision of your option.

4. EXERCISE PRIOR TO VESTING (“EARLY EMPLOYEE”). If permitted in your Grant Notice ( i.e. , the “Exercise Schedule” indicates “Early Exercise Permitted”) and subject to the provisions of your option, you may elect at any time that is both (i) during the period of your Continuous Service and (ii) during the term of your option, to exercise all or part of your option, including the nonvested portion of your option; provided, however , that:

(a) a partial exercise of your option shall be deemed to cover first vested shares of Common Stock and then the earliest vesting installment of unvested shares of Common Stock;

(b) any shares of Common Stock so purchased from installments that have not vested as of the date of exercise shall be subject to the purchase option in favor of the Company as described in the Company’s form of Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement;

(c) you shall enter into the Company’s form of Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement with a vesting schedule that will result in the same vesting as if no early exercise had occurred; and

(d) if your option is an Incentive Stock Option, then, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of the shares of Common Stock

 

1


with respect to which your option plus all other Incentive Stock Options you hold are exercisable for the first time by you during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), your option(s) or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.

5. METHOD OF PAYMENT. Payment of the exercise price is due in full upon exercise of all or any part of your option. You may elect to make payment of the exercise price in cash or by check or in any other manner permitted by your Grant Notice , which may include one or more of the following:

(a) Provided that at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded and quoted regularly in The Wall Street Journal , pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of Common Stock, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds.

(b) Provided that at the time of exercise the Common Stock is publicly traded and quoted regularly in The Wall Street Journal , by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of already-owned shares of Common Stock that are owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, and that are valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may not exercise your option by tender to the Company of Common Stock to the extent such tender would violate the provisions of any law, regulation or agreement restricting the redemption of the Company’s stock.

6. WHOLE SHARES. You may exercise your option only for whole shares of Common Stock.

7. SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, you may not exercise your option unless the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise are then registered under the Securities Act or, if such shares of Common Stock are not then so registered, the Company has determined that such exercise and issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The exercise of your option also must comply with other applicable laws and regulations governing your option, and you may not exercise your option if the Company determines that such exercise would not be in material compliance with such laws and regulations.

8. TERM. You may not exercise your option before the commencement or after the expiration of its term. The term of your option commences on the Date of Grant and expires upon the earliest of the following:

(a) immediately upon the termination of your Continuous Service for Cause;

(b) three (3) months after the termination of your Continuous Service for any reason other than Cause, your Disability or death, provided that if during any part of such three (3) month period your option is not exercisable solely because of the condition set forth in the section above relating to “Securities Law Compliance,” your option shall not expire until the earlier of the Expiration Date or until it shall have been exercisable for an aggregate period of three (3) months after the termination of your Continuous Service;

 

2


(c) twelve (12) months after the termination of your Continuous Service due to your Disability;

(d) eighteen (18) months after your death if you die either during your Continuous Service or within three (3) months after your Continuous Service terminates;

(e) in certain circumstances upon the effective date of a Corporate Transaction as set forth in the Plan;

(f) the Expiration Date indicated in your Grant Notice; or

(g) the day before the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Date of Grant.

Cause ” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (i) your commission of any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude; (ii) your attempted commission of or participation in a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company that results in (or might have reasonably resulted in) material harm to the business of the Company; (iii) your intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between you and the Company or any statutory duty you owe to the Company; or (iv) your conduct that constitutes gross insubordination, incompetence or habitual neglect of duties and that results in (or might have reasonably resulted in) material harm to the business of the Company; provided, however , that the action or conduct described in clauses (iii) and (iv) above will constitute “Cause” only if such action or conduct continues after the Company has provided you with written notice thereof and thirty (30) days to cure the same.

If your option is an Incentive Stock Option, note that to obtain the federal income tax advantages associated with an Incentive Stock Option, the Code requires that at all times beginning on the date of grant of your option and ending on the day three (3) months before the date of your option’s exercise, you must be an employee of the Company or an Affiliate, except in the event of your death or Disability. The Company has provided for extended exercisability of your option under certain circumstances for your benefit but cannot guarantee that your option will necessarily be treated as an Incentive Stock Option if you continue to provide services to the Company or an Affiliate as a Consultant or Director after your employment terminates or if you otherwise exercise your option more than three (3) months after the date your employment with the Company or an Affiliate terminates.

9. EXERCISE.

(a) You may exercise the vested portion of your option (and the unvested portion of your option if your Grant Notice so permits) during its term by delivering a Notice of Exercise (in a form designated by the Company) together with the exercise price to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other person as the Company may designate, during regular business hours, together with such additional documents as the Company may then require.

 

3


(b) By exercising your option you agree that, as a condition to any exercise of your option, the Company may require you to enter into an arrangement providing for the payment by you to the Company of any tax withholding obligation of the Company arising by reason of (1) the exercise of your option, (2) the lapse of any substantial risk of forfeiture to which the shares of Common Stock are subject at the time of exercise, or (3) the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired upon such exercise.

(c) If your option is an Incentive Stock Option, by exercising your option you agree that you will notify the Company in writing within fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of your option that occurs within two (2) years after the date of your option grant or within one (1) year after such shares of Common Stock are transferred upon exercise of your option.

(d) By exercising your option you agree that you shall not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as necessary to permit compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 and similar or successor regulatory rules and regulations (the “ Lock-Up Period ”); provided, however , that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. You further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company and/or the underwriter(s) that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to your shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 9(d) and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.

10. TRANSFERABILITY. Your option is not transferable, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during your life only by you. Notwithstanding the foregoing, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, you may designate a third party who, in the event of your death, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise your option. In addition, if permitted by the Company you may transfer your option to a trust if you are considered to be the sole beneficial owner (determined under Section 671 of the Code and applicable state law) while the option is held in the trust, provided that you and the trustee enter into a transfer and other agreements required by the Company.

11. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. Shares of Common Stock that you acquire upon exercise of your option are subject to any right of first refusal that may be described in the Company’s bylaws in effect at such time the Company elects to exercise its right; provided, however , that if your option is an Incentive Stock Option and the right of first refusal described in the Company’s bylaws in effect at the time the Company elects to exercise its right is more beneficial to you than the right of first refusal described in the Company’s bylaws on the Date of Grant, then the right of first refusal described in the Company’s bylaws on the Date of Grant shall apply. The Company’s right of first refusal shall expire on the first date upon which any security of the Company is listed (or approved for listing) upon notice of issuance on a national securities exchange or quotation system.

 

4


12. RIGHT OF REPURCHASE. To the extent provided in the Company’s bylaws in effect at such time the Company elects to exercise its right, the Company shall have the right to repurchase all or any part of the shares of Common Stock you acquire pursuant to the exercise of your option.

13. OPTION NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT. Your option is not an employment or service contract, and nothing in your option shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on your part to continue in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate, or of the Company or an Affiliate to continue your employment. In addition, nothing in your option shall obligate the Company or an Affiliate, their respective stockholders, Boards of Directors, Officers or Employees to continue any relationship that you might have as a Director or Consultant for the Company or an Affiliate.

14. WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS.

(a) At the time you exercise your option, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, you hereby authorize withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise agree to make adequate provision for (including by means of a “cashless exercise” pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company or an Affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with the exercise of your option.

(b) Upon your request and subject to approval by the Company, in its sole discretion, and compliance with any applicable legal conditions or restrictions, the Company may withhold from fully vested shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to you upon the exercise of your option a number of whole shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined by the Company as of the date of exercise, not in excess of the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lower amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of your option as a liability for financial accounting purposes). If the date of determination of any tax withholding obligation is deferred to a date later than the date of exercise of your option, share withholding pursuant to the preceding sentence shall not be permitted unless you make a proper and timely election under Section 83(b) of the Code, covering the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock acquired upon such exercise with respect to which such determination is otherwise deferred, to accelerate the determination of such tax withholding obligation to the date of exercise of your option. Notwithstanding the filing of such election, shares of Common Stock shall be withheld solely from fully vested shares of Common Stock determined as of the date of exercise of your option that are otherwise issuable to you upon such exercise. Any adverse consequences to you arising in connection with such share withholding procedure shall be your sole responsibility.

(c) You may not exercise your option unless the tax withholding obligations of the Company and/or any Affiliate are satisfied. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your option when desired even though your option is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to issue a certificate for such shares of Common Stock or release such shares of Common Stock from any escrow provided for herein unless such obligations are satisfied.

 

5


15. TAX CONSEQUENCES. You hereby agree that the Company does not have a duty to design or administer the Plan or its other compensation programs in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities. You shall not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from your option or your other compensation. In particular, you acknowledge that this option is exempt from Section 409A of the Code only if the exercise price per share specified in the Grant Notice is at least equal to the “fair market value” per share of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant and there is no other impermissible deferral of compensation associated with the option. Because the Common Stock is not traded on an established securities market, the Fair Market Value is determined by the Board, perhaps in consultation with an independent valuation firm retained by the Company. You acknowledge that there is no guarantee that the Internal Revenue Service will agree with the valuation as determined by the Board, and you shall not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates in the event that the Internal Revenue Service asserts that the valuation determined by the Board is less than the “fair market value” as subsequently determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

16. NOTICES. Any notices provided for in your option or the Plan shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon receipt or, in the case of notices delivered by mail by the Company to you, five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to you at the last address you provided to the Company.

17. GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT. Your option is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of which are hereby made a part of your option, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of your option and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

* * *

 

6


NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

EARLY EXERCISE STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

UNDER THE 2008 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between NIMBLE STORAGE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and [                    ] (“ Purchaser ”), as of [    , 20    ].

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Purchaser holds a stock option dated [                    ] to purchase shares of common stock (“ Common Stock ”) of the Company (the “ Option ”) pursuant to the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”); and

WHEREAS , the Option consists of a Stock Option Grant Notice and a Stock Option Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Purchaser desires to exercise the Option on the terms and conditions contained herein; and

WHEREAS, Purchaser wishes to take advantage of the early exercise provision of Purchaser’s Option and therefore to enter into this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED between the parties as follows:

1. INCORPORATION OF PLAN AND OPTION BY REFERENCE. This Agreement is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth in the Plan and the Option. If there is a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and/or the Option and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control. If there is a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Option, the terms of the Option shall control. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Plan. Defined terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement or the Plan but defined in the Option shall have the same definitions as in the Option.

2. PURCHASE AND SALE OF COMMON STOCK.

(a) Agreement to purchase and sell Common Stock. Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from the Company, and the Company hereby agrees to sell to Purchaser, shares of the Common Stock of the Company in accordance with the Notice of Exercise duly executed by Purchaser and attached hereto as Exhibit A .

(b) Closing . The closing hereunder, including payment for and delivery of the Common Stock, shall occur at the offices of the Company immediately following the execution of this Agreement, or at such other time and place as the parties may mutually agree; provided, however, that if stockholder approval of the Plan is required before the Option may be exercised, then the Option may not be exercised, and the closing shall be delayed, until such stockholder approval is obtained. If such stockholder approval is not obtained within the time limit specified in the Plan, then this Agreement shall be null and void.


3. UNVESTED SHARE REPURCHASE OPTION.

(a) Repurchase Option . In the event Purchaser’s Continuous Service terminates, then the Company shall have an irrevocable option (the “ Repurchase Option ”) for a period of ninety (90) days after said termination (or in the case of shares issued upon exercise of the Option after such date of termination, within ninety (90) days after the date of the exercise), or such longer period as may be agreed to by the Company and Purchaser, to repurchase from Purchaser or Purchaser’s personal representative, as the case may be, those shares that Purchaser received pursuant to the exercise of the Option that have not as yet vested as of such termination date in accordance with the Vesting Schedule indicated on Purchaser’s Stock Option Grant Notice (the “ Unvested Shares ”).

(b) Share Repurchase Price. The Company may repurchase all or any of the Unvested Shares at the lower of (i) the Fair Market Value of the such shares (as determined under the Plan) on the date of repurchase, or (ii) the price equal to Purchaser’s Exercise Price for such shares as indicated on Purchaser’s Stock Option Grant Notice.

4. EXERCISE OF REPURCHASE OPTION. The Repurchase Option shall be exercised by written notice signed by such person as designated by the Company, and delivered or mailed as provided herein. Such notice shall identify the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased and shall notify Purchaser of the time, place and date for settlement of such purchase, which shall be scheduled by the Company within the term of the Repurchase Option set forth above. The Company shall be entitled to pay for any shares of Common Stock purchased pursuant to its Repurchase Option at the Company’s option in cash or by offset against any indebtedness owing to the Company by Purchaser (including without limitation any Promissory Note given in payment for the Common Stock), or by a combination of both. Upon delivery of such notice and payment of the purchase price in any of the ways described above, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Common Stock being repurchased and all rights and interest therein or related thereto, and the Company shall have the right to transfer to its own name the Common Stock being repurchased by the Company, without further action by Purchaser.

5. CAPITALIZATION ADJUSTMENTS TO COMMON STOCK. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, then any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property to which Purchaser is entitled by reason of Purchaser’s ownership of Common Stock shall be immediately subject to the Repurchase Option and be included in the word “Common Stock” for all purposes of the Repurchase Option with the same force and effect as the shares of the Common Stock presently subject to the Repurchase Option, but only to the extent the Common Stock is, at the time, covered by such Repurchase Option. While the total Option Price shall remain the same after each such event, the Option Price per share of Common Stock upon exercise of the Repurchase Option shall be appropriately adjusted.

 

2


6. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, then the Repurchase Option may be assigned by the Company to the successor of the Company (or such successor’s parent company), if any, in connection with such Corporate Transaction. To the extent the Repurchase Option remains in effect following such Corporate Transaction, it shall apply to the new capital stock or other property received in exchange for the Common Stock in consummation of the Corporate Transaction, but only to the extent the Common Stock was at the time covered by such right. Appropriate adjustments shall be made to the price per share payable upon exercise of the Repurchase Option to reflect the Corporate Transaction upon the Company’s capital structure; provided, however, that the aggregate price payable upon exercise of the Repurchase Option shall remain the same.

7. ESCROW OF UNVESTED COMMON STOCK. As security for Purchaser’s faithful performance of the terms of this Agreement and to insure the availability for delivery of Purchaser’s Common Stock upon exercise of the Repurchase Option herein provided for, Purchaser agrees, at the closing hereunder, to deliver to and deposit with the Secretary of the Company or the Secretary’s designee (“ Escrow Agent ”), as Escrow Agent in this transaction, three (3) stock assignments duly endorsed (with date and number of shares blank) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B , together with a certificate or certificates evidencing all of the Common Stock subject to the Repurchase Option; said documents are to be held by the Escrow Agent and delivered by said Escrow Agent pursuant to the Joint Escrow Instructions of the Company and Purchaser set forth in Exhibit C , attached hereto and incorporated by this reference, which instructions also shall be delivered to the Escrow Agent at the closing hereunder.

8. RIGHTS OF PURCHASER. Subject to the provisions of the Option, Purchaser shall exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares deposited in escrow. Purchaser shall be deemed to be the holder of the shares for purposes of receiving any dividends that may be paid with respect to such shares and for purposes of exercising any voting rights relating to such shares, even if some or all of such shares have not yet vested and been released from the Company’s Repurchase Option.

9. LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER. In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, Purchaser shall not sell, assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any interest in the Common Stock while the Common Stock is subject to the Repurchase Option. After any Common Stock has been released from the Repurchase Option, Purchaser shall not sell, assign, hypothecate, donate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any interest in the Common Stock except in compliance with the provisions herein and applicable securities laws. Furthermore, the Common Stock shall be subject to any right of first refusal in favor of the Company or its assignees that may be contained in the Company’s Bylaws.

10. RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS. All certificates representing the Common Stock shall have endorsed thereon legends in substantially the following forms (in addition to any other legend which may be required by other agreements between the parties hereto):

(a) “THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO AN OPTION SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER, OR SUCH HOLDER’S PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST,

 

3


A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THIS COMPANY. ANY TRANSFER OR ATTEMPTED TRANSFER OF ANY SHARES SUBJECT TO SUCH OPTION IS VOID WITHOUT THE PRIOR EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.”

(b) “THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AS AMENDED. THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SAID ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.”

(c) “THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OPTION IN FAVOR OF THE CORPORATION AND/OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S), AS PROVIDED IN THE BYLAWS OF THE CORPORATION.”

(d) Any legend required by appropriate blue sky officials.

11. INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS. In connection with the purchase of the Common Stock, Purchaser represents to the Company the following:

(a) Purchaser is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Common Stock. Purchaser is acquiring the Common Stock for investment for Purchaser’s own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act.

(b) Purchaser understands that the Common Stock has not been registered under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Purchaser’s investment intent as expressed herein.

(c) Purchaser further acknowledges and understands that the Common Stock must be held indefinitely unless the Common Stock is subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Purchaser further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Common Stock. Purchaser understands that the certificate evidencing the Common Stock will be imprinted with a legend that prohibits the transfer of the Common Stock unless the Common Stock is registered or such registration is not required in the opinion of counsel for the Company.

(d) Purchaser is familiar with the provisions of Rules 144 and 701, under the Securities Act, as in effect from time to time, which, in substance, permit limited public resale of “restricted securities” acquired, directly or indirectly, from the issuer thereof (or from an affiliate of such issuer), in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of issuance of the securities, such issuance will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the securities exempt under Rule 701 may be sold by Purchaser ninety (90) days thereafter, subject to the satisfaction of certain of the conditions specified by Rule 144 and the market stand-off provision described in Purchaser’s Stock Option Agreement.

 

4


(e) In the event that the sale of the Common Stock does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time of purchase, then the Common Stock may be resold by Purchaser in certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which requires, among other things: (i) the availability of certain public information about the Company, and (ii) the resale occurring following the required holding period under Rule 144 after Purchaser has purchased, and made full payment of (within the meaning of Rule 144), the securities to be sold.

(f) Purchaser further understands that at the time Purchaser wishes to sell the Common Stock there may be no public market upon which to make such a sale, and that, even if such a public market then exists, the Company may not be satisfying the current public current information requirements of Rule 144 or 701, and that, in such event, Purchaser would be precluded from selling the Common Stock under Rule 144 or 701 even if the minimum holding period requirement had been satisfied.

12. MARKET STAND-OFF AGREEMENT. By exercising the Option, Purchaser agrees not to sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by Purchaser, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as necessary to permit compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 or NYSE Member Rule 472 and similar rules or regulations (the “ Lock-Up Period ”); provided, however , that nothing shall prevent the exercise of the Repurchase Option during the Lock-Up Period. Purchaser further agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company and/or the underwriter(s) that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to Purchaser’s shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 12 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.

13. SECTION 83(b) ELECTION. Purchaser understands that Section 83(a) of the Code taxes as ordinary income the difference between the amount paid for the Common Stock and the fair market value of the Common Stock as of the date any restrictions on the Common Stock lapse. In this context, “restriction” includes the right of the Company to buy back the Common Stock pursuant to the Repurchase Option set forth above. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may elect to be taxed at the time the Common Stock is purchased, rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires, by filing an election under Section 83(b) (an “ 83(b) Election ”) of the Code with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days of the date of purchase in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D . Even if the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time of the execution of this Agreement equals the amount paid for the Common Stock, the 83(b) Election must be made to avoid income under Section 83(a) in the future. Purchaser understands that failure to file such an 83(b) Election in a timely manner may result in adverse tax consequences for Purchaser. Purchaser further understands that Purchaser must file an additional

 

5


copy of such 83(b) Election with his or her federal income tax return for the calendar year in which the date of this Agreement falls. Purchaser acknowledges that the foregoing is only a summary of the effect of United States federal income taxation with respect to purchase of the Common Stock hereunder, and does not purport to be complete. Purchaser further acknowledges that the Company has directed Purchaser to seek independent advice regarding the applicable provisions of the Code, the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which Purchaser may reside, and the tax consequences of Purchaser’s death. Purchaser assumes all responsibility for filing an 83(b) Election and paying all taxes resulting from such election or the lapse of the restrictions on the Common Stock.

14. REFUSAL TO TRANSFER. The Company shall not be required (a) to transfer on its books any shares of Common Stock of the Company which shall have been transferred in violation of any of the provisions set forth in this Agreement, or (b) to treat as owner of such shares or to accord the right to vote as such owner or to pay dividends to any transferee to whom such shares shall have been so transferred.

15. NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS. This Agreement is not an employment contract and nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company or its Affiliates to terminate Purchaser’s employment for any reason at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice.

16. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a) Notices. All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not during normal business hours of the recipient, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) calendar days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the other party hereto at such party’s address hereinafter set forth on the signature page hereof, or at such other address as such party may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other party hereto.

(b) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and, subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, be binding upon Purchaser, Purchaser’s successors, and assigns. The Company may assign the Repurchase Option hereunder at any time or from time to time, in whole or in part.

(c) Attorneys’ Fees; Specific Performance. Purchaser shall reimburse the Company for all costs incurred by the Company in enforcing the performance of, or protecting its rights under, any part of this Agreement, including reasonable costs of investigation and attorneys’ fees. It is the intention of the parties that the Company, upon exercise of the Repurchase Option and payment for the shares repurchased, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, shall be entitled to receive the Common Stock, in specie, in order to have such Common Stock available for future issuance without dilution of the holdings of other stockholders. Furthermore, it is expressly agreed between the parties that money damages are inadequate to compensate the Company for the Common Stock and that the Company shall, upon proper exercise of the Repurchase Option, be entitled to specific enforcement of its rights to purchase and receive said Common Stock.

