UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) March 30, 2017

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   001-35898   27-4749725
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

96 Morton Street, 9 th Floor, New York, New York   10014
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (212) 261-9000

 

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230 .425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

On March 30, 2017, the compensation committee (or, with respect to certain performance-based compensation opportunities, a subcommittee thereof (the “Subcommittee”) pursuant to delegated authority) of the board of directors of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) approved, (i) the terms of an employee incentive plan (the “EIP”) that will govern annual bonus opportunities for our key employees, including our named executive officers for 2017, and (ii) awards of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”) to key employees, including our named executive officers, pursuant to our 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2015 LTIP”), each as described in more detail below.

 

Employee Incentive Plan

 

The EIP is adopted under the 2015 LTIP to govern annual cash incentive award opportunities for our executive officers and other key employees.  Target award levels under the EIP are based on a percentage of each participant’s base salary and cash incentive awards are earned based on performance against metrics, which, for 2017, will be based on the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA, Net Yield and Guest Satisfaction.  For 2017, target award levels for our named executive officers were set at the following maximum levels (as a percentage of base salary) by the Subcommittee, subject to reduction (but not increase) by the compensation committee: Mr. Lindblad: 75%; Mr. Felenstein: 75%; Mr. Rogers: 75%; Mr. Auerbach: 75%; and Mr. Byus: 75%.  For 2017, awards may be earned at a level of up to 150% of the target level if maximum performance goals are achieved.  Final payouts for 2017 will be determined by the compensation committee or the Subcommittee in early 2018 and will be subject to such adjustments as the committee or Subcommittee may determine, subject to applicable limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).

 

RSUs

 

The RSUs are time vesting equity incentive awards that will vest in three equal annual installments following the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued employment or service with the Company or its subsidiaries on the applicable vesting date.  Upon vesting, each RSU represent the right to receive one share of our common stock or an equivalent amount of cash.  Each RSU is granted in tandem with a dividend equivalent right, which is subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying RSU to which it relates.  For 2017, RSU awards were granted in the following amounts to our named executive officers, with the number of shares determined based upon the closing price of our common stock on March 31, 2017: Mr. Lindblad: $375,000; Mr. Felenstein: $200,000; Mr. Rogers: $250,000; Mr. Auerbach: $200,000; and Mr. Byus: $137,500.

 

PSUs

 

The PSUs are performance-vesting equity incentive awards that will be earned based on the Company’s performance against metrics relating to annual Adjusted EBITDA, annual revenue, and guest satisfaction.  Awards will vest after a three year performance period and may be earned a level ranging from 0%-200% of the number of shares granted, depending on performance.  Each PSU is granted in tandem with a dividend equivalent right, which is subject to the same performance vesting terms as the underlying PSU to which it relates.  For 2017, PSU awards were granted in the following amounts to our named executive officers, with the number of shares determined based upon the closing price of our common stock on March 31, 2017: Mr. Lindblad: $375,000; Mr. Felenstein: $200,000; Mr. Rogers: $225,000; Mr. Auerbach: $200,000; and Mr. Byus: $137,500.

 

The foregoing descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the EIP and the forms of award agreements governing the RSUs and PSUs, each of which are attached as exhibits hereto.

 

Item 9.01(d). Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibit 10.1   Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. Employee Incentive Plan.
     
Exhibit 10.2   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
     
Exhibit 10.3   Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement.

 

  2  

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

(registrant)

     
April 3, 2017 By: /s/ Craig I. Felenstein
   

Craig I. Felenstein; Chief Financial Officer

 

 

3

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

PURPOSE:

 

The compensation strategy of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (“Company”) is to reward its managers and eligible employees in a manner that permits the Company to attract, retain and motivate outstanding individuals.

 

The Employee Incentive Plan (“EIP”) is designed under the Company’s shareholder approved 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan to compensate managers and eligible employees of the Company for achieving annual Company performance objectives. The EIP is intended to align the interests of the Company’s managers and eligible employees with the objectives and goals of the Company and its shareholders.

 

ELIGIBILITY:

 

Executive officers and other employees of the Company, as approved by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or his or her delegate(s) (in either case, the “CEO”), are eligible to participate in the EIP. Eligible positions and target incentive amounts will be reviewed and determined each year and may change from year to year. Participants will typically be full time employees of the Company in order to participate or receive payments under the EIP. A participant in the EIP will not be eligible to participate in any other annual cash incentive plan maintained by the Company.

 

TARGET INCENTIVE:

 

For each EIP participant, there will be a target incentive (“Target Incentive”) equal to an established percentage (“Target Incentive Percentage”) of each participant’s base salary (“Base Salary”). Actual payouts will be awarded upon the achievement of financial and other targets. Actual payouts (if any) may be higher or lower than the calculated Target Incentive, based on whether the Company’s performance is above or below its annual target goals for each Component and may be reduced or increased on account of individual performance or other considerations, subject to compliance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code for awards that are intended to qualify as “performance based compensation” thereunder. All awards under the EIP are granted under and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of the Company’s shareholder approved 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan as then in effect. For executive officers of the Company, the final determination of any incentive payments must be approved by the Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), except as otherwise provided herein.