 

6


(d) Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. The parties agree that any action brought by either party to interpret or enforce any provision of this Agreement shall be brought in, and each party agrees to, and does hereby, submit to the jurisdiction and venue of, the appropriate state or federal court for the district encompassing the Company’s principal place of business.

(e) Further Execution. The parties agree to take all such further action(s) as may reasonably be necessary to carry out and consummate this Agreement as soon as practicable, and to take whatever steps may be necessary to obtain any governmental approval in connection with or otherwise qualify the issuance of the securities that are the subject of this Agreement.

(f) Independent Counsel. Purchaser acknowledges that this Agreement has been prepared on behalf of the Company by counsel to the Company and that neither Cooley LLP nor Fenwick & West LLP represents, or is acting on behalf of, Purchaser. Purchaser has been provided with an opportunity to consult with Purchaser’s own counsel with respect to this Agreement.

(g) Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and merges all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or revoked, in whole or in part, except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

(h) Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of the Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

(i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

 

7


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

  NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
  By:  

 

    [Suresh Vasudevan, President and CEO]
  Address:   2740 Zanker Road, Suite 200
               San Jose, CA 95134
 

 

  [Purchaser]
Address:  

                                                              

 

                                                              

ATTACHMENTS:

 

Exhibit A    Notice of Exercise
Exhibit B    Assignment Separate from Certificate
Exhibit C    Joint Escrow Instructions
Exhibit D    83(b) Election

 

8


EXHIBIT A

NOTICE OF EXERCISE


NOTICE OF EXERCISE

Nimble Storage, Inc.

2740 Zanker Road, Suite 200

San Jose, CA 95134

Date of Exercise:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This constitutes notice under my stock option that I elect to purchase the number of shares for the price set forth below.

 

Type of option (check one):   Incentive    Nonstatutory   
       
Stock option dated (the “ Option ”):        
Number of shares as to which option is exercised:        
Certificates to be issued in name of:        
Total exercise price:   $                  
Cash payment delivered herewith:   $                  

By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and the Stock Option Agreement for this Option, (ii) to provide for the payment by me to you (in the manner designated by you) of your withholding obligation, if any, relating to this exercise of the Option, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an incentive stock option, to notify you in writing within fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of Common Stock issued upon this option exercise that occurs within two (2) years after the date of grant of the Option or within one (1) year after such shares of Common Stock are issued upon this option exercise.

I hereby make the following certifications and representations with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company listed above (the “ Shares ”), which are being acquired by me for my own account upon this exercise of the Option:

I acknowledge that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and are deemed to constitute “restricted securities” under Rule 701 and “control securities” under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. I warrant and represent to the Company that I have no present intention of distributing or selling said Shares, except as permitted under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.


I further acknowledge that I will not be able to resell the Shares for at least ninety (90) days after the stock of the Company becomes publicly traded ( i.e., subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) under Rule 701 and that more restrictive conditions apply to affiliates of the Company under Rule 144.

I further acknowledge that all certificates representing any of the Shares subject to the provisions of the Option shall have endorsed thereon appropriate legends reflecting the foregoing limitations, as well as any legends reflecting restrictions pursuant to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and/or applicable securities laws.

I further agree that, if required by the Company (or a representative of the underwriters) in connection with the first underwritten registration of the offering of any securities of the Company under the Securities Act, I will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as necessary to permit compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 or NYSE Member Rule 472 and similar rules and regulations (the “ Lock-Up Period ”). I further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company and/or the underwriter(s) that are consistent with the foregoing or that are reasonably intended to give further effect thereto. The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this paragraph and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions until the end of such period.

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

Print Name

 

2


Exhibit B

Assignment Separate from Certificate


STOCK ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [                    ] hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. , a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), pursuant to the Repurchase Option under that certain Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement, dated [                    ] by and between the undersigned and the Company (the “Agreement”), (                ) shares of Common Stock of the Company standing in the undersigned’s name on the books of the Company represented by Certificate No(s). and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the Company’s Secretary attorney to transfer said Common Stock on the books of the Company with full power of substitution in the premises. This Assignment may be used only in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, in connection with the repurchase of shares of Common Stock issued to the undersigned pursuant to the Agreement, and only to the extent that such shares remain subject to the Company’s Repurchase Option under the Agreement.

Dated:                     

 

 

[PURCHASER]

(INSTRUCTION: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the “Signature” line and the “Print Name” line. )


STOCK ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [                    ] hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. , a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), pursuant to the Repurchase Option under that certain Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement, dated [                    ] by and between the undersigned and the Company (the “Agreement”), (                ) shares of Common Stock of the Company standing in the undersigned’s name on the books of the Company represented by Certificate No(s). and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the Company’s Secretary attorney to transfer said Common Stock on the books of the Company with full power of substitution in the premises. This Assignment may be used only in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, in connection with the repurchase of shares of Common Stock issued to the undersigned pursuant to the Agreement, and only to the extent that such shares remain subject to the Company’s Repurchase Option under the Agreement.

Dated:                     

 

 

[PURCHASER]

(INSTRUCTION: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the “Signature” line and the “Print Name” line. )

 

2


Exhibit C

Joint Escrow Instructions

 

3


JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS

, Secretary

Address

Address

Dear Sir or Madam:

As Escrow Agent for both NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. , a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and the undersigned purchaser of Common Stock of the Company (“Purchaser”), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold the documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that certain Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”), dated [                    ], to which a copy of these Joint Escrow Instructions is attached as Exhibit C , in accordance with the following instructions:

1. In the event the Company or an assignee shall elect to exercise the Repurchase Option set forth in the Agreement, the Company or its assignee will give to Purchaser and you a written notice specifying the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased, the purchase price, and the time for a closing hereunder at the principal office of the Company. Purchaser and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in accordance with the terms of said notice.

2. At the closing you are directed (a) to date any stock assignments necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares being transferred, and (c) to deliver same, together with the certificate evidencing the shares of Common Stock to be transferred, to the Company against the simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (which may include suitable acknowledgment of cancellation of indebtedness) of the number of shares of Common Stock being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Repurchase Option.

3. Purchaser irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock to be held by you hereunder and any additions and substitutions to said shares as specified in the Agreement. Purchaser does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as the Purchaser’s attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect to such securities and other property all documents of assignment and/or transfer and all stock certificates necessary or appropriate to make all securities negotiable and complete any transaction herein contemplated.

4. This escrow shall terminate upon expiration or exercise in full of the Repurchase Option, whichever occurs first.

5. If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Purchaser, you shall deliver all of same to Purchaser at Purchaser’s request, and shall be discharged of all further obligations hereunder; provided, however, that if at the time of termination of this escrow you are advised by the Company that the property subject to this escrow is the subject of a pledge or other security agreement, you shall deliver all such property to the pledgeholder or other person designated by the Company.


6. Except as otherwise provided in these Joint Escrow Instructions, your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

7. You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties or their assignees. You shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Purchaser while acting in good faith and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.

8. You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation, excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and are hereby expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree of any court, you shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order, judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside, vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.

9. You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity, authority or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called for hereunder.

10. You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under any statute of limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any documents deposited with you.

11. Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you shall cease to be Secretary of the Company or if you shall resign by written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the Company may appoint any officer or assistant officer of the Company as successor Escrow Agent and Purchaser hereby confirms the appointment of such successor or successors as the Purchaser’s attorney-in-fact and agent to the full extent of your appointment.

12. If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.

13. It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the securities, you are authorized and directed to retain in your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities until such dispute shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend any such proceedings.

 

2


14. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery, including delivery by express courier or five days after deposit in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties hereunto entitled at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten days’ advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto:

 

COMPANY:    Nimble Storage, Inc.   
   2740 Zanker Road, Suite 200   
   San Jose, CA 95134   
PURCHASER:   

[Purchaser]

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
ESCROW   AGENT:    Aparna Bawa, Secretary   
   Nimble Storage, Inc.   
  

2740 Zanker Road, Suite 200

San Jose, CA 95134

  

15. By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions you become a party hereto only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a party to the Agreement.

16. You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts (including without limitation the firm of Fenwick & West LLP) as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your obligations hereunder. You may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay such counsel reasonable compensation therefor. The Company shall be responsible for all fees generated by such legal counsel in connection with your obligations hereunder.

17. This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. It is understood and agreed that references to “you” or “your” herein refer to the original Escrow Agent and to any and all successor Escrow Agents. It is understood and agreed that the Company may at any time or from time to time assign its rights under the Agreement and these Joint Escrow Instructions in whole or in part.

 

3


18. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of California, as such laws are applied by California courts to contracts made and to be performed entirely in California by residents of that state.

 

    Very truly yours,
    NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
    By:  

 

      [Suresh Vasudevan,
      President and Chief Executive Officer]
    PURCHASER:
   

 

ESCROW AGENT:     [Purchaser]

 

   
[Aparna Bawa, Secretary]      

 

4


Exhibit D

83(b) Election


NOTICE OF EXERCISE

Nimble Storage, Inc.

2740 Zanker Road, Suite 200

San Jose, CA 95134

Date of Exercise:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This constitutes notice under my stock option that I elect to purchase the number of shares for the price set forth below.

 

Type of option (check one):   Incentive   Nonstatutory ☐   
      
Stock option dated (the “ Option ”):       
Number of shares as to which option is exercised:       
Certificates to be issued in name of:       
Total exercise price:   $                 
Cash payment delivered herewith:   $                 

By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and the Stock Option Agreement for this Option, (ii) to provide for the payment by me to you (in the manner designated by you) of your withholding obligation, if any, relating to this exercise of the Option, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an incentive stock option, to notify you in writing within fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of Common Stock issued upon this option exercise that occurs within two (2) years after the date of grant of the Option or within one (1) year after such shares of Common Stock are issued upon this option exercise.

I hereby make the following certifications and representations with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company listed above (the “ Shares ”), which are being acquired by me for my own account upon this exercise of the Option:

I acknowledge that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and are deemed to constitute “restricted securities” under Rule 701 and “control securities” under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. I warrant and represent to the Company that I have no present intention of distributing or selling said Shares, except as permitted under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.


I further acknowledge that I will not be able to resell the Shares for at least ninety (90) days after the stock of the Company becomes publicly traded ( i.e., subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) under Rule 701 and that more restrictive conditions apply to affiliates of the Company under Rule 144.

I further acknowledge that all certificates representing any of the Shares subject to the provisions of the Option shall have endorsed thereon appropriate legends reflecting the foregoing limitations, as well as any legends reflecting restrictions pursuant to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and/or applicable securities laws.

I further agree that, if required by the Company (or a representative of the underwriters) in connection with the first underwritten registration of the offering of any securities of the Company under the Securities Act, I will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act or such longer period as necessary to permit compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 or NYSE Member Rule 472 and similar rules and regulations (the “ Lock-Up Period ”). I further agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company and/or the underwriter(s) that are consistent with the foregoing or that are reasonably intended to give further effect thereto. The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third party beneficiaries of this paragraph and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions until the end of such period.

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

Print Name

 

2


NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT NOTICE

2008 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) hereby awards to Participant the number of restricted stock units (“ RSUs ”) set forth below (the “ Award ”). The Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice (the “ Notice ”), the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “ Award Agreement ”), both of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Award Agreement will have the same definitions as in the Plan or the Award Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Award and the Plan, the terms of the Plan will control.

Participant:

Date of Grant:

Vesting Commencement Date:

Number of RSUs:

 

Vesting Schedule:    The Award vests as to 1/4 th of the RSUs (rounded down to the nearest whole RSU) 12 months after the Vesting Commencement Date, with the balance vesting as to 1/8 th of the RSUs (rounded down to the nearest whole RSU) every 6 months thereafter, subject to Participant’s Continuous Service with the Company through each such vesting date. Each installment of RSUs that vests hereunder is a “separate payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).
Issuance Schedule:    Subject to any change on a Capitalization Adjustment, one share of Common Stock will be issued for each RSU that vests at the time set forth in Section 6 of the Award Agreement.

Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: Participant acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Notice, the Award Agreement, the Plan and the Rule 701(e) Information Statement (i.e., stock plan prospectus) for the Plan. As of the Date of Grant, this Notice, the Award Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Participant and the Company regarding the Award and supersede all prior oral and written agreements on the terms of the Award, with the exception, if applicable, of (i) the written employment agreement or offer letter agreement entered into between the Company and Participant specifying the terms that should govern this specific Award, and (ii) any compensation recovery policy that is adopted by the Company or is otherwise required by applicable law. By accepting this Award, Participant consents to receive Plan documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.

 

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.     PARTICIPANT:
By:  

                                          

   

                     

Signature     Signature
Title:  

                     

    Date:  

                     

Date:  

                     

     

ATTACHMENTS: Award Agreement, 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, Rule 701(e) Information Statement


NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2008 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) has awarded you a Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Award ”) that is subject to its 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), the Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) and this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “ Agreement ”), for the number of Restricted Stock Units indicated in the Grant Notice. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined in this Agreement or in the Grant Notice but defined in the Plan will have the same definitions as in the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the terms in this Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan will control.

1. GRANT OF THE AWARD. The Award represents your right to be issued on a future date one share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests.

2. VESTING. Your Restricted Stock Units will vest as provided in the Grant Notice. Vesting will cease on the termination of your Continuous Service. Any Restricted Stock Units that have not yet vested will be forfeited on the termination of your Continuous Service.

3. ADJUSTMENTS TO NUMBER OF RSUS & SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.

(a) The Restricted Stock Units subject to your Award will be adjusted for Capitalization Adjustments, as provided in the Plan.

(b) Any additional Restricted Stock Units and any shares, cash or other property that become subject to the Award will be subject, in a manner determined by the Board, to the terms of the Award, including the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of delivery as applicable to the other Restricted Stock Units and shares covered by your Award.

(c) You have no rights to be issued any fractional share of Common Stock or cash in lieu of such fractional share under this Award. Any fraction of a share will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

4. SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE. You will not be issued any Common Stock underlying the Restricted Stock Units or other shares with respect to your Restricted Stock Units unless either (i) the shares are registered under the Securities Act, or (ii) the Company has determined that such issuance would be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Your Award also must comply with other applicable laws and regulations governing the Award, and you will not receive shares underlying your Restricted Stock Units if the Company determines that such receipt would not be in material compliance with such laws and regulations.

5. TRANSFERABILITY. Prior to the time that shares of Common Stock have been delivered to you, you may not transfer, pledge, sell or otherwise dispose of any portion of the


Restricted Stock Units or the shares in respect of your Restricted Stock Units. For example, you may not use shares that may be issued in respect of your Restricted Stock Units as security for a loan, nor may you transfer, pledge, sell or otherwise dispose of such shares. This restriction on transfer will lapse upon delivery to you of shares in respect of your vested Restricted Stock Units.

(a) Death. Your Restricted Stock Units are not transferable other than by will and by the laws of descent and distribution. At your death, your executor or administrator of your estate will be entitled to receive, on behalf of your estate, Common Stock or other consideration under this Award.

(b) Domestic Relations Orders. If you receive written permission from the Board or its duly authorized designee, and provided that you and the designated transferee enter into transfer and other agreements required by the Company, you may transfer your right to receive the distribution of Common Stock or other consideration under your Restricted Stock Units, in accordance with a domestic relations order or official marital settlement agreement that contains the information required by the Company to effectuate the transfer. You are encouraged to discuss with the Company’s General Counsel the proposed terms of any such transfer prior to finalizing the domestic relations order or marital settlement agreement to verify that you may make such transfer, and if so, to help ensure the required information is contained within the domestic relations order or marital settlement agreement. The Company is not obligated to allow you to transfer your Award in connection with your domestic relations order or marital settlement agreement.

6. DATE OF ISSUANCE.

(a) The issuance of shares in respect of the Restricted Stock Units is intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and will be construed and administered in such a manner.

(b) Subject to the satisfaction of the withholding obligations set forth in Section 10 of this Agreement, if one or more Restricted Stock Units vests, the Company will issue to you, within 30 days following the applicable vesting date, one share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests.

7. DIVIDENDS. You will receive no benefit or adjustment to your Restricted Stock Units with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution except as provided in the Plan with respect to a Capitalization Adjustment.

8. RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS. The Common Stock issued with respect to your Restricted Stock Units will be endorsed with appropriate legends determined by the Company.

9. AWARD NOT A SERVICE CONTRACT. Your Continuous Service is not for any specified term and may be terminated by you or by the Company or an Affiliate at any time, for any reason, with or without cause and with or without notice. Nothing in this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the vesting of your Restricted Stock Units or the issuance of the shares subject to your Restricted Stock Units), the Plan or any covenant of good faith and fair

 

2


dealing that may be found implicit in this Agreement or the Plan shall: (i) confer upon you any right to continue in the employ or service of, or affiliation with, the Company or an Affiliate; (ii) constitute any promise or commitment by the Company or an Affiliate regarding the fact or nature of future positions, future work assignments, future compensation or any other term or condition of employment or affiliation; (iii) confer any right or benefit under this Agreement or the Plan unless such right or benefit has specifically accrued under the terms of this Agreement or Plan; or (iv) deprive the Company of the right to terminate you at will and without regard to any future vesting opportunity that you may have.

10. WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS.

(a) On each vesting date, and on or before the time you receive a distribution of the shares underlying your Restricted Stock Units, and at any other time as reasonably requested by the Company in accordance with applicable tax laws, you agree to make adequate provision for any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company or any Affiliate that arise in connection with your Award (the “ Withholding Taxes ”). Specifically, the Company or an Affiliate may, in its sole discretion, satisfy all or any portion of the Withholding Taxes relating to your Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing you to tender a cash payment (which may be in the form of a check, electronic wire transfer or other method permitted by the Company); (ii) permitting or requiring you to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer that is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (a “ FINRA Dealer ”) whereby you irrevocably elect to sell a portion of the shares to be delivered in connection with your Restricted Stock Units to satisfy the Withholding Taxes and whereby the FINRA Dealer irrevocably commits to forward the proceeds necessary to satisfy the Withholding Taxes directly to the Company and/or its Affiliates; or (iii) subject to the approval of the Company, withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to you in connection with your Restricted Stock Units with a fair market value (measured as of the date shares of Common Stock are issued to you) equal to the amount of such Withholding Taxes; provided, however , that the number of such shares of Common Stock so withheld will not exceed the amount necessary to satisfy the Company’s required tax withholding obligations using the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that are applicable to supplemental taxable income.

(b) Unless the Withholding Taxes of the Company and/or any Affiliate are satisfied, the Company will have no obligation to deliver to you any Common Stock.

(c) If the Company’s obligation to withhold arises prior to the delivery to you of Common Stock or it is determined after the delivery of Common Stock to you that the amount of the Company’s withholding obligation was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.

11. UNSECURED OBLIGATION. Your Award is unfunded, and as a holder of vested Restricted Stock Units, you will be considered an unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the Company’s obligation, if any, to issue shares or other property pursuant to this

 

3


Agreement. You will not have voting or any other rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement until such shares are issued to you. Upon such issuance, you will obtain full voting and other rights as a stockholder of the Company. Nothing contained in this Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, will create or be construed to create a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between you and the Company or any other person.

12. NOTICES. Any notices provided for in this Agreement or the Plan will be given in writing (including electronically) and will be deemed effectively given upon receipt or, in the case of notices delivered by the Company to you, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, addressed to you at the last address you provided to the Company. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to participation in the Plan and this Award by electronic means or to request your consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means. By accepting this Award, you consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.

13. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a) The rights and obligations of the Company under your Award will be transferable to any one or more persons or entities, and all covenants and agreements hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company’s successors and assigns.

(b) You agree upon request to execute any further documents or instruments necessary or desirable in the sole determination of the Company to carry out the purposes or intent of your Award.

(c) You acknowledge and agree that you have reviewed your Award in its entirety, have had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing and accepting your Award, and fully understand all provisions of your Award.

(d) This Agreement will be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

(e) All obligations of the Company under the Plan and this Agreement will be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

14. GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT. Your Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of which are hereby made a part of your Award, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. Your Award (and any compensation paid or shares issued under your Award) is subject to recoupment in accordance with The Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any implementing regulations thereunder, any clawback policy adopted by the Company and any compensation recovery policy otherwise

 

4


required by applicable law. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a right to voluntarily terminate employment upon a Resignation for Good Reason, or for a “constructive termination” or any similar term under any plan of or agreement with the Company.

15. SEVERABILITY. If all or any part of this Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.

16. EFFECT ON OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. The value of the Award subject to this Agreement will not be included as compensation, earnings, salaries, or other similar terms used when calculating the Employee’s benefits under any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company or any Affiliate, except as such plan otherwise expressly provides. The Company expressly reserves its rights to amend, modify, or terminate any of the Company’s or any Affiliate’s employee benefit plans.

17. AMENDMENT. Any amendment to this Agreement must be in writing, signed by a duly authorized representative of the Company. The Board reserves the right to amend this Agreement in any way it may deem necessary or advisable to carry out the purpose of the grant as a result of any change in applicable laws or regulations or any future law, regulation, interpretation, ruling, or judicial decision.

18. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 409A OF THE CODE . This Award is intended to comply with the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4). However, if this Award fails to satisfy the requirements of the short-term deferral rule and is otherwise not exempt from, and therefore deemed to be deferred compensation subject to, Section 409A of the Code, and if you are a “Specified Employee” (within the meaning set forth Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) as of the date of your separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)), then the issuance of any shares that would otherwise be made upon the date of the separation from service or within the first six months thereafter will not be made on the originally scheduled dates and will instead be issued in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day after the date of the separation from service, with the balance of the shares issued thereafter in accordance with the original vesting and issuance schedule set forth above, but if and only if such delay in the issuance of the shares is necessary to avoid the imposition of taxation on you in respect of the shares under Section 409A of the Code. Each installment of shares that vests is a “separate payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).

19. NO OBLIGATION TO MINIMIZE TAXES. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences to you of this Award and will not be liable to you for any adverse tax consequences to you arising in connection with this Award. You are hereby advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and/or legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of this Award and by signing the Grant Notice, you have agreed that you have done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.

 

5


20. RESTRICTIONS ON COMMON STOCK.

(a) Lock-Up Period. You agree that following receipt of the Common Stock underlying the RSUs, you will not sell, dispose of, transfer, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company held by you, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the IPO Date or such longer period as is necessary to permit compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 or NYSE Member Rule 472 and similar rules and regulations (the “ Lock-Up Period ”); provided, however , that nothing contained in this Section shall prevent the exercise of a repurchase option, if any, in favor of the Company during the Lock-Up Period. You also agree to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company and/or the underwriter(s) that are consistent with the foregoing or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. To enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions on your shares of Common Stock until the end of such period. The underwriters of the Company’s stock are intended third-party beneficiaries of this paragraph and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.

(b) Right of First Refusal. Shares of Common Stock that you receive under this Award are subject to any right of first refusal that may be described in the Company’s bylaws in effect at such time the Participant receives the shares of Common Stock. The Company’s right of first refusal shall expire on the closing of the IPO.

(c) Right of Repurchase. The Company may elect (but is not obligated) to repurchase all or any portion of the shares of Common Stock that you acquired pursuant to the RSUs (the Company’s “ Repurchase Right ”). The Repurchase Right will be available for ninety (90) days following the later of (i) your termination of Continuous Service or (ii) your receipt of shares of Common Stock underlying the RSUs. However, this Repurchase Right will expire immediately upon an IPO. If, from time to time, there is any Capitalization Adjustment of the outstanding stock of the Company, the stock of which is subject to the provisions of the RSUs, then in such event any and all new, substituted or additional securities to which you are entitled by reason of your ownership of the shares acquired pursuant to the RSUs will be immediately subject to this Repurchase Right with the same force and effect as the shares subject to this Repurchase Right immediately before such event. The Company may exercise its Repurchase Right only for cash. The repurchase price of the shares of Common Stock will be equal to the Fair Market Value on the date of repurchase. The Company may exercise its Repurchase Right by providing written notice of exercise of its Repurchase Right to you. Such notice will specify the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Company is exercising its Repurchase Right, the repurchase price for the shares of Common Stock, and the other terms and conditions of the repurchase. The notice will be accompanied by payment for the shares of Common Stock. To ensure that the shares subject to the Company’s Repurchase Right will be available for repurchase by the Company, the Company may require you to deposit the certificate(s) evidencing the shares upon receipt with an escrow agent designated by the Company under the terms and conditions of an escrow agreement approved by the Company. If the Company does not require such deposit as a condition of delivery of your shares, the Company reserves the right at any time to require you to so deposit the certificate(s) in escrow. As soon as practicable after

 

6


the expiration of the Company’s Repurchase Right, the agent will deliver to you the shares of Common Stock and any other property no longer subject to such restriction. In the event the shares and any other property held in escrow are subject to the Company’s exercise of its Repurchase Right, the notices required to be given to you will be given to the escrow agent, and any payment required to be given to you will be given to the escrow agent. Within thirty (30) days after payment by the Company for the shares, the escrow agent will deliver the shares of Common Stock that the Company has purchased to the Company and will deliver the payment received from the Company to you.

 

7

Exhibit 4.4

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

(Amended and Restated May 23, 2014)

1. PURPOSE . The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential contributions are important to the success of the Company, and any Parents and Subsidiaries that exist now or in the future, by offering them an opportunity to participate in the Company’s future performance through the grant of Awards. Capitalized terms not defined elsewhere in the text are defined in Section 28.

2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN .

2.1. Number of Shares Available . Subject to Sections 2.6 and 21 and any other applicable provisions hereof, the total number of Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance pursuant to this Plan as of the date of adoption of the Plan by the Board, is 9,068,844 plus (i) any reserved shares not issued or subject to outstanding grants under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Prior Plan ”) on the Effective Date (as defined below), (ii) shares that are subject to stock options or other awards granted under the Prior Plan that cease to be subject to such stock options or other awards by forfeiture or otherwise after the Effective Date, (iii) shares issued under the Prior Plan before or after the Effective Date pursuant to the exercise of stock options that are, after the Effective Date, forfeited, (iv) shares issued under the Prior Plan that are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price and (v) shares that are subject to stock options or other awards under the Prior Plan that are used to pay the exercise price of an option or withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any award.

2.2. Lapsed, Returned Awards . Shares subject to Awards, and Shares issued under the Plan under any Award, will again be available for grant and issuance in connection with subsequent Awards under this Plan to the extent such Shares: (a) are subject to issuance upon exercise of an Option or SAR granted under this Plan but which cease to be subject to the Option or SAR for any reason other than exercise of the Option or SAR; (b) are subject to Awards granted under this Plan that are forfeited or are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price; (c) are subject to Awards granted under this Plan that otherwise terminate without such Shares being issued; or (d) are surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, Shares that otherwise become available for grant and issuance because of the provisions of this Section 2.2 shall not include Shares subject to Awards that initially became available because of the substitution clause in Section 21.2 hereof.

2.3. Minimum Share Reserve . At all times the Company shall reserve and keep available a sufficient number of Shares as shall be required to satisfy the requirements of all outstanding Awards granted under this Plan.

2.4. Automatic Share Reserve Increase . The number of Shares available for grant and issuance under the Plan shall be automatically increased February 1 of each of the calendar years 2014 through 2022, by the lesser of (i) five percent (5%) of the number of Shares issued and outstanding on each January 31 immediately prior to the date of increase or (ii) such number of Shares determined by the Board.


2.5. Limitations . No more than thirty million (30,000,000) Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs.

2.6. Adjustment of Shares . If the number of outstanding Shares is changed by a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, without consideration, then (a) the number of Shares reserved for issuance and future grant under the Plan set forth in Section 2.1, including shares reserved under sub-clauses (i)-(v) of Section 2.1, (b) the Exercise Prices of and number of Shares subject to outstanding Options and SARs, (c) the number of Shares subject to other outstanding Awards, (d) the maximum number of shares that may be issued as ISOs set forth in Section 2.5, and (e) the maximum number of Shares that may be issued to an individual or to a new Employee in any one calendar year set forth in Section 3 or to a Non-Employee Director in Section 12 shall be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the stockholders of the Company and in compliance with applicable securities laws; provided that fractions of a Share will not be issued.

3. ELIGIBILITY . ISOs may be granted only to eligible Employees. All other Awards may be granted to Employees, Consultants, Directors and Non-Employee Directors; provided such Consultants, Directors and Non-Employee Directors render bona fide services not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction. No Participant will be eligible to be granted more than Three Million (3,000,000) Shares in any calendar year under this Plan pursuant to the grant of Awards except that new Employees (including new Employees who are also officers and directors of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate) are eligible to be granted up to a maximum of Six Million (6,000,000) Shares in the calendar year in which they commence their employment.

4. ADMINISTRATION .  

4.1. Committee Composition; Authority . This Plan will be administered by the Committee or by the Board acting as the Committee. Subject to the general purposes, terms and conditions of this Plan, and to the direction of the Board, the Committee will have full power to implement and carry out this Plan, except, however, the Board shall establish the terms for the grant of an Award to Non-Employee Directors. The Committee will have the authority to:

(a) construe and interpret this Plan, any Award Agreement and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Plan;

(b) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan or any Award;

(c) select persons to receive Awards;

(d) determine the form and terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may vest and be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria) or settled, any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, the method to satisfy tax withholding obligations or any other tax liability legally due, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Committee will determine;

(e) determine the number of Shares or other consideration subject to Awards;

 

2


(f) determine the Fair Market Value and interpret the applicable provisions of this Plan and the definition of Fair Market Value in connection with circumstances that impact the Fair Market Value, if necessary;

(g) determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination with, in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, other Awards under this Plan or any other incentive or compensation plan of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company;

(h) grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions;

(i) determine the vesting, exercisability and payment of Awards;

(j) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement;

(k) determine whether an Award has been earned;

(l) determine the terms and conditions of any, and to institute any Exchange Program;

(m) reduce or waive any criteria with respect to Performance Factors;

(n) adjust Performance Factors to take into account changes in law and accounting or tax rules as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the impact of extraordinary or unusual items, events or circumstances to avoid windfalls or hardships provided that such adjustments are consistent with the regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to persons whose compensation is subject to Section 162(m) of the Code;

(o) adopt terms and conditions, rules and/or procedures (including the adoption of any subplan under this Plan) relating to the operation and administration of the Plan to accommodate requirements of local law and procedures outside of the United States;

(p) make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan; and

(q) delegate any of the foregoing to a subcommittee consisting of one or more executive officers pursuant to a specific delegation as permitted by applicable law, including Section 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

4.2. Committee Interpretation and Discretion . Any determination made by the Committee with respect to any Award shall be made in its sole discretion at the time of grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of the Plan or Award, at any later time, and such determination shall be final and binding on the Company and all persons having an interest in any Award under the Plan. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be submitted by the Participant or Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on the Company and the Participant. The Committee may delegate to one or more executive officers the authority to review and resolve disputes with respect to Awards held by Participants who are not Insiders, and such resolution shall be final and binding on the Company and the Participant.

4.3. Section 162(m) of the Code and Section 16 of the Exchange Act . When necessary or desirable for an Award to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code the Committee shall include at least two persons who are “outside directors” (as defined under Section 162(m) of the Code) and at least two (or a majority if more than two then serve on the Committee) such “outside directors” shall approve the grant of such Award and timely determine (as

 

3


applicable) the Performance Period and any Performance Factors upon which vesting or settlement of any portion of such Award is to be subject. When required by Section 162(m) of the Code, prior to settlement of any such Award at least two (or a majority if more than two then serve on the Committee) such “outside directors” then serving on the Committee shall determine and certify in writing the extent to which such Performance Factors have been timely achieved and the extent to which the Shares subject to such Award have thereby been earned. Awards granted to Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act must be approved by two or more “non-employee directors” (as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act). With respect to Participants whose compensation is subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, and provided that such adjustments are consistent with the regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may adjust the performance goals to account for changes in law and accounting and to make such adjustments as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the impact of extraordinary or unusual items, events or circumstances to avoid windfalls or hardships, including without limitation (i) restructurings, discontinued operations, extraordinary items, and other unusual or non-recurring charges, (ii) an event either not directly related to the operations of the Company or not within the reasonable control of the Company’s management, or (iii) a change in accounting standards required by generally accepted accounting principles.

4.4. Documentation . The Award Agreement for a given Award, the Plan and any other documents may be delivered to, and accepted by, a Participant or any other person in any manner (including electronic distribution or posting) that meets applicable legal requirements.

4.5. Foreign Award Recipients . Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws and practices in other countries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates operate or have employees or other individuals eligible for Awards, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (i) determine which Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall be covered by the Plan; (ii) determine which individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan which may include individuals who provide services to the Company, Subsidiary or Affiliate under an agreement with a foreign nation or agency; (iii) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to individuals outside the United States or foreign nationals to comply with applicable foreign laws, policies, customs and practices; (iv) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent the Committee determines such actions to be necessary or advisable (and such subplans and/or modifications shall be attached to this Plan as appendices); provided, however, that no such subplans and/or modifications shall increase the share limitations contained in Section 2.1 hereof; and (v) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that the Committee determines to be necessary or advisable to obtain approval or comply with any local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate the Exchange Act or any other applicable United States securities law, or any other applicable law.

5. OPTIONS . An Option is the right but not the obligation to purchase a Share, subject to certain conditions, if applicable. The Committee may grant Options to eligible Employees, Consultants and Directors and will determine whether such Options will be Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of the Code (“ ISOs ”) or Nonqualified Stock Options (“ NSOs ”), the number of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price of the Option, the period during which the Option may vest and be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of the Option, subject to the following:

5.1. Option Grant . Each Option granted under this Plan will identify the Option as an ISO or an NSO. An Option may be, but need not be, awarded upon satisfaction of such Performance Factors during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s individual Award Agreement. If the Option is being earned upon the satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (x) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for each Option; and (y) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Options that are subject to different performance goals and other criteria.

 

4


5.2. Date of Grant . The date of grant of an Option will be the date on which the Committee makes the determination to grant such Option, or a specified future date. The Award Agreement will be delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time after the granting of the Option.

5.3. Exercise Period . Options may be vested and exercisable within the times or upon the conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement governing such Option; provided , however , that no Option will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option is granted; and provided further that no ISO granted to a person who, at the time the ISO is granted, directly or by attribution owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company (“Ten Percent Stockholder”) will be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted. The Committee also may provide for Options to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise, in such number of Shares or percentage of Shares as the Committee determines.

5.4. Exercise Price . The Exercise Price of an Option will be determined by the Committee when the Option is granted; provided that: (i) the Exercise Price of an Option will be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant and (ii) the Exercise Price of any ISO granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder will not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. Payment for the Shares purchased may be made in accordance with Section 11 and the Award Agreement and in accordance with any procedures established by the Company.

5.5. Method of Exercise . Any Option granted hereunder will be vested and exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) notice of exercise (in such form as the Committee may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Committee and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 2.6 of the Plan. Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

(a) Termination of Service . If the Participant’s Service terminates for any reason except for Cause or the Participant’s death or Disability, then the Participant may exercise such Participant’s Options only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates no later than three (3) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates (or such shorter or longer time period as may be determined by the Committee, with any exercise beyond three (3) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates deemed to be the exercise of an NSO), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.

(b) Death . If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Participant’s death (or the Participant dies within three (3) months after Participant’s Service terminates other than for Cause or because of the Participant’s Disability), then the Participant’s Options may be exercised only to the

 

5


extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates and must be exercised by the Participant’s legal representative, or authorized assignee, no later than eighteen (18) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates (or such shorter or longer time period as may be determined by the Committee), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.

(c) Disability . If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Participant’s Disability, then the Participant’s Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates and must be exercised by the Participant (or the Participant’s legal representative or authorized assignee) no later than twelve (12) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates (with any exercise beyond (a) three (3) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates when the termination of Service is for a Disability that is not a “permanent and total disability” as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, or (b) twelve (12) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates when the termination of Service is for a Disability that is a “permanent and total disability” as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, deemed to be exercise of an NSO), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.

(d) Cause . If the Participant is terminated for Cause, then Participant’s Options shall expire on such Participant’s date of termination of Service, or at such later time and on such conditions as are determined by the Committee, but in any no event later than the expiration date of the Options. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, Cause shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

5.6. Limitations on Exercise . The Committee may specify a minimum number of Shares that may be purchased on any exercise of an Option, provided that such minimum number will not prevent any Participant from exercising the Option for the full number of Shares for which it is then exercisable.

5.7. Limitations on ISOs . With respect to Awards granted as ISOs, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which such ISOs are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as NSOs. For purposes of this Section 5.7, ISOs will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted. In the event that the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder are amended after the Effective Date to provide for a different limit on the Fair Market Value of Shares permitted to be subject to ISOs, such different limit will be automatically incorporated herein and will apply to any Options granted after the effective date of such amendment.

5.8. Modification, Extension or Renewal . The Committee may modify, extend or renew outstanding Options and authorize the grant of new Options in substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the written consent of a Participant, impair any of such Participant’s rights under any Option previously granted. Any outstanding ISO that is modified, extended, renewed or otherwise altered will be treated in accordance with Section 424(h) of the Code. Subject to Section 18 of this Plan, by written notice to affected Participants, the Committee may reduce the Exercise Price of outstanding Options without the consent of such Participants; provided , however , that the Exercise Price may not be reduced below the Fair Market Value on the date the action is taken to reduce the Exercise Price.

5.9. No Disqualification . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, no term of this Plan relating to ISOs will be interpreted, amended or altered, nor will any discretion or authority granted under this Plan be exercised, so as to disqualify this Plan under Section 422 of the Code or, without the consent of the Participant affected, to disqualify any ISO under Section 422 of the Code.

6. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS . A Restricted Stock Award is an offer by the Company to sell to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director Shares that are subject to restrictions (“ Restricted

 

6


Stock ”). The Committee will determine to whom an offer will be made, the number of Shares the Participant may purchase, the Purchase Price, the restrictions under which the Shares will be subject and all other terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Award, subject to the Plan.

6.1. Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement . All purchases under a Restricted Stock Award will be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Except as may otherwise be provided in an Award Agreement, a Participant accepts a Restricted Stock Award by signing and delivering to the Company an Award Agreement with full payment of the Purchase Price, within thirty (30) days from the date the Award Agreement was delivered to the Participant. If the Participant does not accept such Award within thirty (30) days, then the offer of such Restricted Stock Award will terminate, unless the Committee determines otherwise.

6.2. Purchase Price . The Purchase Price for a Restricted Stock Award will be determined by the Committee and may be less than Fair Market Value on the date the Restricted Stock Award is granted. Payment of the Purchase Price must be made in accordance with Section 11 of the Plan, and the Award Agreement and in accordance with any procedures established by the Company.

6.3. Terms of Restricted Stock Awards . Restricted Stock Awards will be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose or are required by law. These restrictions may be based on completion of a specified number of years of service with the Company or upon completion of Performance Factors, if any, during any Performance Period as set out in advance in the Participant’s Award Agreement. Prior to the grant of a Restricted Stock Award, the Committee shall: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for the Restricted Stock Award; (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure performance goals, if any; and (c) determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Performance Periods may overlap and a Participant may participate simultaneously with respect to Restricted Stock Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and having different performance goals and other criteria.

6.4. Termination of Service . Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).

7. STOCK BONUS AWARDS . A Stock Bonus Award is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director of Shares for Services to be rendered or for past Services already rendered to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary. All Stock Bonus Awards shall be made pursuant to an Award Agreement. No payment from the Participant will be required for Shares awarded pursuant to a Stock Bonus Award.

7.1. Terms of Stock Bonus Awards . The Committee will determine the number of Shares to be awarded to the Participant under a Stock Bonus Award and any restrictions thereon. These restrictions may be based upon completion of a specified number of years of service with the Company or upon satisfaction of performance goals based on Performance Factors during any Performance Period as set out in advance in the Participant’s Stock Bonus Agreement. Prior to the grant of any Stock Bonus Award the Committee shall: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for the Stock Bonus Award; (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure performance goals; and (c) determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Performance Periods may overlap and a Participant may participate simultaneously with respect to Stock Bonus Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.

7.2. Form of Payment to Participant . Payment may be made in the form of cash, whole Shares, or a combination thereof, based on the Fair Market Value of the Shares earned under a Stock Bonus Award on the date of payment, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

7


7.3. Termination of Service . Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).

8. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS . A Stock Appreciation Right (“ SAR ”) is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director that may be settled in cash, or Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock), having a value equal to (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price multiplied by (b) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is being settled (subject to any maximum number of Shares that may be issuable as specified in an Award Agreement). All SARs shall be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.

8.1. Terms of SARs . The Committee will determine the terms of each SAR including, without limitation: (a) the number of Shares subject to the SAR; (b) the Exercise Price and the time or times during which the SAR may be settled; (c) the consideration to be distributed on settlement of the SAR; and (d) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each SAR. The Exercise Price of the SAR will be determined by the Committee when the SAR is granted, and may not be less than Fair Market Value. A SAR may be awarded upon satisfaction of Performance Factors, if any, during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s individual Award Agreement. If the SAR is being earned upon the satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (x) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for each SAR; and (y) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to SARs that are subject to different Performance Factors and other criteria.

8.2. Exercise Period and Expiration Date . A SAR will be exercisable within the times or upon the occurrence of events determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement governing such SAR. The SAR Agreement shall set forth the expiration date; provided that no SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the SAR is granted. The Committee may also provide for SARs to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise (including, without limitation, upon the attainment during a Performance Period of performance goals based on Performance Factors), in such number of Shares or percentage of the Shares subject to the SAR as the Committee determines. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on the date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 5.6 also will apply to SARs.

8.3. Form of Settlement . Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying (i) the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price; times (ii) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. At the discretion of the Committee, the payment from the Company for the SAR exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof. The portion of a SAR being settled may be paid currently or on a deferred basis with such interest or dividend equivalent, if any, as the Committee determines, provided that the terms of the SAR and any deferral satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

8.4. Termination of Service . Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).

9. RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS . A Restricted Stock Unit (“ RSU ”) is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director covering a number of Shares that may be settled in cash, or by issuance of those Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock). All RSUs shall be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.