 

BONUS POOL:

 

Each year, the Company plans for a 100% payout of the Target Incentive for each individual if target goals are attained. At the conclusion of the year, the Company’s management will propose to the Board a total pool of funds to be made available for payout of individual bonuses (“Bonus Pool”). The total Bonus Pool will be based upon the achievement of the Company’s ‘Adjusted EBITDA’, ‘Net Yield’ and ‘Guest Satisfaction’ targets as well as individual Target Incentive Percentages. The Company may not distribute funds in excess of the Board-approved Bonus Pool. The Target Incentive Components for 2017 are described below.

 

INCENTIVE COMPONENTS:

 

There are three Components to the EIP:

 

COMPONENT A : ADJUSTED EBITDA Weight 50%

 

A “target goal” for Company Adjusted EBITDA is established annually by the Compensation Committee. There are a range of goals both below and above the target goal that will qualify the EIP participant for an incentive award. However, an established baseline goal must be achieved before any payout for Component A can occur. Payouts for this Component can range from 0-150% based on actual Company results.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

COMPONENT B : NET YIELD Weight 25%

 

A target goal for Company Net Yield is established annually by the Compensation Committee. There are a range of goals below and above the target goal that will qualify the EIP participant for an incentive award. However, an established baseline goal must be achieved before any payout for Component B can occur. Payouts for this Component can range from 0-150% based on actual Company results.

 

COMPONENT C : GUEST SATISFACTION Weight 25%

 

A target goal for Company Guest Satisfaction is established annually by the Compensation Committee. There are a range of goals below and above the target goal that will qualify the EIP participant for an incentive award. However, an established baseline goal must be achieved before any payout for Component C can occur. Payouts for this Component can range from 0-150% based on actual Company results.

 

The components of the EIP and/or the weightings of each component may change in future years. The specific goals and payout formulas will be communicated to participants, which, for certain senior executive officers of the Company covered by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, will be during the first 90 days of the year or upon commencement of participation in the plan.

 

DETERMINATION OF AWARDS:

 

Following the end of the fiscal year, the Company’s management will submit to the Compensation Committee an evaluation of the bonus earnings of each participant in the EIP and the Compensation Committee shall make the final determination as to the amount of bonus that may be received by each executive officer of the Company and a total pool of funds to be made available for payout of bonuses to other eligible employees. When a question arises regarding extraordinary gains or losses, for example, the impact of an acquisition (which would not have been included in the target calculation), or the operation (gain or loss) of a particular division, the Compensation Committee will have sole discretion in making any adjustments to any bonus amount, subject to applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

PAYOUTS AND PRO-RATED INCENTIVE AWARDS

 

A participant must be on active payroll and a full-time employee of the Company during the year AND at the time awards are distributed in order to be eligible to receive an incentive award payout, unless otherwise determined by the Company. Prior to actual payment of a bonus award, no bonus will be earned under the EIP. A participant who is hired or promoted within the fiscal year may be entitled to receive a pro-rated incentive award based upon the hire date or time spent in each position, respectively, unless otherwise determined by the Company.

 

GENERAL:

 

Participants will be notified that they are a participant in the EIP and their participation shall continue unless the employee is terminated or transferred to other jobs not covered by the EIP. Notice of participation in the EIP shall not restrict the Company’s rights to transfer participants to other jobs or terminate their employment.

 

CODE SECTION 162(m):

 

Notwithstanding anything herein, certain senior executive Company employees may be eligible to receive awards or other compensation that is intended to qualify as “performance based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. All such awards or other compensation are subject to separate terms and conditions as may be determined by the Compensation Committee. With respect to such compensation, all Target Incentives, performance goals, final award determinations and other decisions will be made by the Compensation Committee in a manner consistent with the requirement of Code Section 162(m), unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. In addition, to the extent necessary to comply with the “performance based compensation” exception to Code Section 162(m), a separate committee or subcommittee may be formed to carry out the responsibilities of the Compensation Committee under the EIP. The provisions of this paragraph and all decisions of the Compensation Committee shall control over any conflicting provision of the EIP.

 

DISABILITY, DEATH OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

 

In the event of disability, death or special circumstances affecting a participant, the Company may, but has no obligation to, approve partial or pro-rated awards.

 

ADMINISTRATION:

 

The Company reserves the right to change or cancel the EIP at any time. In addition, all exceptions or modifications to the EIP must be approved by the Company’s CEO or, with respect to the executive leadership team, the Compensation Committee and subject to the provisions above relating to Code Section 162(m). The Company, through its Board or its delegate(s) shall have all powers and discretion necessary or appropriate to administer the EIP and to control its operation. All determinations and decisions made by the Company shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons, and shall be given the maximum deference permitted by law.