 

8


9.1. Terms of RSUs . The Committee will determine the terms of an RSU including, without limitation: (a) the number of Shares subject to the RSU; (b) the time or times during which the RSU may be settled; (c) the consideration to be distributed on settlement; and (d) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each RSU. An RSU may be awarded upon satisfaction of such performance goals based on Performance Factors during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s Award Agreement. If the RSU is being earned upon satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (x) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for the RSU; (y) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any; and (z) determine the number of Shares deemed subject to the RSU. Performance Periods may overlap and participants may participate simultaneously with respect to RSUs that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.

9.2. Form and Timing of Settlement . Payment of earned RSUs shall be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may settle earned RSUs in cash, Shares, or a combination of both. The Committee may also permit a Participant to defer payment under a RSU to a date or dates after the RSU is earned provided that the terms of the RSU and any deferral satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

9.3. Termination of Service . Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).

10. PERFORMANCE AWARDS . A Performance Award is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director of a cash bonus or an award of Performance Shares denominated in Shares that may be settled in cash, or by issuance of those Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock). Grants of Performance Awards shall be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.

10.1. Terms of Performance Shares . The Committee will determine, and each Award Agreement shall set forth, the terms of each Performance Award including, without limitation: (a) the amount of any cash bonus, (b) the number of Shares deemed subject to an award of Performance Shares; (c) the Performance Factors and Performance Period that shall determine the time and extent to which each award of Performance Shares shall be settled; (d) the consideration to be distributed on settlement, and (e) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each Performance Award. In establishing Performance Factors and the Performance Period the Committee will: (x) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period; (y) select from among the Performance Factors to be used; and (z) determine the number of Shares deemed subject to the award of Performance Shares. Prior to settlement the Committee shall determine the extent to which Performance Awards have been earned. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Performance Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria. No Participant will be eligible to receive more than $3,000,000 in Performance Awards in any calendar year under this Plan.

10.2. Value, Earning and Timing of Performance Shares . Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding Performance Factors or other vesting provisions have been achieved. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.

 

9


10.3. Termination of Service . Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).

11. PAYMENT FOR SHARE PURCHASES . Payment from a Participant for Shares purchased pursuant to this Plan may be made in cash or by check or, where expressly approved for the Participant by the Committee and where permitted by law (and to the extent not otherwise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement):

(a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant;

(b) by surrender of shares of the Company held by the Participant that have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Award will be exercised or settled;

(c) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for services rendered or to be rendered to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company;

(d) by consideration received by the Company pursuant to a broker-assisted or other form of cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

(e) by any combination of the foregoing; or

(f) by any other method of payment as is permitted by applicable law.

12. GRANTS TO NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS . Non-Employee Directors are eligible to receive any type of Award offered under this Plan except ISOs. Awards pursuant to this Section 12 may be automatically made pursuant to policy adopted by the Board, or made from time to time as determined in the discretion of the Board. The aggregate number of Shares subject to Awards granted to a Non-Employee Director pursuant to this Section 12 in any calendar year shall not exceed 1,000,000.

12.1. Eligibility . Awards pursuant to this Section 12 shall be granted only to Non-Employee Directors. A Non-Employee Director who is elected or re-elected as a member of the Board will be eligible to receive an Award under this Section 12.

12.2. Vesting, Exercisability and Settlement . Except as set forth in Section 21, Awards shall vest, become exercisable and be settled as determined by the Board. With respect to Options and SARs, the exercise price granted to Non-Employee Directors shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Shares at the time that such Option or SAR is granted.

12.3. Election to receive Awards in Lieu of Cash . A Non-Employee Director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer payments and/or meeting fees from the Company in the form of cash or Awards or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee. Such Awards shall be issued under the Plan. An election under this Section 12.3 shall be filed with the Company on the form prescribed by the Company.

13. WITHHOLDING TAXES .  

13.1. Withholding Generally . Whenever Shares are to be issued in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan or the applicable tax event occurs, the Company may require the Participant to remit to the Company, or to the Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing the Participant, an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable U.S. federal, state, local and international withholding tax requirements or any other tax or social insurance liability legally due from the Participant prior to the delivery of Shares pursuant to exercise or settlement of any Award. Whenever payments in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan are to be made in cash, such payment will be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable U.S. federal, state, local and international withholding tax and social insurance requirements or any other tax liability legally due from the Participant.

 

10


13.2. Stock Withholding . The Committee, or its delegate(s), as permitted by applicable law, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time and to limitations of local law, may require or permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation or any other tax liability legally due from the Participant, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld, (iii) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld or (iv) withholding from the proceeds of the sale of otherwise deliverable Shares acquired pursuant to an Award either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.

14. TRANSFERABILITY .

14.1. Transfer Generally . Unless determined otherwise by the Committee or pursuant to Section 14.2, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. If the Committee makes an Award transferable, including, without limitation, by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust in which the Awards are to be passed to beneficiaries upon the death of the trustor (settlor) or by gift or by domestic relations order to a Permitted Transferee, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. All Awards shall be exercisable: (i) during the Participant’s lifetime only by (A) the Participant, or (B) the Participant’s guardian or legal representative; (ii) after the Participant’s death, by the legal representative of the Participant’s heirs or legatees; and (iii) in the case of all awards except ISOs, by a Permitted Transferee.

14.2. Award Transfer Program . Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Committee shall have all discretion and authority to determine and implement the terms and conditions of any Award Transfer Program instituted pursuant to this Section 14.2 and shall have the authority to amend the terms of any Award participating, or otherwise eligible to participate in, the Award Transfer Program, including (but not limited to) the authority to (i) amend (including to extend) the expiration date, post-termination exercise period and/or forfeiture conditions of any such Award, (ii) amend or remove any provisions of the Award relating to the Award holder’s continued service to the Company or its Parent or any Subsidiary, (iii) amend the permissible payment methods with respect to the exercise or purchase of any such Award, (iv) amend the adjustments to be implemented in the event of changes in the capitalization and other similar events with respect to such Award, and (v) make such other changes to the terms of such Award as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion.

15. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP; RESTRICTIONS ON SHARES .  

15.1. Voting and Dividends . No Participant will have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the Shares are issued to the Participant, except for any dividend equivalent rights permitted by an applicable Award Agreement. After Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other distributions made or paid with respect to such Shares; provided , that if such Shares are Restricted Stock, then any new, additional or different securities the Participant may become entitled to receive with respect to such Shares by virtue of a stock dividend, stock split or any other change in the corporate or capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock; provided , further , that the Participant will have no right to retain such stock dividends or stock distributions with respect to Shares that are repurchased at the Participant’s Purchase Price or Exercise Price, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 15.2.

 

11


15.2. Restrictions on Shares . At the discretion of the Committee, the Company may reserve to itself and/or its assignee(s) a right to repurchase (a “Right of Repurchase”) a portion of any or all Unvested Shares held by a Participant following such Participant’s termination of Service at any time within ninety (90) days (or such longer or shorter time determined by the Committee) after the later of the date Participant’s Service terminates and the date the Participant purchases Shares under this Plan, for cash and/or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness, at the Participant’s Purchase Price or Exercise Price, as the case may be.

16. CERTIFICATES . All Shares or other securities whether or not certificated, delivered under this Plan will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable, including restrictions under any applicable U.S. federal, state or foreign securities law, or any rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC or any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be listed or quoted and any non-U.S. exchange controls or securities law restrictions to which the Shares are subject.

17. ESCROW; PLEDGE OF SHARES . To enforce any restrictions on a Participant’s Shares, the Committee may require the Participant to deposit all certificates representing Shares, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer approved by the Committee, appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the certificates. Any Participant who is permitted to execute a promissory note as partial or full consideration for the purchase of Shares under this Plan will be required to pledge and deposit with the Company all or part of the Shares so purchased as collateral to secure the payment of the Participant’s obligation to the Company under the promissory note; provided , however , that the Committee may require or accept other or additional forms of collateral to secure the payment of such obligation and, in any event, the Company will have full recourse against the Participant under the promissory note notwithstanding any pledge of the Participant’s Shares or other collateral. In connection with any pledge of the Shares, the Participant will be required to execute and deliver a written pledge agreement in such form as the Committee will from time to time approve. The Shares purchased with the promissory note may be released from the pledge on a pro rata basis as the promissory note is paid.

18. REPRICING; EXCHANGE AND BUYOUT OF AWARDS . Without prior stockholder approval, the Committee may (i) reprice Options or SARs (and where such repricing is a reduction in the Exercise Price of outstanding Options or SARs, the consent of the affected Participants is not required provided written notice is provided to them, notwithstanding any adverse tax consequences to them arising from the repricing), and (ii) with the consent of the respective Participants (unless not required pursuant to Section 5.8 of the Plan), pay cash or issue new Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of any, or all, outstanding Awards.

19. SECURITIES LAW AND OTHER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE . An Award will not be effective unless such Award is in compliance with all applicable U.S. and foreign federal and state securities and exchange control laws, rules and regulations of any governmental body, and the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted, as they are in effect on the date of grant of the Award and also on the date of exercise or other issuance. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal or foreign law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with the SEC or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification or listing requirements of any foreign or state securities laws, exchange control laws, stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.

 

12


20. NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY . Nothing in this Plan or any Award granted under this Plan will confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate to terminate Participant’s employment or other relationship at any time.

21. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS .  

21.1. Assumption or Replacement of Awards by Successor . In the event of a Corporate Transaction any or all outstanding Awards may be assumed or replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption or replacement shall be binding on all Participants. In the alternative, the successor corporation may substitute equivalent Awards or provide substantially similar consideration to Participants as was provided to stockholders (after taking into account the existing provisions of the Awards). The successor corporation may also issue, in place of outstanding Shares of the Company held by the Participant, substantially similar shares or other property subject to repurchase restrictions no less favorable to the Participant. In the event such successor or acquiring corporation (if any) refuses to assume, convert, replace or substitute Awards, as provided above, pursuant to a Corporate Transaction, then notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, such Awards shall have their vesting accelerate as to all shares subject to such Award (and any applicable right of repurchase fully lapse) immediately prior to the Corporate Transaction. In addition, following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of Shares subject to each Award held by an Employee shall become vested if the holder is subject to an Involuntary Termination within 12 months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of Shares subject to each Award held by an Employee shall become vested if the holder is subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the Shares that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination. The Board shall have full power and authority to assign the Company’s right to repurchase or re-acquire or forfeiture rights to such successor or acquiring corporation. In addition, in the event such successor or acquiring corporation refuses to assume, convert, replace or substitute Awards, as provided above, pursuant to a Corporate Transaction, the Committee will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that such Award will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and such Award will terminate upon the expiration of such period. Awards need not be treated similarly in a Corporate Transaction. The provisions of this Section 21.1 shall apply to Awards outstanding on the Effective Date under the Prior Plan; provided the vesting acceleration provisions set forth in any employment agreement or letter or similar agreement between the Company and an employee in effect on the Effective Date, to the extent more favorable to such employee, will continue to apply to the equity awards held by the employee on the Effective Date.

21.2. Assumption of Awards by the Company . The Company, from time to time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or otherwise, by either; (a) granting an Award under this Plan in substitution of such other company’s award; or (b) assuming such award as if it had been granted under this Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to an Award granted under this Plan. Such substitution or assumption will be permissible if the holder of the substituted or assumed award would have been eligible to be granted an Award under this Plan if the other company had applied the rules of this Plan to such grant. In the event the Company assumes an award granted by another company, the terms and conditions of such award will remain unchanged ( except that the Purchase Price or the Exercise Price, as the case may be, and the number and nature of Shares issuable upon exercise or settlement of any such Award will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code). In the event the Company elects to grant a new Option in substitution rather than assuming an existing option, such new Option may be granted with a similarly adjusted Exercise Price. Substitute Awards shall not reduce the number of Shares authorized for grant under the Plan or authorized for grant to a Participant in a calendar year.

21.3. Non-Employee Directors’ Awards . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, in the event of a Corporate Transaction, the vesting of all Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors shall accelerate and such Awards shall become exercisable (as applicable) in full prior to the consummation of such event at such times and on such conditions as the Committee determines.

 

13


22. ADOPTION AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL . This Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Company’s stockholders, consistent with applicable laws, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board.

23. TERM OF PLAN/GOVERNING LAW . Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, this Plan will become effective on the Effective Date and will terminate ten (10) years from the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. This Plan and all Awards granted hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding its conflict of laws rules).

24. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN . The Board may at any time terminate or amend this Plan in any respect, including, without limitation, amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant to this Plan; provided , however , that the Board will not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend this Plan in any manner that requires such stockholder approval; provided further , that a Participant’s Award shall be governed by the version of this Plan then in effect at the time such Award was granted.

25. NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN . Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Board, the submission of this Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval, nor any provision of this Plan will be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such additional compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock awards and bonuses otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

26. INSIDER TRADING POLICY . Each Participant who receives an Award shall comply with any policy adopted by the Company from time to time covering transactions in the Company’s securities by Employees, officers and/or directors of the Company.

27. ALL AWARDS SUBJECT TO COMPANY CLAWBACK OR RECOUPMENT POLICY . All Awards, subject to applicable law, shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, employees, directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law, may require the cancellation of outstanding Awards and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Awards.

28. DEFINITIONS . As used in this Plan, and except as elsewhere defined herein, the following terms will have the following meanings:

28.1. Affiliate ” means (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by, controls or is under common control with, the Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in either case as determined by the Committee, whether now or hereafter existing.

28.2. Award ” means any award under the Plan, including any Option, Restricted Stock, Stock Bonus, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Unit or award of Performance Shares.

28.3. Award Agreement ” means, with respect to each Award, the written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award and country-specific appendix thereto for grants to non-U.S. Participants, which shall be in substantially a form (which need not be the same for each Participant) that the Committee (or in the case of Award agreements that are not used for Insiders, the Committee’s delegate(s)) has from time to time approved, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.

 

14


28.4. Award Transfer Program ” means any program instituted by the Committee which would permit Participants the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity approved by the Committee.

28.5. Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

28.6. Cause ” means (i) Participant’s willful failure substantially to perform his or her duties and responsibilities to the Company or deliberate violation of a Company policy; (ii) Participant’s commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company; (iii) unauthorized use or disclosure by Participant of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom the Participant owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his or her relationship with the Company; or (iv) Participant’s willful breach of any of his or her obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company. The determination as to whether a Participant is being terminated for Cause shall be made in good faith by the Company and shall be final and binding on the Participant. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate a Participant’s employment or consulting relationship at any time as provided in Section 20 above, and the term “Company” will be interpreted to include any Subsidiary or Parent, as appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the foregoing definition of “Cause” may, in part or in whole, be modified or replaced in each individual employment agreement or Award Agreement with any Participant, provided that such document supersedes the definition provided in this Section 28.6.

28.7. Code ” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

28.8. Committee ” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or those persons to whom administration of the Plan, or part of the Plan, has been delegated as permitted by law.

28.9. Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company.

28.10. Company ” means Nimble Storage, Inc., or any successor corporation.

28.11. Consultant ” means any person, including an advisor or independent contractor, engaged by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate to render services to such entity.

28.12. Corporate Transaction ” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then-outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subclause (i) the acquisition of additional securities by any one Person who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the securities of the Company will not be considered a Corporate Transaction; (ii) the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (iii) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; (iv) any other transaction which qualifies as a “corporate transaction” under Section 424(a) of the Code wherein the stockholders of the Company give up all of their equity interest in the Company (except for the acquisition, sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of the Company) or (v) a change in the effective control of the Company that occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by member of the Board whose appointment or

 

15


election is not endorsed by as majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purpose of this subclause (v), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Corporate Transaction. For purposes of this definition, Persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Corporate Transaction unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.

28.13. Director ” means a member of the Board.

28.14. Disability ” means in the case of incentive stock options, total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and in the case of other Awards, that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

28.15. Effective Date ” means the day immediately prior to the date of the underwritten initial public offering of the Company’s Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement that is declared effective by the SEC.

28.16. Employee ” means any person, including Officers and Directors, providing services as an employee to the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

28.17. Exchange Act ” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

28.18. Exchange Program ” means a program pursuant to which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered, cancelled or exchanged for cash, the same type of Award or a different Award (or combination thereof) or (ii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is increased or reduced.

28.19. Exercise Price ” means, with respect to an Option, the price at which a holder may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of an Option and with respect to a SAR, the price at which the SAR is granted to the holder thereof.

28.20. Fair Market Value ” means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company’s Common Stock determined as follows:

(a) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;

(b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is neither listed nor admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;

(c) in the case of an Option or SAR grant made on the Effective Date, the price per share at which shares of the Company’s Common Stock are initially offered for sale to the public by the Company’s underwriters in the initial public offering of the Company’s Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act; or

(d) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Board or the Committee in good faith.

 

16


28.21. Good Reason ” means one of the following conditions has come into existence without holder’s consent: (i) a reduction in holder’s base salary by more than 10% (except where there is a general reduction in the total target cash compensation for all similarly situated employees); (ii) a material diminution of holder’s authority, duties or responsibilities; or (iii) a relocation of holder’s principal workplace that increases holder’s one-way commute by at least 30 miles. A resignation for Good Reason will not be deemed to have occurred unless holder gives the Company written notice of the condition within 90 days after the condition comes into existence, the Company fails to remedy the condition within 30 days after receiving holder’s written notice, and holder terminates employment within thirty (30) days following expiration of such cure period.

28.22. Insider ” means an officer or director of the Company or any other person whose transactions in the Company’s Common Stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

28.23. Involuntary Termination ” means either (a) termination of Service without Cause or (b) resignation from Service for Good Reason.

28.24. IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

28.25. Non-Employee Director ” means a Director who is not an Employee of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary.

28.26. Option ” means an award of an option to purchase Shares pursuant to Section 5.

28.27. Parent ” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if each of such corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

28.28. Participant ” means a person who holds an Award under this Plan.

28.29. Performance Award means cash or stock granted pursuant to Section 10 or Section 12 of the Plan.

28.30. “Performance Factors” means any of the factors selected by the Committee and specified in an Award Agreement, from among the following objective measures, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, applied to the Company as a whole or any business unit or Subsidiary, either individually, alternatively, or in any combination, on a GAAP or non-GAAP basis, and measured, to the extent applicable on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to determine whether the performance goals established by the Committee with respect to applicable Awards have been satisfied:

(a) Profit Before Tax;

(b) Billings;

(c) Revenue;

(d) Net revenue;

 

17


(e) Earnings (which may include earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before taxes, and net earnings);

(f) Operating income;

(g) Operating margin;

(h) Operating profit;

(i) Controllable operating profit, or net operating profit;

(j) Net Profit;

(k) Gross margin;

(l) Operating expenses or operating expenses as a percentage of revenue;

(m) Net income;

(n) Earnings per share;

(o) Total stockholder return;

(p) Market share;

(q) Return on assets or net assets;

(r) The Company’s stock price;

(s) Growth in stockholder value relative to a pre-determined index;

(t) Return on equity;

(u) Return on invested capital;

(v) Cash Flow (including free cash flow or operating cash flows);

(w) Cash conversion cycle;

(x) Economic value added;

(y) Individual confidential business objectives;

(z) Contract awards or backlog;

(aa) Overhead or other expense reduction;

(bb) Credit rating;

(cc) Strategic plan development and implementation;

(dd) Succession plan development and implementation;

(ee) Improvement in workforce diversity;

 

18


(ff) Customer indicators;

(gg) New product invention or innovation;

(hh) Attainment of research and development milestones;

(ii) Improvements in productivity;

(jj) Bookings;

(kk) Attainment of objective operating goals and employee metrics; and

(ll) Any other metric that is capable of measurement as determined by the Committee.

The Committee may, in recognition of unusual or non-recurring items such as acquisition-related activities or changes in applicable accounting rules, provide for one or more equitable adjustments (based on objective standards) to the Performance Factors to preserve the Committee’s original intent regarding the Performance Factors at the time of the initial award grant. It is within the sole discretion of the Committee to make or not make any such equitable adjustments.

28.31. Performance Period ” means the period of service determined by the Committee, not to exceed five (5) years, during which years of service or performance is to be measured for the Award.

28.32. Performance Share ” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 10 or Section 12 of the Plan.

28.33. Permitted Transferee ” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships) of the Employee, any person sharing the Employee’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons (or the Employee) have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Employee) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Employee) own more than 50% of the voting interests.

28.34. Plan ” means this Nimble Storage, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.

28.35. Purchase Price ” means the price to be paid for Shares acquired under the Plan, other than Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option or SAR.

28.36. Restricted Stock Award ” means an award of Shares pursuant to Section 6 or Section 12 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.

28.37. Restricted Stock Unit ” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 9 or Section 12 of the Plan.

28.38. SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

28.39. Securities Act ” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

28.40. Service ” shall mean service as an Employee, Consultant, Director or Non-Employee Director, to the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, subject to such further limitations as may be set forth in the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement. An Employee will not be

 

19


deemed to have ceased to provide Service in the case of (i) sick leave, (ii) military leave, or (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Company; 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 formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and promulgated to employees in writing. In the case of any Employee on an approved leave of absence or a reduction in hours worked (for illustrative purposes only, a change in schedule from that of full-time to part-time), the Committee may make such provisions respecting suspension of or modification of vesting of the Award while on leave from the employ of the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate or during such change in working hours as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event may an Award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. In the event of military leave, if required by applicable laws, vesting shall continue for the longest period that vesting continues under any other statutory or Company approved leave of absence and, upon a Participant’s returning from military leave (under conditions that would entitle him or her to protection upon such return under the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act), he or she shall be given vesting credit with respect to Awards to the same extent as would have applied had the Participant continued to provide services to the Company throughout the leave on the same terms as he or she was providing services immediately prior to such leave. Except as set forth in this Section 28.40, an employee shall have terminated employment as of the date he or she ceases to provide services (regardless of whether the termination is in breach of local employment laws or is later found to be invalid) and employment shall not be extended by any notice period or garden leave mandated by local law, provided however , that a change in status from an employee to a consultant or advisor shall not terminate the service provider’s Service, unless determined by the Committee, in its discretion. The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has ceased to provide Services and the effective date on which the Participant ceased to provide Services.

28.41. Shares ” means shares of the Common Stock and the common stock of any successor security.

28.42. Stock Appreciation Right ” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 8 or Section 12 of the Plan.

28.43. Stock Bonus ” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 7 or Section 12 of the Plan.

28.44. Subsidiary ” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

28.45. Treasury Regulations ” means regulations promulgated by the United States Treasury Department.

28.46. Unvested Shares ” means Shares that have not yet vested or are subject to a right of repurchase in favor of the Company (or any successor thereto).

 

20


NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “ Notice of Grant ”) and the Stock Option Agreement (the “ Option Agreement ”). You have been granted an Option to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice of Grant and the Option Agreement.

 

Name:   

 

Address:   

 

Grant Number :                                                                                                                          
Date of Grant :                                                                                                                          
Vesting Commencement Date :                                                                                                                          
Exercise price per Share :                                                                                                                          
Total Number of Shares :                                                                                                                          
Type of Option :    Non-Qualified Stock Option
   Incentive Stock Option
Expiration Date :                , 20  ; This Option expires earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described in the Stock Option Agreement.
Vesting Schedule :    This Option becomes exercisable with respect to the first 25% of the shares subject to this Option when you complete 12 months of continuous Service from the Vesting Commencement Date. Thereafter, this Option becomes exercisable with respect to an additional 1/48 th of the shares subject to this Option when you complete each month of Service.
Additional Terms :    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference. No document need be attached as Attachment 1 if the box is not checked.

By accepting this Option, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Grant and the Option Agreement. By accepting this Option, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the Option Agreement.

 

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                                
Its:                                                                                                
Date:                                                                                                

 

21


Attachment 1 to Notice of Grant of Stock Option

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name:                     

Number of Shares:                                 

Date of Grant:                                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the Option described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Stock Option Grant to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

OPTION NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the Option is not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction, the Option shall fully accelerate and become fully exercisable as to all Shares subject to the Option.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. Following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of Shares subject to the Option shall become vested and fully exercisable if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of Shares subject to the Option shall become vested and fully exercisable if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the Shares that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                          
Title:                                                                                          

 

22


STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted an Option by Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) to purchase Shares (the “ Option ”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “ Notice of Grant ”) and this Stock Option Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).  

1. Grant of Option . You have been granted an Option for the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “ exercise price ”). In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail. If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ ISO ”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an ISO, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option (“ NSO ”).

2. Termination Period .

(a) General Rule . If your Service terminates for any reason except death or Disability, and other than for Cause, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date three months after your termination date. If your Service is terminated for Cause, this Option will expire upon the date of such termination. The Company determines when your Service terminates for all purposes under this Agreement.

(b) Death; Disability . If you die before your Service terminates, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 18 months after the date of death. If your Service terminates because of your Disability, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 12 months after your termination date.

(c) No Notice . You are responsible for keeping track of these exercise periods following your termination of Service for any reason. The Company will not provide further notice of such periods. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Grant.

3. Exercise of Option .

(a) Right to Exercise . This Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice of Grant and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement. In the event of your death, Disability, or other cessation of Service, the exercisability of the Option is governed by the applicable provisions of the Plan, the Notice of Grant and this Agreement. This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

(b) Method of Exercise . This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in a form specified by the Company (the “ Exercise Notice ”), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “ Exercised Shares ”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be delivered in person, by mail, via electronic mail or facsimile or by other authorized method to the Secretary of the Company or other person designated by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate exercise price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of a fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate exercise price and any applicable tax withholding due upon exercise of the Option.

 

23


(c) Exercise by Another . If another person wants to exercise this Option after it has been transferred to him or her in compliance with this Agreement, that person must prove to the Company’s satisfaction that he or she is entitled to exercise this Option. That person must also complete the proper Exercise Notice form (as described above) and pay the exercise price (as described below) and any applicable tax withholding due upon exercise of the Option (as described below).

4. Method of Payment . Payment of the aggregate exercise price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at your election:  

(a) your personal check, wire transfer, or a cashier’s check;

(b) certificates for shares of Company stock that you own, along with any forms needed to effect a transfer of those shares to the Company; the value of the shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied to the Option exercise price. Instead of surrendering shares of Company stock, you may attest to the ownership of those shares on a form provided by the Company and have the same number of shares subtracted from the Option shares issued to you. However, you may not surrender, or attest to the ownership of, shares of Company stock in payment of the exercise price of your Option if your action would cause the Company to recognize compensation expense (or additional compensation expense) with respect to this Option for financial reporting purposes;

(c) cashless exercise through irrevocable directions to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Shares covered by this Option and to deliver to the Company from the sale proceeds an amount sufficient to pay the Option exercise price and any withholding taxes. The balance of the sale proceeds, if any, will be delivered to you. The directions must be given by signing a special notice of exercise form provided by the Company; or

(d) other method authorized by the Company.

5. Non-Transferability of Option . In general, except as provided below, only you may exercise this Option prior to your death. You may not transfer or assign this Option, except as provided below. For instance, you may not sell this Option or use it as security for a loan. If you attempt to do any of these things, this Option will immediately become invalid. You may, however, dispose of this Option in your will or in a beneficiary designation. However, if this Option is designated as a NSO in the Notice of Grant, then the Committee (as defined in the Plan) may, in its sole discretion, allow you to transfer this Option as a gift to one or more family members. For purposes of this Agreement, “family member” means a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in- law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships), any individual sharing your household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which one or more of these individuals have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which you or one or more of these persons control the management of assets, and any entity in which you or one or more of these persons own more than 50% of the voting interest. In addition, if this Option is designated as a NSO in the Notice of Grant, then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, allow you to transfer this Option to your spouse or former spouse pursuant to a domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights. The Committee will allow you to transfer this Option only if both you and the transferee(s) execute the forms prescribed by the Committee, which include the consent of the transferee(s) to be bound by this Agreement. This Option may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order and may be exercised during the lifetime of you only by you, your guardian, or legal representative, as permitted in the Plan. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of you.  

6. Term of Option . This Option shall in any event expire on the expiration date set forth in the Notice of Grant, which date is 10 years after the grant date (five years after the grant date if this Option is designated as an ISO in the Notice of Grant and Section 5.3 of the Plan applies).

 

24


7. Tax Consequences . You should consult a tax advisor for tax consequences relating to this Option in the jurisdiction in which you are subject to tax. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

(a) Exercising the Option . You will not be allowed to exercise this Option unless you make arrangements acceptable to the Company to pay any withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the Option exercise.

(b) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares . If you sell or otherwise dispose of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to an ISO on or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or (ii) one year after the exercise date, you shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. You agree that he or she may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out of the current compensation paid to you.

8. Withholding Taxes and Stock Withholding . Regardless of any action the Company or your actual employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Option grant, including the grant, vesting or exercise of the Option, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Option to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

Prior to exercise of the Option, you shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be issued to you when you exercise this Option, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf pursuant to this authorization), or (c) any other arrangement approved by the Company. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. Finally, you shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

9. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the Option is granted under and governed by the Notice of Grant, this Agreement and by the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accept the Option subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice of Grant. You hereby agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice of Grant and the Agreement.

10. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By your acceptance of this Option, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice of Grant, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to

 

25


its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Option. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

11. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The Company will not permit anyone to exercise this Option if the issuance of shares at that time would violate any law or regulation, including without limitation all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.

12. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

13. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.

14. Adjustment . In the event of a stock split, a stock dividend or a similar change in Company stock, the number of Shares covered by this Option and the exercise price per Share may be adjusted pursuant to the Plan.

15. Lock-Up Agreement . In connection with the initial public offering of the Company’s securities and upon request of the Company or the underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company’s securities, you hereby agree not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any Option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company however and whenever acquired (other than those included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time (not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days) from the effective date of such registration as may be requested by the Company or such managing underwriters and to execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of the public offering; provided however that, if during the last seventeen (17) days of the restricted period the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or prior to the expiration of the restricted period the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the sixteen (16)-day period beginning on the last day of the restricted period, then, upon the request of the managing underwriter, to the extent required by any FINRA rules, the restrictions imposed by this Section shall continue to apply until the end of the third trading day following the expiration of the fifteen (15)-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event. In no event will the restricted period extend beyond two hundred sixteen (216) days after the effective date of the registration statement.

 

26


16. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . The Option shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, employees, directors or other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancelation of your Option (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your Option.  

This Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this Option. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this Option are superseded. This Agreement may be amended only by another written agreement between the parties.

BY ACCEPTING THIS OPTION, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

27


NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT (INTERNATIONAL)

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “ Notice of Grant ”) and the Stock Option Agreement (the “ Option Agreement ”). You have been granted an Option to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice of Grant and the Option Agreement.

 

Name:                                                                                                                                                                                        
Address:                                                                                                                                                                                        
Grant Number :                                                                                                                               
Date of Grant :                                                                                                                               
Vesting Commencement Date :                                                                                                                               
Exercise price per Share :                                                                                                                               
Total Number of Shares :                                                                                                                               
Type of Option :    Non-Qualified Stock Option
Expiration Date :                , 20   ; This Option expires earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described in the Stock Option Agreement.
Vesting Schedule :    This Option becomes exercisable with respect to the first 25% of the shares subject to this Option when you complete 12 months of continuous Service from the Vesting Commencement Date. Thereafter, this Option becomes exercisable with respect to an additional 1/48 th of the shares subject to this Option when you complete each month of Service.
Additional Terms :    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference. No document need be attached as Attachment 1 if the box is not checked.

By accepting this Option, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Grant and the Option Agreement. By accepting this Option, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the Option Agreement.

 

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:  

 

Its:                                                                                                
Date:                                                                                                

 

28


Attachment 1 to Notice of Grant of Stock Option

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name:                                 

Number of Shares:                                

Date of Grant:                    

The following terms and conditions apply to the Option described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Stock Option Grant to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

OPTION NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the Option is not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction, the Option shall fully accelerate and become fully exercisable as to all Shares subject to the Option.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. Following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of Shares subject to the Option shall become vested and fully exercisable if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of Shares subject to the Option shall become vested and fully exercisable if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the Shares that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

By:                                                                                          
Title:                                                                                          

 

29


STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (INTERNATIONAL)

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted an Option by Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) to purchase Shares (the “ Option ”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “ Notice of Grant ”) and this Stock Option Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).  

1. Grant of Option . You have been granted an Option for the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “ exercise price ”). In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

2. Termination Period .

(a) General Rule . If your Service terminates for any reason except death or Disability, and other than for Cause, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date three months after your termination date. If your Service is terminated for Cause, this Option will expire upon the date of such termination. The Company determines when your Service terminates for all purposes under this Agreement.

(b) Death; Disability . If you die before your Service terminates, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 18 months after the date of death. If your Service terminates because of your Disability, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 12 months after your termination date.

(c) No Notice . You are responsible for keeping track of these exercise periods following your termination of Service for any reason. The Company will not provide further notice of such periods. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Grant.

3. Exercise of Option .

(a) Right to Exercise . This Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice of Grant and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement. In the event of your death, Disability, or other cessation of Service, the exercisability of the Option is governed by the applicable provisions of the Plan, the Notice of Grant and this Agreement. This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

(b) Method of Exercise . This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in a form specified by the Company (the “ Exercise Notice ”), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “ Exercised Shares ”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be delivered in person, by mail, via electronic mail or facsimile or by other authorized method to the Secretary of the Company or other person designated by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate exercise price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of a fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate exercise price and any applicable tax withholding due upon exercise of the Option.

(c) Exercise by Another . If another person wants to exercise this Option after it has been transferred to him or her in compliance with this Agreement, that person must prove to the Company’s satisfaction that he or she is entitled to exercise this Option. That person must also complete the proper Exercise Notice form (as described above) and pay the exercise price (as described below) and any applicable tax withholding due upon exercise of the Option (as described below).

 

30


4. Method of Payment . Payment of the aggregate exercise price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of you:  

(a) your personal check, wire transfer, or a cashier’s check;

(b) certificates for shares of Company stock that you own, along with any forms needed to effect a transfer of those shares to the Company; the value of the shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied to the Option exercise price. Instead of surrendering shares of Company stock, you may attest to the ownership of those shares on a form provided by the Company and have the same number of shares subtracted from the Option shares issued to you. However, you may not surrender, or attest to the ownership of, shares of Company stock in payment of the exercise price of your Option if your action would cause the Company to recognize compensation expense (or additional compensation expense) with respect to this Option for financial reporting purposes;

(c) cashless exercise through irrevocable directions to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Shares covered by this Option and to deliver to the Company from the sale proceeds an amount sufficient to pay the Option exercise price and any withholding taxes. The balance of the sale proceeds, if any, will be delivered to you. The directions must be given by signing a special notice of exercise form provided by the Company; or

(d) other method authorized by the Company.

5. Non-Transferability of Option . In general, except as provided below, only you may exercise this Option prior to your death. You may not transfer or assign this Option, except as provided below. For instance, you may not sell this Option or use it as security for a loan. If you attempt to do any of these things, this Option will immediately become invalid. You may, however, dispose of this Option in your will or in a beneficiary designation. However, the Committee (as defined in the Plan) may, in its sole discretion, allow you to transfer this Option as a gift to one or more family members. For purposes of this Agreement, “family member” means a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in- law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships), any individual sharing your household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which one or more of these individuals have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which you or one or more of these persons control the management of assets, and any entity in which you or one or more of these persons own more than 50% of the voting interest. In addition, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, allow you to transfer this Option to your spouse or former spouse pursuant to a domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights. The Committee will allow you to transfer this Option only if both you and the transferee(s) execute the forms prescribed by the Committee, which include the consent of the transferee(s) to be bound by this Agreement. This Option may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order and may be exercised during the lifetime of you only by you, your guardian, or legal representative, as permitted in the Plan. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of you.  

6. Term of Option . This Option shall in any event expire on the expiration date set forth in the Notice of Grant, which date is 10 years after the grant date.

7. Tax Consequences . You should consult a tax advisor for tax consequences relating to this Option in the jurisdiction in which you are subject to tax. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. You will not be allowed to exercise this Option unless you make arrangements acceptable to the Company to pay any withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the Option exercise.

 

31


8. Withholding Taxes and Stock Withholding . Regardless of any action the Company or your actual employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Option grant, including the grant, vesting or exercise of the Option, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Option to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

Prior to exercise of the Option, you shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (i) withholding Shares that otherwise would be issued to you when you exercise this Option, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (ii) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf pursuant to this authorization), or (iii) any other arrangement approved by the Company. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. Finally, you shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

9. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the Option is granted under and governed by the Notice of Grant, this Agreement and by the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (a) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (b) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions, and (c) hereby accept the Option subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice of Grant. You hereby agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice of Grant and the Agreement.

10. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By your acceptance of this Option, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice of Grant, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Option. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

 

32


11. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The Company will not permit anyone to exercise this Option if the issuance of shares at that time would violate any law or regulation, including without limitation all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.

12. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (a) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (b) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

13. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause, subject to applicable law.

14. Adjustment . In the event of a stock split, a stock dividend or a similar change in Company stock, the number of Shares covered by this Option and the exercise price per Share may be adjusted pursuant to the Plan.

15. Lock-Up Agreement . In connection with the initial public offering of the Company’s securities and upon request of the Company or the underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company’s securities, you hereby agree not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any Option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company however and whenever acquired (other than those included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time (not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days) from the effective date of such registration as may be requested by the Company or such managing underwriters and to execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of the public offering; provided however that, if during the last seventeen (17) days of the restricted period the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or prior to the expiration of the restricted period the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the sixteen (16)-day period beginning on the last day of the restricted period, then, upon the request of the managing underwriter, to the extent required by any FINRA rules, the restrictions imposed by this Section shall continue to apply until the end of the third trading day following the expiration of the fifteen (15)-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event. In no event will the restricted period extend beyond two hundred sixteen (216) days after the effective date of the registration statement.

16. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Option shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, employees, directors or other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancelation of your Option (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your Option.

17. Nature of Grant . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge that:

(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time;

 

33


(b) the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options, or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted repeatedly in the past;

(c) all decisions with respect to future option grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(d) you are voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(e) the Option and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option are an extraordinary item that does not constitute compensation of any kind for services of any kind rendered to the Company or the Employer, and which is outside the scope of your employment contract, if any;

(f) the Option and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g) the Option and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purposes, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments and in no event should be considered as compensation for, or relating in any way to, past services for the Company, the Employer, or any Subsidiary or Affiliate;

(h) the Option and your participation in the Plan will not be interpreted to form an employment contract or relationship with the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate;

(i) the future value of the underlying shares of Common Stock is unknown and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(j) in consideration of the grant of the Option, no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Option resulting from termination of your Service with the Company or the Employer (for any reason whatsoever and whether or not in breach of local labor laws) and you irrevocably release the Company and the Employer from any such claim that may arise; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have arisen, you shall be deemed irrevocably to have waive any entitlement to pursue such claim;

(k) in the event of termination of your Service (whether or not in breach of local labor laws), your right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively providing Services and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law ( e.g. , active service would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to local law); the Board/Committee shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer actively providing Services for purposes of the Option; notwithstanding the foregoing, if your Service terminates due to your death, the Option will be fully vested as of the date of death; and

(l) the Option and the benefits under the Plan, if any, will not automatically transfer to another company in the case of a merger, take-over or transfer of liability.

18. Data Privacy . (a) You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Agreement and any other award materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company, and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.

(b) You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about you, including but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone

 

34


number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of Common Stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all awards or any other entitlement to shares of Common Stock granted, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).

(c) You understand that Data will be transferred to any third parties assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than your country. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. You understand, however, that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.

19. Non-U.S. Addendum . Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the Option shall be subject to the special terms and conditions set forth in any addendum to this Agreement (the “ Non-U.S. Addendum ”) for your country. Moreover, if you relocate to one of the countries included in the Non-U.S. Addendum, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to you, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable in order to comply with local law or facilitate the administration of the Plan. The Non-U.S. Addendum constitutes part of this Agreement.

This Agreement (including the Non-U.S. Addendum) and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this Option. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this Option are superseded. This Agreement may be amended only by another written agreement between the parties.

BY ACCEPTING THIS OPTION, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

35


Non-U.S. Addendum

 

36


NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT – CEO FORM

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “ Notice of Grant ”) and the Stock Option Agreement (the “ Option Agreement ”). You have been granted an Option to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice of Grant and the Option Agreement.

 

Name:    Suresh Vasudevan
Address:    [Redacted]
Grant Number :                                                                                              
Date of Grant :                                                                                              
Vesting Commencement Date :                                                                                              
Exercise price per Share :                                                                                              
Total Number of Shares :                                                                                              
Type of Option :    Non-Qualified Stock Option
   Incentive Stock Option
Expiration Date :                , 20  ; This Option expires earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described in the Stock Option Agreement.
Vesting Schedule :    This Option becomes exercisable with respect to the first 25% of the shares subject to this Option when you complete 12 months of continuous Service from the Vesting Commencement Date. Thereafter, this Option becomes exercisable with respect to an additional 1/48 th of the shares subject to this Option when you complete each month of Service.
Additional Terms :    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference.

By accepting this Option, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Grant and the Option Agreement. By accepting this Option, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the Option Agreement.

 

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                                  
Its:                                                                                                  
Date:                                                                                                  

 

37


Attachment 1 to Notice of Grant of Stock Option

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice of Grant

Name: Suresh Vasudevan

Number of Shares:                                 

Date of Grant:                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the Option described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Stock Option Grant to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

OPTION NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the Option is not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the Plan), the Option shall fully accelerate and become fully exercisable as to all Shares subject to the Option.

UPON A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. If the Company is subject to a Corporate Transaction, and you continue to provide Service to the Company as an Employee through the consummation of the Corporate Transaction, 50% of the then-unvested Shares subject to the Option shall become fully vested and exercisable, effective as of immediately prior to the effective date of the Corporate Transaction. Following the Corporate Transaction and after giving effect to the acceleration, your Options will continue to vest on their original vesting schedule as set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

3. If, on or within twelve (12) months following the consummation of a Corporate Transaction, (a) you are terminated by the Company or a successor company without Cause (as defined in your Offer Letter with the Company dated December 28, 2010 (the “Offer Letter”)) or you terminate your employment for Good Reason (as defined in your Offer Letter), (b) the termination of your employment is other than as a result of your death or disability, (iii) such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)), and (iv) you satisfy the release requirement referenced in your Offer Letter, all of the then-unvested Shares subject to the Option shall become fully vested and exercisable.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                            
Title:                                                                                            

 

38


STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT — CEO FORM

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted an Option by Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) to purchase Shares (the “ Option ”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “ Notice of Grant ”) and this Stock Option Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).  

1. Grant of Option . You have been granted an Option for the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “ exercise price ”). In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail. If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ ISO ”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an ISO, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option (“ NSO ”).

2. Termination Period .

(a) General Rule . If your Service terminates for any reason except death or Disability, and other than for Cause, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date three months after your termination date. If your Service is terminated for Cause, this Option will expire upon the date of such termination. The Company determines when your Service terminates for all purposes under this Agreement.

(b) Death; Disability . If you die before your Service terminates, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 18 months after the date of death. If your Service terminates because of your Disability, then this Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 12 months after your termination date.

(c) No Notice . You are responsible for keeping track of these exercise periods following your termination of Service for any reason. The Company will not provide further notice of such periods. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Grant.

3. Exercise of Option .

(a) Right to Exercise . This Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice of Grant and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement. In the event of your death, Disability, or other cessation of Service, the exercisability of the Option is governed by the applicable provisions of the Plan, the Notice of Grant and this Agreement. This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

(b) Method of Exercise . This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in a form specified by the Company (the “ Exercise Notice ”), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “ Exercised Shares ”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be delivered in person, by mail, via electronic mail or facsimile or by other authorized method to the Secretary of the Company or other person designated by the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate exercise price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of a fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate exercise price and any applicable tax withholding due upon exercise of the Option.

 

39


(c) Exercise by Another . If another person wants to exercise this Option after it has been transferred to him or her in compliance with this Agreement, that person must prove to the Company’s satisfaction that he or she is entitled to exercise this Option. That person must also complete the proper Exercise Notice form (as described above) and pay the exercise price (as described below) and any applicable tax withholding due upon exercise of the Option (as described below).

4. Method of Payment . Payment of the aggregate exercise price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at your election:

(a) your personal check, wire transfer, or a cashier’s check;

(b) certificates for shares of Company stock that you own, along with any forms needed to effect a transfer of those shares to the Company; the value of the shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied to the Option exercise price. Instead of surrendering shares of Company stock, you may attest to the ownership of those shares on a form provided by the Company and have the same number of shares subtracted from the Option shares issued to you. However, you may not surrender, or attest to the ownership of, shares of Company stock in payment of the exercise price of your Option if your action would cause the Company to recognize compensation expense (or additional compensation expense) with respect to this Option for financial reporting purposes;

(c) cashless exercise through irrevocable directions to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Shares covered by this Option and to deliver to the Company from the sale proceeds an amount sufficient to pay the Option exercise price and any withholding taxes. The balance of the sale proceeds, if any, will be delivered to you. The directions must be given by signing a special notice of exercise form provided by the Company; or

(d) other method authorized by the Company.

5. Non-Transferability of Option . In general, except as provided below, only you may exercise this Option prior to your death. You may not transfer or assign this Option, except as provided below. For instance, you may not sell this Option or use it as security for a loan. If you attempt to do any of these things, this Option will immediately become invalid. You may, however, dispose of this Option in your will or in a beneficiary designation. However, if this Option is designated as a NSO in the Notice of Grant, then the Committee (as defined in the Plan) may, in its sole discretion, allow you to transfer this Option as a gift to one or more family members. For purposes of this Agreement, “family member” means a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in- law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships), any individual sharing your household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which one or more of these individuals have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which you or one or more of these persons control the management of assets, and any entity in which you or one or more of these persons own more than 50% of the voting interest. In addition, if this Option is designated as a NSO in the Notice of Grant, then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, allow you to transfer this Option to your spouse or former spouse pursuant to a domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights. The Committee will allow you to transfer this Option only if both you and the transferee(s) execute the forms prescribed by the Committee, which include the consent of the transferee(s) to be bound by this Agreement. This Option may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order and may be exercised during the lifetime of you only by you, your guardian, or legal representative, as permitted in the Plan. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of you.

6. Term of Option . This Option shall in any event expire on the expiration date set forth in the Notice of Grant, which date is 10 years after the grant date (five years after the grant date if this Option is designated as an ISO in the Notice of Grant and Section 5.3 of the Plan applies).

 

40


7. Tax Consequences . You should consult a tax advisor for tax consequences relating to this Option in the jurisdiction in which you are subject to tax. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

(a) Exercising the Option . You will not be allowed to exercise this Option unless you make arrangements acceptable to the Company to pay any withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the Option exercise.

(b) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares . If you sell or otherwise dispose of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to an ISO on or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or (ii) one year after the exercise date, you shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. You agree that he or she may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out of the current compensation paid to you.

8. Withholding Taxes and Stock Withholding . Regardless of any action the Company or your actual employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Option grant, including the grant, vesting or exercise of the Option, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Option to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

Prior to exercise of the Option, you shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be issued to you when you exercise this Option, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf pursuant to this authorization), or (c) any other arrangement approved by the Company. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. Finally, you shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

9. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the Option is granted under and governed by the Notice of Grant, this Agreement and by the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accept the Option subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice of Grant. You hereby agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice of Grant and the Agreement.

10. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By your acceptance of this Option, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice of Grant, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its

 

41


security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Option. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

11. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The Company will not permit anyone to exercise this Option if the issuance of shares at that time would violate any law or regulation, including without limitation all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.

12. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

13. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.

14. Adjustment . In the event of a stock split, a stock dividend or a similar change in Company stock, the number of Shares covered by this Option and the exercise price per Share may be adjusted pursuant to the Plan.

15. Lock-Up Agreement . In connection with the initial public offering of the Company’s securities and upon request of the Company or the underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company’s securities, you hereby agree not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any Option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company however and whenever acquired (other than those included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time (not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days) from the effective date of such registration as may be requested by the Company or such managing underwriters and to execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of the public offering; provided however that, if during the last seventeen (17) days of the restricted period the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or prior to the expiration of the restricted period the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the sixteen (16)-day period beginning on the last day of the restricted period, then, upon the request of the managing underwriter, to the extent required by any FINRA rules, the restrictions imposed by this Section shall continue to apply until the end of the third trading day following the expiration of the fifteen (15)-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event. In no event will the restricted period extend beyond two hundred sixteen (216) days after the effective date of the registration statement.

 

42


16. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . The Option shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, employees, directors or other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancelation of your Option (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your Option.

This Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this Option. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this Option are superseded. This Agreement may be amended only by another written agreement between the parties.

BY ACCEPTING THIS OPTION, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

43


NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

GRANT NUMBER:

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Notice ”) and the attached Award Agreement (Restricted Stock Unit Agreement) (hereinafter “ RSU Agreement ”). You (“ you ”) have been granted an award of Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached RSU Agreement.

 

Name:                                                                                                                                               
Address:                                                                                                                                               
Number of RSUs:                                                                                                                                               
Date of Grant:                                                                                                                                               
Vesting Commencement Date:    [March 15, June 15, September 15 or December 15]
Expiration Date:    The date on which settlement of all RSUs granted hereunder occurs. This RSU expires earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described in the RSU Agreement.
Vesting Schedule:    Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the RSU Agreement, 25% of the total number of RSUs will vest on the 12 month anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and 12.5% of the total number of RSUs will vest on each six month anniversary thereafter so long as your Service continues.
Additional Terms:    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference. No document need be attached as Attachment 1 if the box is not checked.

You acknowledge that the vesting of the RSUs pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant of the Company. By accepting this RSU, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the RSU Agreement.

 

PARTICIPANT         NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
Signature:  

 

        By:                                                                                                              
Print Name:  

 

        Its:                                                                                                              

 

44


Attachment 1 to Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name:                                 

Number of RSUs:                                 

Date of Grant:                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the RSUs described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

RSUs NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the RSUs are not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the Plan), the RSUs shall fully accelerate as to all Shares subject to the RSUs.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. Following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of RSUs shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination (as defined in the Plan) within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of RSUs shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the RSUs that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:  

 

Title:  

 

 

45


RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Notice ”) and this RSU Agreement.

1. Settlement . Settlement of RSUs shall be made within 30 days following the applicable date of vesting under the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice. Settlement of RSUs shall be in Shares. Settlement means the delivery of the Shares vested under an RSU. No fractional RSUs or rights for fractional Shares shall be created pursuant to this RSU Agreement.

2. No Stockholder Rights . Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested RSUs, you shall have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the RSUs and shall have no right dividends or to vote such Shares.

3. Dividend Equivalents . Dividends, if any (whether in cash or Shares), shall not be credited to you.

4. No Transfer . RSUs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.

5. Termination . If your Service terminates for any reason, all unvested RSUs shall be forfeited to the Company forthwith, and all rights you have to such RSUs shall immediately terminate. In case of any dispute as to whether your termination of Service has occurred, the Committee shall have sole discretion to determine whether such termination has occurred and the effective date of such termination.

6. Tax Consequences . You acknowledge that there will be tax consequences upon settlement of the RSUs or disposition of the Shares, if any, received in connection therewith, and you should consult a tax adviser regarding your tax obligations prior to such settlement or disposition in the jurisdiction where you are subject to tax.

7. Withholding Taxes and Stock Withholding . Regardless of any action the Company or your actual employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the award, including the settlement of the RSUs, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to structure the terms of the award or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items. You acknowledge that if you are subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, the Company and/or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

Prior to the settlement of your RSUs, you shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be issued to you when your RSUs are settled, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize

 

46


such sales by this authorization), (c) your payment of a cash amount, or (d) any other arrangement approved by the Company; all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from alternatives (a)-(d) above, and the Committee shall establish the method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

8. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this RSU Agreement and the provisions of the Plan. You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accept the RSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Notice.

9. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This RSU Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this RSU Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this RSU Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this RSU Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this RSU Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

10. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this RSU Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.

11. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this RSU Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this RSU Agreement, (ii) the balance of this RSU Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this RSU Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This RSU Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this RSU Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.

11. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this RSU Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.

12. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By acceptance of this RSU, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this RSU Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and

 

47


all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the RSU. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

13. Code Section 409A . For purposes of this RSU Agreement, a termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating to a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (“ Section 409A ”). Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this RSU Agreement in connection with your termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and you are deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from your separation from service from the Company or (ii) the date of your death following such a separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to you including, without limitation, the additional tax for which you would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral. To the extent any payment under this RSU Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payment shall be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this section are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

14. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . The RSU shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, Employees, Directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancellation of your RSU (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your RSU.

BY ACCEPTING THIS RSU, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

48


NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD (INTERNATIONAL)

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

GRANT NUMBER:

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Notice ”) and the attached Award Agreement (Restricted Stock Unit Agreement) (hereinafter “ RSU Agreement ”). You (“ you ”) have been granted an award of Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached RSU Agreement.

 

Name:   

 

Address:   

 

Number of RSUs:   

 

Date of Grant:   

 

Vesting Commencement Date:    [March 15, June 15, September 15 or December 15]
Expiration Date:    The date on which settlement of all RSUs granted hereunder occurs. This RSU expires earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described in the RSU Agreement.
Vesting Schedule:    Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the RSU Agreement, 25% of the total number of RSUs will vest on the 12 month anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and 12.5% of the total number of RSUs will vest on each six month anniversary thereafter so long as your Service continues.
Additional Terms:    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference. No document need be attached as Attachment 1 if the box is not checked.

You acknowledge that the vesting of the RSUs pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant of the Company. By accepting this RSU, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the RSU Agreement.

 

PARTICIPANT     NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
Signature:                                                                                                                    By:                                                                                                               
Print Name:                                                                                                                    Its:                                                                                                               

 

49


Attachment 1 to Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name:                                 

Number of RSUs:                                 

Date of Grant:                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the RSUs described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

RSUs NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the RSUs are not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the Plan), the RSUs shall fully accelerate as to all Shares subject to the RSUs.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. Following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of RSUs shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination (as defined in the Plan) within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of RSUs shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the RSUs that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                            
Title:                                                                                            

 

50


RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (INTERNATIONAL)

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Notice ”) and this RSU Agreement.

1. Settlement . Settlement of RSUs shall be made within 30 days following the applicable date of vesting under the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice. Settlement of RSUs shall be in Shares. Settlement means the delivery of the Shares vested under an RSU. No fractional RSUs or rights for fractional Shares shall be created pursuant to this RSU Agreement.

2. No Stockholder Rights . Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested RSUs, you shall have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the RSUs and shall have no right dividends or to vote such Shares.

3. Dividend Equivalents . Dividends, if any (whether in cash or Shares), shall not be credited to you.

4. No Transfer . RSUs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.

5. Termination . If your Service terminates for any reason, all unvested RSUs shall be forfeited to the Company forthwith, and all rights you have to such RSUs shall immediately terminate. In case of any dispute as to whether your termination of Service has occurred, the Committee shall have sole discretion to determine whether such termination has occurred and the effective date of such termination.

6. Tax Consequences . You acknowledge that there will be tax consequences upon settlement of the RSUs or disposition of the Shares, if any, received in connection therewith, and you should consult a tax adviser regarding your tax obligations prior to such settlement or disposition in the jurisdiction where you are subject to tax.

7. Withholding Taxes and Stock Withholding . Regardless of any action the Company or your actual employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the award, including the settlement of the RSUs, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to structure the terms of the award or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items. You acknowledge that if you are subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, the Company and/or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

Prior to the settlement of your RSUs, you shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be issued to you when your RSUs are settled, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize

 

51


such sales by this authorization), (c) your payment of a cash amount, or (d) any other arrangement approved by the Company; all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from alternatives (a)-(d) above, and the Committee shall establish the method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

8. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this RSU Agreement and the provisions of the Plan. You: (a) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan prospectus, (b) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions, and (c) hereby accept the RSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Notice.

9. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This RSU Agreement (including the Non-U.S. Addendum), the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this RSU Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this RSU Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this RSU Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this RSU Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

10. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this RSU Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.

11. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this RSU Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (a) such provision shall be excluded from this RSU Agreement, (b) the balance of this RSU Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This RSU Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this RSU Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.

12. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this RSU Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause, subject to applicable law.

13. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By acceptance of the RSUs, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this RSU Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and

 

52


all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the RSU. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

14. Code Section 409A . To the extent applicable, for purposes of this RSU Agreement, a termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating to a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (“ Section 409A ”). Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this Agreement in connection with your termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and you are deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earlier of (a) the expiration of the six-month period measured from your separation from service from the Company or (b) the date of your death following such a separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to you including, without limitation, the additional tax for which you would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral. To the extent any payment under this RSU Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payment shall be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this section are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

15. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . To the extent permitted by applicable law, the RSUs shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, Employees, Directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancellation of your RSUs (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your RSUs.

 

16. Nature of Grant . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge that:

(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time;

(b) the grant of the RSUs is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of RSUs, or benefits in lieu of RSUs, even if RSUs have been granted repeatedly in the past;

(c) all decisions with respect to future RSUs grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(d) you are voluntarily participating in the Plan;

 

53


(e) the RSUs and the shares of Common Stock subject to the RSUs are an extraordinary item that does not constitute compensation of any kind for services of any kind rendered to the Company or the Employer, and which is outside the scope of your employment contract, if any;

(f) the RSUs and the shares of Common Stock subject to the RSUs are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g) the RSUs and the shares of Common Stock subject to the RSUs are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purposes, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end of service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments and in no event should be considered as compensation for, or relating in any way to, past services for the Company, the Employer, or any Subsidiary or Affiliate;

(h) the RSUs and your participation in the Plan will not be interpreted to form an employment contract or relationship with the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate;

(i) the future value of the underlying shares of Common Stock is unknown and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(j) in consideration of the grant of the RSUs, no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the RSUs resulting from termination of your Service with the Company or the Employer (for any reason whatsoever and whether or not in breach of local labor laws) and you irrevocably release the Company and the Employer from any such claim that may arise; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have arisen, you shall be deemed irrevocably to have waive any entitlement to pursue such claim;

(k) in the event of termination of your Service (whether or not in breach of local labor laws), your right to vest in the RSUs under the Plan, if any, will terminate effective as of the date that you are no longer actively providing Services and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local law ( e.g. , active service would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period pursuant to local law); the Board/Committee shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when you are no longer actively providing Services for purposes of the RSUs; notwithstanding the foregoing, if your Service terminates due to your death, the RSUs will be fully vested as of the date of death; and

(l) the RSUs and the benefits under the Plan, if any, will not automatically transfer to another company in the case of a merger, take-over or transfer of liability.

17. Data Privacy . (a)  You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this RSU Agreement and any other award materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company, and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.

(b) You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about you, including but not limited to, your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of Common Stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all awards or any other entitlement to shares of Common Stock granted, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“Data”).

(c) You understand that Data will be transferred to any third parties assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. You understand that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than your country. You understand that you

 

54


may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. You understand, however, that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.

18. Non-U.S. Addendum . Notwithstanding any provisions in this RSU Agreement, the RSUs shall be subject to the special terms and conditions set forth in any addendum to this RSU Agreement (the “ Non-U.S. Addendum ”) for your country. Moreover, if you relocate to one of the countries included in the Non-U.S. Addendum, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to you, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable in order to comply with local law or facilitate the administration of the Plan. The Non-U.S. Addendum constitutes part of this RSU Agreement.

BY ACCEPTING THIS RSU, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

55


Non-U.S. Addendum

 

56


NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD — CEO FORM

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

GRANT NUMBER:

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Notice ”) and the attached Award Agreement (Restricted Stock Unit Agreement) (hereinafter “ RSU Agreement ”). You (“ you ”) have been granted an award of Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached RSU Agreement.

 

Name:    Suresh Vasudevan
Address:    [Redacted]
Number of RSUs:   

 

Date of Grant:   

 

Vesting Commencement Date:    [March 15, June 15, September 15 or December 15]
Expiration Date:    The date on which settlement of all RSUs granted hereunder occurs. This RSU expires earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described in the RSU Agreement.
Vesting Schedule:    Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the RSU Agreement, 25% of the total number of RSUs will vest on the 12 month anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and 12.5% of the total number of RSUs will vest on each six month anniversary thereafter so long as your Service continues.
Additional Terms :    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference.

You acknowledge that the vesting of the RSUs pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant of the Company. By accepting this RSU, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the RSU Agreement.

 

PARTICIPANT     NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
Signature:  

 

    By:                                                                                                               
Print Name:   Suresh Vasudevan     Its:                                                                                                               

 

57


Attachment 1 to Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC. 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name: Suresh Vasudevan

Number of RSUs:                                 

Date of Grant:                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the RSUs described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

RSUs NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the RSUs are not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the Plan), the RSUs shall fully accelerate as to all Shares subject to the RSUs.

UPON A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. If the Company is subject to a Corporate Transaction, and you continue to provide Service to the Company as an Employee through the consummation of the Corporate Transaction, 50% of your then-unvested RSUs shall become fully vested, effective as of immediately prior to the effective date of the Corporate Transaction. Following the Corporate Transaction and after giving effect to the acceleration, your RSUs will continue to vest on their original vesting schedule as set forth in the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

3. If, on or within twelve (12) months following the consummation of a Corporate Transaction, (a) you are terminated by the Company or a successor company without Cause (as defined in your Offer Letter with the Company dated December 28, 2010 (the “Offer Letter”)) or you terminate your employment for Good Reason (as defined in your Offer Letter), (b) the termination of your employment is other than as a result of your death or disability, (iii) such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)), and (iv) you satisfy the release requirement referenced in your Offer Letter, all of your then-unvested RSUs shall become fully vested.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                          
Title:                                                                                          

 

58


RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT — CEO FORM

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “ Notice ”) and this RSU Agreement.

1. Settlement . Settlement of RSUs shall be made within 30 days following the applicable date of vesting under the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice. Settlement of RSUs shall be in Shares. Settlement means the delivery of the Shares vested under an RSU. No fractional RSUs or rights for fractional Shares shall be created pursuant to this RSU Agreement.

2. No Stockholder Rights . Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested RSUs, you shall have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the RSUs and shall have no right dividends or to vote such Shares.

3. Dividend Equivalents . Dividends, if any (whether in cash or Shares), shall not be credited to you.

4. No Transfer . RSUs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.

5. Termination . If your Service terminates for any reason, all unvested RSUs shall be forfeited to the Company forthwith, and all rights you have to such RSUs shall immediately terminate. In case of any dispute as to whether your termination of Service has occurred, the Committee shall have sole discretion to determine whether such termination has occurred and the effective date of such termination.

6. Tax Consequences . You acknowledge that there will be tax consequences upon settlement of the RSUs or disposition of the Shares, if any, received in connection therewith, and you should consult a tax adviser regarding your tax obligations prior to such settlement or disposition in the jurisdiction where you are subject to tax.

7. Withholding Taxes and Stock Withholding . Regardless of any action the Company or your actual employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the award, including the settlement of the RSUs, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to structure the terms of the award or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items. You acknowledge that if you are subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, the Company and/or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

Prior to the settlement of your RSUs, you shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be issued to you when your RSUs are settled, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize

 

59


such sales by this authorization), (c) your payment of a cash amount, or (d) any other arrangement approved by the Company; all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from alternatives (a)-(d) above, and the Committee shall establish the method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

8. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this RSU Agreement and the provisions of the Plan. You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accept the RSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Notice.

9. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This RSU Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this RSU Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this RSU Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this RSU Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this RSU Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

10. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this RSU Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.

11. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this RSU Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this RSU Agreement, (ii) the balance of this RSU Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this RSU Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This RSU Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this RSU Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.

11. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this RSU Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.

12. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By acceptance of this RSU, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this RSU Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and

 

60


all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the RSU. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

13. Code Section 409A . For purposes of this RSU Agreement, a termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating to a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (“ Section 409A ”). Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this RSU Agreement in connection with your termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and you are deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment shall not be made or commence until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from your separation from service from the Company or (ii) the date of your death following such a separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral shall only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to you including, without limitation, the additional tax for which you would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral. To the extent any payment under this RSU Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payment shall be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this section are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

14. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . The RSU shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, Employees, Directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancellation of your RSU (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your RSU.

BY ACCEPTING THIS RSU, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

61


APPENDIX A

NON-U.S. ADDENDUM

Additional Terms and Conditions for Equity Grants Under

the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan

October 2013

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This Non-U.S. Addendum includes additional terms and conditions that govern the options granted to you under the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (referred to as the “ Plan ”) if you reside in one of the countries listed below. Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this Non-U.S. Addendum have the meanings set forth in the Plan and/or your award agreement (the “ Agreement ”) that relates to your award. By accepting your award, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained in the paragraphs below in addition to the terms of the Plan, the Agreement, and the terms of any other document that may apply to you and your award.

NOTIFICATIONS

This Non-U.S. Addendum also includes information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which you should be aware with respect to participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of October 2013. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, it is strongly recommended that you not rely on the information in this Non-U.S. Addendum as the only source of information relating to the consequences of your participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time you exercise your options or sell shares acquired under the Plan.

In addition, the information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular situation, and Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) is not in a position to assure you of a particular result. Accordingly, you are advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in your country may apply to your situation.

Finally, if you are a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which you are currently working, transferred employment after the options were granted to you, or are considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the information contained herein may not apply.

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC LANGUAGE

Below please find country specific language that applies to Participants in the following countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

 

62


AUSTRALIA

Terms and Conditions

Prospectus Information . The written or other materials provided to you in connection with the options granted to you have been prepared for the purpose of complying with the relevant United States securities regulations and applicable stock exchange requirements. The information disclosed may not be the same as that which must be disclosed in a prospectus prepared under Australian law.  

Notifications

Securities Law Information. If you acquire shares of Common Stock and offers such shares for sale to a person or entity resident in Australia, the offer may be subject to disclosure requirements under Australian law. You should obtain legal advice on disclosure obligations prior to making any such offer.

Exchange Control Information . Exchange control reporting is required for cash transactions exceeding A$10,000 and international fund transfers. The Australian bank assisting with the transaction will file the report. If there is no Australian bank involved in the transfer, you will be required to file the report.

 

63


CANADA

Terms and Conditions

[ The following provision will apply to residents of Quebec :

Language Consent. The parties acknowledge that it is their express wish that the Agreement, as well as all documents, notices, and legal proceedings entered into, given or instituted pursuant hereto or relating directly or indirectly hereto, be drawn up in English.

Les parties reconnaissent avoir exigé la rédaction en anglais de cette convention, ainsi que de tous documents, avis et procédures judiciaires, exécutés, donnés ou intentés en vertu de, ou liés directement ou indirectement à la présente convention. ]  

Notifications

Additional Restrictions on Resale . In addition to the restrictions on resale and transfer noted in Plan materials, securities purchased under the Plan may be subject to certain restrictions on resale imposed by Canadian provincial securities laws. You are encouraged to seek legal advice prior to any resale of such securities. In general, participants resident in Canada may resell their securities in transactions carried out on exchanges outside of Canada.

Form of Payment . Due to legal restrictions in Canada and notwithstanding any language to the contrary in the Plan, grantees are prohibited from surrendering shares that they already own or from attesting to the ownership of shares to pay the exercise price or any tax withholding in connection with options granted to such grantees. The exercise price and any tax withholding must be paid in cash or by check or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, by a combination of such methods of payment, or by such other methods as may be approved by the Board.

 

64


DENMARK

Terms and Conditions

Employer Statement . The Employer Statement contains additional terms and conditions that govern your options and participation in the Plan. Please review that document carefully.

Notifications

Exchange Control Information . If you establish an account holding shares or an account holding cash outside Denmark, you must report the account to the Danish Tax Administration. The form to be used for such reporting can be obtained from a local bank. Please note that these obligations are separate from and in addition to the obligations described below.

Securities/Tax Reporting Information . If you hold shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan in a brokerage account with a broker or bank outside Denmark, you are required to inform the Danish Tax Administration about the account by filing a Form V (Erklaering V) with the Danish Tax Administration. The Form V must be signed both by you and the applicable broker or bank where the account is held. By signing the Form V, the broker or bank undertakes to forward information to the Danish Tax Administration concerning the shares in the account without further request each year. By signing the Form V, you authorize the Danish Tax Administration to examine the account.

In addition, if you open a brokerage account (or a deposit account with a U.S. bank) for the purpose of holding cash outside Denmark, you are also required to inform the Danish Tax Administration of this account by filing a Form K (Erklaering K) with the Danish Tax Administration. The Form K must be signed both by you and the applicable broker or bank where the account is held. By signing the Form K, the broker/bank undertakes an obligation, without further request each year, to forward information to the Danish Tax Administration concerning the content of the account. By signing the Form K, you authorize the Danish Tax Administration to examine the account.

 

65


FRANCE

Terms and Conditions

Clawback . Section 16 of the Option Agreement is deleted from the agreement in its entirety.

Data Privacy . This language replaces Section 18 of the Option Agreement:

“18. Data Privacy . (a) You hereby explicitly and unambiguously consent to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of your personal data as described in this Agreement and any other award materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and its Affiliates, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan.

(b) You understand that the Company and the Employer may hold (but only process or transfer to the extent required or permitted by local law) the following personal information about you: your name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of Common Stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all options or any other entitlement to shares of Common Stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in your favor, for the purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan (“ Data ”).

(c) You understand that Data will be transferred to third parties assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan, including . You understand that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country ( e.g. , the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than those that apply in your country. You understand that you may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting your local human resources representative. You authorize the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing your participation in the Plan. You understand that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage your participation in the Plan. You understand that you may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing your local human resources representative. You understand, however, that refusing or withdrawing your consent may affect your ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of your refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, you understand that you may contact your local human resources representative.

 

66


French translation:

Le Bénéficiaire accepte expressément et sans réserve la collecte, l’utilisation et transfert, électronique ou sous une autre forme, de ses données personnelles par et entre, selon ce qui est applicable, la Société, ses Filiales et Sociétés Affiliées, à savoir, dans l’unique intention de mettre en oeuvre, administrer et gérer la participation du Bénéficiaire au Plan. Le Bénéficiaire comprend que la Société, ses Filiales et Sociétés Affiliées détiennent (mais ne font que traiter et transférer dans les limites requises ou prévues en vertu des règles applicables localement) le traitement des données personnelles suivantes relatives au Bénéficiaire: son nom, son adresse personnelle et numéro de téléphone, sa date de naissance, son numéro de sécurité sociale ou autre numéro d’identification , salaire, nationalité, poste, informations sur les actions ou mandats détenus dans la Société, le détail de toutes les “options” ou tout autre droit sur des Actions attribué, annulé, exercé , exerceable ou non (vested , unvested), ou échu, afin de mettre en oeuvre, administrer et gérer le Plan (ci après “les Données”). Le Bénéficiaire comprend que les Données pourront être transférées à toute partie tierce assistant dans la mise en oeuvre, l’administration et la gestion du Plan, ceci comprenant les sociétés: et que ces destinataires pourront être situés dans le pays du Bénéficiaire ou en tout autre lieu (ceci comprenant des pays en dehors de l’Espace Économique Européenne comme les Etats Unis). Le Bénéficiaire comprend que le pays du destinataire des Données pourrait avoir des droits relatifs à la protection des données personnelles différents de ceux applicables dans le pays du Bénéficiaire. Le Bénéficiaire comprend qu’il pourra demander une liste avec les noms et adresses des potentiels destinataires des Données en contactant un représentant local des ressources humaines. Le Bénéficiaire autorise les destinataires à recevoir, posséder, utiliser, garder et transférer les Données, dans une forme électronique ou autre, afin de mettre en oeuvre, administrer et gérer la participation du Bénéficiaire au sein de Plan, incluant tout transfert requis de Données qui pourrait être demandé par un courtier ou une autre partie tierce auquel le Bénéficiaire choisirait de confier les actions après l’exerceabilité (“exercise”) des options. Le Bénéficiaire comprend que les Données seront détenues aussi longtemps que nécessaire pour mettre en oeuvre, administrer et gérer la participation du Bénéficiaire au sein de Plan en fonction des règles locales. Le Bénéficiaire comprend qu’il pourra, à tout moment, accéder aux Données, demander des informations supplémentaires sur leur conservation et leur traitement, demander toute modification nécessaire, ou bien refuser ou retirer son accord, en tout état de cause sans aucun frais, en contactant un représentant local des ressources humaines. Le Bénéficiaire comprend néanmoins, que refuser ou retirer son accord pourra affecter sa faculté de participation au Plan. Pour plus d’information sur les conséquences de ce refus ou de son retrait d’accord, le Bénéficiaire comprend qu’il pourra contacter un représentant local des ressources humaines à ce sujet.

 

67


Notifications

Exchange Control Information. If you import or export cash ( e.g. , sales proceeds received under the Plan) with a value equal to or exceeding €7,600 and do not use a financial institution to do so, you must submit a report to the customs and excise authorities. If you maintain a foreign bank account, you are required to report such account to the French tax authorities when filing your annual tax return.

 

68


GERMANY

Terms and Conditions

There are no country-specific provisions.

Notifications

Exchange Control Information . Cross-border payments in excess of €12,500 must be reported monthly to the German Federal Bank. If you use a German bank to transfer a cross-border payment in excess of €12,500 in connection with the sale of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan, the bank will make the report for you. In addition, you must report any receivables, payables, or debts in foreign currency exceeding an amount of €5,000,000 on a monthly basis.

 

69


THE NETHERLANDS

Terms and Conditions

There are no country-specific provisions.

Notifications

Insider-Trading Notification . You should be aware of the Dutch insider-trading rules, which may impact the sale of underlying shares of Common Stock. In particular, you may be prohibited from effectuating certain transactions involving shares of Common Stock if you have inside information about the Company. If you are uncertain whether the insider-trading rules apply to you, you should consult your personal legal advisor. By accepting the grant of options, you acknowledge having read and understood this notification and acknowledge that it is your responsibility to comply with the Dutch insider-trading rules.

 

LOGO

 

70


NEW ZEALAND

Terms and Conditions

There are no country-specific provisions.

Notifications

Please review the New Zealand notice document.

 

71


SINGAPORE

Terms and Conditions

There are no country-specific provisions.

Notifications

Director Notification. If you are a director (as the term is defined under Singapore law) of a Singapore incorporated company which is a related corporation of the Company (a “ Singapore Related Company ”), you are subject to certain notification requirements under the Singapore Companies Act. Among these requirements is an obligation to notify the Singapore Related Company in writing when you acquires an interest ( e.g. , options or shares) in the Company. In addition, you must notify the Singapore Related Company when you sell or dispose of shares of Common Stock of the Company. These notifications must be made within two (2) days of acquiring or disposing of any interest in the Company. In addition, a notification of your interests in the Company must be made within two (2) days of becoming a director of the Singapore Related Company.

 

72


SWEDEN

Terms and Conditions

There are no country-specific provisions.

Notifications

There are no country-specific notifications.

 

73


UNITED KINGDOM

Terms and Conditions

UK Sub-plan. Your grant of options is being made pursuant to the UK Sub-plan, which contains additional terms and conditions that govern your options and participation in the Plan. Please review that document carefully.  

Notifications

There are no country-specific notifications.

 

74


UK UNAPPROVED SUB-PLAN

under the

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

This Sub-Plan, adopted under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan of Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Plan ”) by the Compensation Committee of the Board pursuant to section 4.5 of the Plan, is effective as of , 2013.

 

1. Purpose . The primary purpose of this Sub-Plan is to amend those provisions of the Plan that are required to be amended in order for grants under the Plan, and communications concerning those grants, to be exempt from the provisions of the United Kingdom Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. (For the purposes of this Sub-Plan, the term “ awards ” shall mean Awards that are granted under this Sub-Plan.)

 

2. Restricted Availability of Awards . This Sub-Plan shall be used solely to grant awards to employees of the Company or any member of the same group as the Company resident and providing services in the United Kingdom. (The term “group” in relation to the Company shall bear the meaning given to such term in section 421 of the United Kingdom Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.)

 

3. Restricted Delivery of Awards. Payments of benefits under this Sub-Plan shall be made only in Common Stock. For the avoidance of doubt, and without limitation, no cash settlement of awards (including dividends or dividend equivalents in cash) shall be permissible.

 

4. Withholding of Taxes. All awards will be subject to tax withholding as described in section 13 of the Plan but, for the purposes of this Sub-Plan, references to “tax” shall be read and construed as including, without limitation, United Kingdom income tax and primary class 1 (employee’s) national insurance contributions that the Participant’s employer is liable to account for and, if so agreed between the Company and the Participant, secondary class 1 (employer’s) national insurance contributions that the Participant’s employer is liable to account for.

 

5. Conditions of Delivery or Vesting of Shares. It is a further condition of delivery of any Shares pursuant to the exercise of an Option or the vesting of a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit that the Participant will, if required to do so by the Company, enter into a joint election under section 431(1) of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 of the United Kingdom (“ITEPA”) in the case of an Option at the time of exercise, or section 430(1) of ITEPA in the case of a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit at the time of vesting, the effect of which is that the shares of Common Stock will be treated as if they were not restricted securities and that sections 425 to 430 of ITEPA will not apply to those shares.

 

6. Restricted Transfer of Rights. The persons to whom awards, or interests therein, under this Sub-Plan may be transferred, whether by will or the laws of descent and distribution under section 14 of the Plan or otherwise, shall be limited to a Participant’s children and step-children under the age of eighteen, spouses and surviving spouses and civil partners (within the meaning of the United Kingdom Civil Partnerships Act 2004) and surviving partners.

 

75


7. Incorporation of Plan. The provisions of the Plan shall apply to all awards and shall accordingly be deemed to be incorporated herein, save as varied by the terms of this Sub-Plan.

 

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                                
Title:  

 

76


NOTICE OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AWARD

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Stock Appreciation Right Award (the “ Notice ”) and the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement (the “ SAR Agreement ”). You have been granted an award of Stock Appreciation Rights (the “ SAR ”) of the Company under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the SAR Agreement.

 

Name:   

 

Address:   

 

Grant Number:                                                                                                                                   
Date of Grant:                                                                                                                                   
Vesting Commencement Date:                                                                                                                                   
Fair Market Value on Date of Grant:                                                                                                                                   
Total Number of Shares:                                                                                                                                   
Expiration Date:                                                                                                                                   
Vesting Schedule:    The SAR becomes exercisable with respect to the first 25% of the Shares subject to the SAR when you complete 12 months of continuous Service from the Vesting Commencement Date. Thereafter, the SAR becomes exercisable with respect to an additional 1/48 th of the Shares subject to the SAR when you complete each month of Service.
Additional Terms:    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference. No document need be attached as Attachment 1 if the box is not checked.

You acknowledge that the vesting of the SAR pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant of the Company. By accepting the SAR, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the SAR Agreement.

 

PARTICIPANT:      NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
Signature:                                                                                                               By:                                                                                                         
Print Name:                                                                                                               Its:                                                                                                         
Date:                                                                                                               Date:                                                                                                         

 

77


Attachment 1 to Notice of Stock Appreciation Right Award

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name:                                 

Number of Shares:                                 

Date of Grant:                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the SAR described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Stock Appreciation Right Award to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

SAR NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the SAR is not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the Plan), the SAR shall fully accelerate as to all Shares subject to the SAR.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. Following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of Shares subject to the SAR shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination (as defined in the Plan) within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of Shares subject to the SAR shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the SAR that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:  

 

Title:  

 

 

78


STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AWARD AGREEMENT

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted an award of Stock Appreciation Rights (the “ SAR ”) by Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Stock Appreciation Right Award (the “ Notice ”) and this Stock Appreciation Right Agreement (the “ Agreement ”).

1. Grant of SAR . You have been granted a SAR for the number of Shares set forth in the Notice at the fair market value set forth in the Notice. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

2. Termination Period .

(a) General Rule . Except as provided below, and subject to the Plan, this SAR may be exercised for three months after your termination of Service. In no event shall this SAR be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice.

(b) Death; Disability . If you die before your Service terminates, then this SAR will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 18 months after the date of death. If your Service terminates because of your Disability, then this SAR will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 12 months after your termination date.

(c) No Notice . You are responsible for keeping track of these exercise periods following your termination of Service for any reason. The Company will not provide further notice of such periods. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Grant.

3. Vesting Rights . Subject to the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement, this SAR may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the schedule set forth in the Notice.

4. Exercise of SAR .

(a) Right to Exercise . This SAR is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement. In the event of your death, Disability, termination for Cause or other termination, the exercisability of the SAR is governed by the applicable provisions of the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement. This SAR may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

(b) Method of Exercise . This SAR is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in a form specified by the Company (the “ Exercise Notice ”), which shall state the election to exercise the SAR, the number of Shares subject to the SAR to be exercised, and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be delivered in person, by mail, via electronic mail or facsimile or by other authorized method to the Secretary of the Company or other person designated by the Company. This SAR shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice and any applicable tax withholding due upon exercise of the SAR.

(c) No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this SAR unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon which the Shares are then listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to you on the date the SAR is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.

 

79


5. Non-Transferability of SAR . This SAR may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order and may be exercised during your lifetime only by you unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon your executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assign.

6. Term of SAR . This SAR shall in any event expire on the expiration date set forth in the Notice, which date is 10 years after the Date of Grant.

7. Tax Consequences . You should consult a tax adviser for tax consequences relating to this SAR in their respective jurisdiction. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS SAR. If you are an Employee or a former Employee, the Company may be required to withhold from his or her compensation an amount equal to the minimum amount the Company is required to withhold for income and employment taxes or collect from you and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise.

8. Withholding Taxes and Stock Withholding . Regardless of any action the Company or your actual employer (the “Employer”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the SAR, including the grant, vesting or exercise of the SAR, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the SAR to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

Prior to exercise of the SAR, you shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be issued to you when you exercise this SAR, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf pursuant to this authorization), or (c) any other arrangement approved by the Company. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date of the SAR exercise, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. Finally, you shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if you fail to comply with your obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this section.

9. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the SAR is granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and by the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accept the SAR subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice.

10. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

 

80


11. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer.

12. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.

13. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate Participant’s Service, for any reason, with or without cause.

14 . Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By your acceptance of this SAR, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice of Grant, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the SAR. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

15. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . The SAR shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, employees, directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancelation of your SAR (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your SAR.

BY ACCEPTING THIS SAR, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

81


NOTICE OF STOCK BONUS AWARD

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

GRANT NUMBER:

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Stock Bonus Award (the “ Notice ”) and the attached Stock Bonus Award Agreement (the “ Stock Bonus Agreement ”). You (“ you ”) have been granted an award of Shares under the Plan (the “ Stock Bonus Award ”) subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice, and the attached Stock Bonus Agreement.

 

Name:                                                                                                          
Address:                                                                                                          
Number of Shares:                                                                                                          
Date of Grant:                                                                                                          
Vesting Commencement Date:    [March 15, June 15, September 15 or December 15]
Vesting Schedule:    [Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Stock Bonus Agreement, 25% of the total number of Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award will vest on the 12 month anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and 12.5% of the total number of Shares will vest on each six month anniversary thereafter so long as your Service continues.]
Additional Terms:    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference. No document need be attached as Attachment 1 if the box is not checked.
  

You acknowledge that the vesting of the Shares pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant of the Company. By accepting this Stock Bonus Award, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the Stock Bonus Agreement.

 

PARTICIPANT       NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
Signature:                                                                                                                By:                                                                                                         
Print Name:                                                                                                                Its:                                                                                                         

 

82


Attachment 1 to Notice of Stock Bonus Award

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name:                                 

Number of Shares:                                 

Date of Grant:                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the Shares described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Stock Bonus Award to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

SHARES NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award are not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the Plan), the Shares shall fully accelerate as to all Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. Following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination (as defined in the Plan) within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                          
Title:                                                                                          

 

83


STOCK BONUS AWARD AGREEMENT

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted a Stock Bonus Award (“ Stock Bonus Award ”) by Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”), subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Stock Bonus Award (the “ Notice ”) and this Agreement.

1. Issuance . Your Stock Bonus Award shall be issued in Shares, and the Company’s transfer agent shall record ownership of such Shares in your name as soon as reasonably practicable.

2. Stockholder Rights . You shall have no right to dividends or to vote Shares until you are recorded as the holder of such Shares on the stock records of the Company and its transfer agent.

3. No-Transfer . Unvested Shares subject to your Stock Bonus Award shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of by you or any person whose interest derives from your interest. “ Unvested Shares ” are Shares that have not yet vested pursuant to the terms of the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice.

4. Termination . Upon your termination of Service for any reason, all Unvested Shares shall immediately be forfeited to the Company, and all of your rights to such Unvested Shares shall immediately terminate as of your termination date. In case of any dispute as to whether a termination of Service has occurred, the Committee shall have sole discretion to determine whether such termination has occurred and the effective date of such termination.

5. Tax Consequences . YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE ACQUIRING THE SHARES IN THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH HE OR SHE IS SUBJECT TO TAX. Shares shall not be issued under this Agreement unless you arrangements acceptable to the Company to pay any withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the acquisition or vesting of Shares.

6. Withholding Taxes . Regardless of any action the Company or your employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or your Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Shares received under this award, including the award or vesting of such Shares, the subsequent sale of Shares under this award and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to structure the terms of the award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

No stock certificates will be released to you unless you have paid or made adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or your Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be released when they vest, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize such sales by this authorization), (c) your payment of a cash amount, or (d) any other arrangement approved by the Company; all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in

 

84


accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from alternatives (a)-(d) above, and the Committee shall establish the method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

7. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the Stock Bonus Award is granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and by the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accepts the Stock Bonus Award subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan, this Agreement and the Notice.

8. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

9. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer.

10. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.

10. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without cause.

11. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By acceptance of this Stock Bonus Award, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Stock Bonus Award. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other

 

85


delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

12. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . The Stock Bonus Award shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, Employees, Directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancellation of your Stock Bonus Award (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your Stock Bonus Award.

BY ACCEPTING THE STOCK BONUS AWARD, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

86


NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

GRANT NUMBER:

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Restricted Stock Award (the “ Notice ”) and the attached Restricted Stock Agreement (the “ Restricted Stock Agreement ”). You (“ you ”) have been granted the opportunity to purchase Shares of Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) that are subject to restrictions (the “ Restricted Shares ”) and the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Restricted Stock Agreement.

 

Name:                                                                                                                                                           
Address:                                                                                                                                                           
Total Number of Restricted Shares Awarded:                                                                                                                                          
Fair Market Value per Restricted Share:    $   

 

Total Fair Market Value of Award:    $   

 

Purchase Price per Restricted Share:    $   

 

Total Purchase Price for all Restricted Shares:    $   

 

Date of Grant:      
Vesting Commencement Date:    [March 15, June 15, September 15 or December 15]
Vesting Schedule:    Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Restricted Stock Agreement, 25% of the total number of Restricted Shares will vest on the 12 month anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date and 12.5% of the total number of Restricted Shares will vest on each six month anniversary thereafter so long as your Service continues.
Additional Terms:    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference. No document need be attached as Attachment 1 if the box is not checked.
     

You acknowledge that the vesting of the Restricted Shares pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant of the Company. By accepting the Restricted Shares, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement. If the Restricted Stock Agreement is not executed by you within thirty (30) days of the Date of Grant above, then this grant shall be void.

 

PARTICIPANT:     NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
Signature  

 

    By:                                                                                                           
Please Print Name  

 

    Its:                                                                                                           

 

87


Attachment 1 to Notice of Restricted Stock Award

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name:                                 

Number of Restricted Shares:                                 

Date of Grant:                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the Restricted Shares described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Restricted Stock Award to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

RESTRICTED SHARES NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the Restricted Shares are not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the Plan), the Restricted Shares shall fully accelerate as to all Restricted Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Award.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. Following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of Restricted Shares shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination (as defined in the Plan) within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of Restricted Shares shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the Restricted Shares that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                            
Title:                                                                                            

 

88


RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of , 20 by and between Nimble Storage, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and (“ Participant ”) pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same meanings in this Agreement.

1. Sale of Stock . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Purchase Date (as defined below) the Company will issue and sell to Participant, and Participant agrees to purchase from the Company, the number of Shares shown on the Notice of Restricted Stock Award (the “ Notice ”) at a purchase price of $ per Share. The term “Shares” refers to the purchased Shares and all securities received in replacement of or in connection with the Shares pursuant to stock dividends or splits, all securities received in replacement of the Shares in a recapitalization, merger, reorganization, exchange or the like, and all new, substituted or additional securities or other properties to which Participant is entitled by reason of Participant’s ownership of the Shares.

2. Time and Place of Purchase . The purchase and sale of the Shares under this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement by the parties, or on such other date as the Company and Participant shall agree (the “ Purchase Date ”). On the Purchase Date, the Company will issue a stock certificate registered in Participant’s name, or uncertificated shares designated for the Participant in book entry form on the records of the Company’s transfer agent, representing the Shares to be purchased by Participant against payment of the purchase price therefor by Participant by (a) check made payable to the Company, (b) cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to Participant, (c) Participant’s personal Services that the Committee has determined have already been rendered to the Company and have a value not less than aggregate par value of the Shares to be issued Participant, or (d) a combination of the foregoing.

3. Restrictions on Resale . By signing this Agreement, Participant agrees not to sell any Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan and this Agreement at a time when applicable laws, regulations or Company or underwriter trading policies prohibit exercise or sale. This restriction will apply as long as Participant is providing Service to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.

3.1 Repurchase Right on Termination Other Than for Cause . For the purposes of this Agreement, a “ Repurchase Event ” shall mean an occurrence of one of the following:

(i) termination of Participant’s Service, whether voluntary or involuntary and with or without cause;

(ii) resignation, retirement or death of Participant; or

(iii) any attempted transfer by Participant of the Shares, or any interest therein, in violation of this Agreement.

Upon the occurrence of a Repurchase Event, the Company shall have the right (but not an obligation) to purchase the Shares of Participant at a price equal to the Purchase Price per Share (the “ Repurchase Right ”). The Repurchase Right shall lapse in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice of Restricted Stock Award. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Unvested Shares ” means Stock pursuant to which the Company’s Repurchase Right has not lapsed.

 

89


3.2 Exercise of Repurchase Right . Unless the Company provides written notice to Participant within 90 days from the date of termination of Participant’s Service to the Company that the Company does not intend to exercise its Repurchase Right with respect to some or all of the Unvested Shares, the Repurchase Right shall be deemed automatically exercised by the Company as of the 90th day following such termination, provided that the Company may notify Participant that it is exercising its Repurchase Right as of a date prior to such 90th day. Unless Participant is otherwise notified by the Company pursuant to the preceding sentence that the Company does not intend to exercise its Repurchase Right as to some or all of the Unvested Shares, execution of this Agreement by Participant constitutes written notice to Participant of the Company’s intention to exercise its Repurchase Right with respect to all Unvested Shares to which such Repurchase Right applies at the time of Participant’s termination of Service. The Company, at its choice, may satisfy its payment obligation to Participant with respect to exercise of the Repurchase Right by either (A) delivering a check to Participant in the amount of the purchase price for the Unvested Shares being repurchased, or (B) in the event Participant is indebted to the Company, canceling an amount of such indebtedness equal to the purchase price for the Unvested Shares being repurchased, or (C) by a combination of (A) and (B) so that the combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals such purchase price. In the event of any deemed automatic exercise of the Repurchase Right by canceling an amount of such indebtedness equal to the purchase price for the Unvested Shares being repurchased, such cancellation of indebtedness shall be deemed automatically to occur as of the 90th day following termination of Participant’s Service unless the Company otherwise satisfies its payment obligations. As a result of any repurchase of Unvested Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Right, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Unvested Shares being repurchased and shall have all rights and interest therein or related thereto, and the Company shall have the right to transfer to its own name the number of Unvested Shares being repurchased by the Company, without further action by Participant.

3.3 Acceptance of Restrictions . Acceptance of the Shares shall constitute Participant’s agreement to such restrictions and the legending of his or her certificates or the notation in the Company’s direct registration system for stock issuance and transfer of such restrictions and accompanying legends set forth in Section 4.1 with respect thereto. Notwithstanding such restrictions, however, so long as Participant is the holder of the Shares, or any portion thereof, he or she shall be entitled to receive all dividends declared on and to vote the Shares and to all other rights of a stockholder with respect thereto.

3.4 Non-Transferability of Unvested Shares . In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws or any other agreement between the Company and Participant, Participant may not transfer any Unvested Shares, or any interest therein, unless consented to in writing by a duly authorized representative of the Company. Any purported transfer is void and of no effect, and no purported transferee thereof will be recognized as a holder of the Unvested Shares for any purpose whatsoever. Should such a transfer purport to occur, the Company may refuse to carry out the transfer on its books, set aside the transfer, or exercise any other legal or equitable remedy. In the event the Company consents to a transfer of Unvested Shares, all transferees of Shares or any interest therein will receive and hold such Shares or interest subject to the provisions of this Agreement, including, insofar as applicable, the Repurchase Right. In the event of any purchase by the Company hereunder where the Shares or interest are held by a transferee, the transferee shall be obligated, if requested by the Company, to transfer the Shares or interest to the Participant for consideration equal to the amount to be paid by the Company hereunder. In the event the Repurchase Right is deemed exercised by the Company, the Company may deem any transferee to have transferred the Shares or interest to Participant prior to their purchase by the Company, and payment of the purchase price by the Company to such transferee shall be deemed to satisfy Participant’s obligation to pay such transferee for such Shares or interest, and also to satisfy the Company’s obligation to pay Participant for such Shares or interest.

 

90


3.5 Assignment . The Repurchase Right may be assigned by the Company in whole or in part to any persons or organization.

4. Stop Transfer Orders .

4.1 Stop-Transfer Notices . Participant agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.

4.2 Refusal to Transfer . The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as the owner or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

5. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate Participant s Service, for any reason, with or without cause.

6. Miscellaneous .

6.1 Acknowledgement . The Company and Participant agree that the Restricted Shares are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and by the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). Participant: (i) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accepts the Restricted Shares subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice.

6.2 Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

6.3 Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and Participant with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.

6.4 Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this

 

91


Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.

6.5 Construction . This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.

6.6 Notices . Any notice to be given under the terms of the Plan shall be addressed to the Company in care of its principal office, and any notice to be given to the Participant shall be addressed to such Participant at the address maintained by the Company for such person or at such other address as the Participant may specify in writing to the Company.

6.7 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall he deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

6.8 U.S. Tax Consequences . Unless an Election (defined below) is made, upon vesting of Shares, Participant will include in taxable income the difference between the fair market value of the vesting Shares, as determined on the date of their vesting, and the price paid for the Shares. This will be treated as ordinary income by Participant and will be subject to withholding by the Company when required by applicable law. In the absence of an Election, the Company shall satisfy the withholding requirements as set forth in Section 7 below. If Participant makes an Election, then Participant must, prior to making the Election, pay in cash (or check) to the Company an amount equal to the amount the Company is required to withhold for income and employment taxes.

7. Withholding Taxes . Regardless of any action the Company or your employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Shares received under this award, including the award or vesting of such Shares, the subsequent sale of Shares under this award and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to structure the terms of the award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

No stock certificates will be released to you unless you have paid or made adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or your Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be released from the Repurchase Right when they vest, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a

 

92


voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize such sales by this authorization), (c) your payment of a cash amount, or (d) any other arrangement approved by the Company; all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from alternatives (a)-(d) above, and the Committee shall establish the method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

8. Section 83(b) Election . Participant hereby acknowledges that he or she has been informed that, with respect to the purchase of the Shares, an election may be filed by the Participant with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days of the purchase of the Shares, electing pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed currently on any difference between the purchase price of the Shares and their Fair Market Value on the date of purchase (the “ Election ”). Making the Election will result in recognition of taxable income to the Participant on the date of purchase, measured by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares over the purchase price for the Shares. Absent such an Election, taxable income will be measured and recognized by Participant at the time or times on which the Company’s Repurchase Right lapses. Participant is strongly encouraged to seek the advice of his or her own tax consultants in connection with the purchase of the Shares and the advisability of filing of the Election. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS SOLELY PARTICIPANT’S RESPONSIBILITY, AND NOT THE COMPANY’S RESPONSIBILITY, TO TIMELY FILE THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b) OF THE CODE, EVEN IF PARTICIPANT REQUESTS THE COMPANY, OR ITS REPRESENTATIVE, TO MAKE THIS FILING ON PARTICIPANT’S BEHALF.

9. Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By acceptance of this Restricted Stock Award, Participant consents to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Restricted Stock Award. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. Participant acknowledges that Participant may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if Participant contacts the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Participant further acknowledges that Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, Participant understands that Participant must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, Participant understands that Participant’s consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, Participant understands that Participant is not required to consent to electronic delivery.

 

93


10. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . The Shares shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, Employees, Directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancellation of Participant’s Shares (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Participant’s Shares.

The parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:  

 

Its:  

 

RECIPIENT:  
Signature  

 

Please Print Name  

 

 

94


RECEIPT

Nimble Storage, Inc. hereby acknowledges receipt of (check as applicable):

 

A check in the amount of $         

 

The cancellation of indebtedness in the amount of $         

given by as consideration for the book entry in the Participant’s name or Certificate No. - for shares of Common Stock of Nimble Storage, Inc.

Dated:                                                      

 

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC .
By:                                                                                     
Its:                                                                                     

 

95


RECEIPT AND CONSENT

The undersigned Participant hereby acknowledges the book entry in the Participant’s name or receipt of a photocopy of Certificate No. - for shares of Common Stock of Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”).

The undersigned further acknowledges that the Secretary of the Company, or his or her designee, is acting as escrow holder pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreement that Participant has previously entered into with the Company. As escrow holder, the Secretary of the Company, or his or her designee, holds the original of the aforementioned certificate issued in the undersigned’s name. To facilitate any transfer of Shares to the Company pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreement, Participant has executed the attached Assignment Separate from Certificate.

Dated:             ,   20  

 

Signature                                                              
Please Print Name                                              

 

96


STOCK POWER AND ASSIGNMENT

SEPARATE FROM STOCK CERTIFICATE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of , , [ COMPLETE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE ] (the “ Agreement ”), the undersigned Participant hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto , shares of the Common Stock of Nimble Storage, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), standing in the undersigned’s name on the books of the Company represented hereby by book entry or by Certificate No(s). [ COMPLETE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE ] delivered herewith, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the Secretary of the Company as the undersigned’s attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to transfer said stock on the books of the Company. THIS ASSIGNMENT MAY ONLY BE USED AS AUTHORIZED BY THE AGREEMENT AND ANY EXHIBITS THERETO.

Dated:                     ,

 

PARTICIPANT

 

(Signature)

 

(Please Print Name)

Instructions to Participant : Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of this document is to enable the Company and/or its assignee(s) to acquire the shares upon exercise of its “Repurchase Right” set forth in the Agreement without requiring additional action by the Participant.

 

97


NOTICE OF PERFORMANCE SHARES AWARD

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

GRANT NUMBER:

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”) 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Performance Shares Award (the “ Notice ”) and the attached Performance Shares Award Agreement (the “Performance Shares Agreement ). You (the “ you ”) have been granted an award of Performance Shares (the “ Performance Shares Award ”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Performance Shares Agreement.

 

Name:   

 

Address:   

 

Number of Shares:                                                                                                                  
Grant Number:                                                                                                                  
Date of Grant:                                                                                                                  
Vesting Commencement Date:    [March 15, June 15, September 15 or December 15]
Vesting Schedule:    Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Performance Shares Agreement, the Shares will vest in accordance with the following schedule: [INSERT VESTING SCHEDULE]
Additional Terms:    ☒  If this box is checked, the additional terms and conditions set forth on Attachment 1 hereto (as executed by the Company) are applicable and are incorporated herein by reference. No document need be attached as Attachment 1 if the box is not checked.

You acknowledge that the vesting of the Performance Shares Award pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service as an Employee, Director or Consultant of the Company. By accepting the Performance Shares Award, you consent to electronic delivery as set forth in the Performance Shares Agreement.

 

PARTICIPANT       NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
Print Name:   

 

      Its:                                                                                                         
Signature:   

 

      By:                                                                                                         

 

98


Attachment 1 to Notice of Performance Shares Award

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Additional Terms and Conditions to Notice

Name:                                 

Number of Shares:                                 

Date of Grant:                     

The following terms and conditions apply to the Shares described above and granted pursuant to the Notice of Performance Shares Award to which this Attachment 1 is attached:

SHARES NOT ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE TRANSACTION

1. If the Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award are not assumed, converted, replaced or substituted by a successor or acquiring corporation (if any) in connection with a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the Plan), the Shares shall fully accelerate as to all Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award.

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOLLOWING A CORPORATE TRANSACTION

2. Following a Corporate Transaction, (a) 50% of the total number of Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination (as defined in the Plan) within twelve (12) months after the Corporate Transaction; and (b) 25% of the total number of Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award shall become vested if you are subject to an Involuntary Termination during the period beginning on the first date following the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction and ending on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Corporate Transaction; it being understood that the vesting acceleration set forth in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) is in addition to vesting of the Performance Shares Award that has occurred prior to the Involuntary Termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Nimble Storage, Inc. has caused this Attachment to be executed by its duly-authorized officer as of the Date of Grant.

 

 

FOR NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.
By:                                                                                          
Title:                                                                                          

 

99


PERFORMANCE SHARES AGREEMENT

NIMBLE STORAGE, INC.

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

You have been granted a Performance Shares Award (“ Performance Shares Award ”) by Nimble Storage, Inc. (the “ Company ”), subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Performance Shares Award (“ Notice ”) and this Agreement.

1. Settlement . Your Performance Shares Award shall be settled in Shares and the Company’s transfer agent shall record ownership of such Shares in your name as soon as reasonably practicable after achievement of the Performance Factors enumerated in the Notice.

2. Stockholder Rights . You shall have no right to dividends or to vote Shares until you are recorded as the holder of such Shares on the stock records of the Company and its transfer agent.

3. No-Transfer . Your interest in this Performance Shares Award shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of.

4. Termination . Upon your termination of Service for any reason, all of your rights under the Plan, this Agreement and the Notice in respect of this Award shall immediately terminate. In case of any dispute as to whether a termination of Service has occurred, the Committee shall have sole discretion to determine whether such termination has occurred and the effective date of such termination.

5. Tax Consequences . YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE ACQUIRING THE SHARES IN THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH HE OR SHE IS SUBJECT TO TAX. Shares shall not be issued under this Agreement unless you arrangements acceptable to the Company to pay any withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the acquisition or vesting of Shares.

6. Withholding Taxes . Regardless of any action the Company or your employer (the “ Employer ”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related withholding (“ Tax-Related Items ”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items legally due by you is and remains your responsibility and that the Company and/or your Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Shares received under this award, including the award or vesting of such Shares, the subsequent sale of Shares under this award and the receipt of any dividends; and (2) do not commit to structure the terms of the award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items.

No stock certificates will be released to you unless you have paid or made adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all withholding and payment on account obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items legally payable by you from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or your Employer. With the Company’s consent, these arrangements may also include, if permissible under local law, (a) withholding Shares that otherwise would be issued to you when they vest, provided that the Company only withholds the amount of Shares necessary to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding amount, (b) having the Company withhold taxes from the proceeds of the sale of the Shares, either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize such sales by this authorization), (c) your payment of a cash amount, or (d) any other arrangement approved by the Company; all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish the method of withholding from

 

100


alternatives (a)-(d) above, and the Committee shall establish the method prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event. The Fair Market Value of these Shares, determined as of the effective date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied as a credit against the withholding taxes. You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your purchase of Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.

7. Acknowledgement . The Company and you agree that the Performance Shares Award is granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and by the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions, and (iii) hereby accept the Performance Shares Award subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan, this Agreement and the Notice.

8. Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights . This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

9. Compliance with Laws and Regulations . The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and Participant with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer.

10. Governing Law; Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.

10. No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant . Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, to terminate Purchaser s Service, for any reason, with or without cause.

11 . Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures . By acceptance of this Performance Shares Award, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Performance Shares Award. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via

 

101


e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.

12. Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment . The Performance Shares Award shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service with the Company that is applicable to executive officers, Employees, Directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law may require the cancellation of your Performance Shares Award (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your Performance Shares Award.

BY ACCEPTING THE PERFORMANCE SHARES AWARD, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.

 

102

Exhibit 5.1

April 17, 2017

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company

3000 Hanover Street

Palo Alto, CA 94304

 

  Re: An aggregate of 11,432,893 Shares of Common Stock of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company offered pursuant to the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, and the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan , as amended and restated

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have examined the proceedings taken and the instruments executed in connection with the reservation for issuance and authorization of the sale and issuance from time to time of not in excess of an aggregate of 11,432,893 shares (the “Shares”) of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company pursuant to the terms of the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”) and the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “2013 Plan” and together with the 2008 Plan, the “Plans”). The Shares are the subject of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), which is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to which this opinion is to be attached as an exhibit.

Upon the basis of such examination, I am of the opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Plans and against payment therefor, and when the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

You are further advised that I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

(Signature page follows)


    Very truly yours,
By:  

/s/ Rishi Varma

  Name:   Rishi Varma
  Title:   Senior Vice President, Deputy
    General Counsel and Assistant Secretary

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company pertaining to the Nimble Storage, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, and Nimble Storage, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, of our reports dated December 15, 2016, with respect to the combined and consolidated financial statements of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended October 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Jose, California

April 12, 2017