 

DISCLAIMER:

 

The Company is an “at will” employer and participation in the EIP is not to be construed in any way as an employment contract or agreement and does not in any way guarantee continued employment.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

2015 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

 

RESTRICTED STOCK Unit Grant Notice

 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) have the meanings given to them in the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “ Plan ”) of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (the “ Company ”).

 

The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“ Participant ”) the Restricted Stock Units described in this Grant Notice (the “ RSUs ”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement attached as Exhibit A (the “ Agreement ”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.

 

Participant:  
Grant Date:  
Number of RSUs:  
Vesting Commencement Date:  
Vesting Schedule: Subject to the terms of the Agreement, the RSUs will vest in three substantially equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the vesting commencement date set forth above (the “ Vesting Commencement Date ”), such that the RSUs will be fully vested on the third anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date.

 

By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan and the Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.   PARTICIPANT
     
By:                           
Name:     [Participant Name]
Title:      

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.

 

Article I.
general

 

1.1           Award of RSUs and Dividend Equivalents .

 

(a)          The Company has granted the RSUs to Participant effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “ Grant Date ”). Each RSU represents the right to receive one Share or, at the option of the Company, an amount of cash, in either case, as set forth in this Agreement. Participant will have no right to the distribution of any Shares or payment of any cash until the time (if ever) the RSUs have vested.

 

(b)          The Company hereby grants to Participant, with respect to each RSU, a Dividend Equivalent for ordinary cash dividends paid to substantially all holders of outstanding Shares with a record date after the Grant Date and prior to the date the applicable RSU is settled, forfeited or otherwise expires. Each Dividend Equivalent entitles Participant to receive the equivalent value of any such ordinary cash dividends paid on a single Share. The Company will establish a separate Dividend Equivalent bookkeeping account (a “ Dividend Equivalent Account ”) for each Dividend Equivalent and credit the Dividend Equivalent Account (without interest) on the applicable dividend payment date with the amount of any such cash paid.

 

1.2           Incorporation of Terms of Plan . The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.

 

1.3           Unsecured Promise . The RSUs and Dividend Equivalents will at all times prior to settlement represent an unsecured Company obligation payable only from the Company’s general assets.

 

Article II.
VESTING; forfeiture AND SETTLEMENT

 

2.1           Vesting; Forfeiture . The RSUs will vest according to the vesting schedule in the Grant Notice except that any fraction of an RSU that would otherwise be vested will be accumulated and will vest only when a whole RSU has accumulated. In the event of Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason, all unvested RSUs will immediately and automatically be cancelled and forfeited, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided in a binding written agreement between Participant and the Company. Dividend Equivalents (including any Dividend Equivalent Account balance) will vest or be forfeited, as applicable, upon the vesting or forfeiture of the RSU with respect to which the Dividend Equivalent (including the Dividend Equivalent Account) relates.

 

2.2           Settlement .

 

(a)          RSUs and Dividend Equivalents (including any Dividend Equivalent Account balance) will be paid in Shares or cash at the Company’s option as soon as administratively practicable after the vesting of the applicable RSU, but in no event more than sixty (60) days after the RSU’s vesting date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may delay any payment under this Agreement that the Company reasonably determines would violate Applicable Law until the earliest date the Company reasonably determines the making of the payment will not cause such a violation (in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(7)(ii)), provided the Company reasonably believes the delay will not result in the imposition of excise taxes under Section 409A.

 

 

 

 

(b)          If an RSU is paid in cash, the amount of cash paid with respect to the RSU will equal the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day immediately preceding the payment date. If a Dividend Equivalent is paid in Shares, the number of Shares paid with respect to the Dividend Equivalent will equal the quotient, rounded down to the nearest whole Share, of the Dividend Equivalent Account balance divided by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day immediately preceding the payment date.

 

Article III.
TAXATION AND TAX WITHHOLDING

 

3.1           Representation . Participant represents to the Company that Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the tax consequences of this Award and the transactions contemplated by the Grant Notice and this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.

 

3.2           Tax Withholding .

 

(a)          The Company has the right and option, but not the obligation, to treat Participant’s failure to provide timely payment in accordance with the Plan of any withholding tax arising in connection with the RSUs or Dividend Equivalents as Participant’s election to satisfy all or any portion of the withholding tax by requesting the Company retain Shares otherwise issuable under the Award.

 

(b)          Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the RSUs and the Dividend Equivalents, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with the RSUs or Dividend Equivalents. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or payment of the RSUs or the Dividend Equivalents or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the RSUs or Dividend Equivalents to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax liability.

 

Article IV.
other provisions

 

4.1           Adjustments . Participant acknowledges that the RSUs, the Shares subject to the RSUs and the Dividend Equivalents are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.

 

4.2           Notices . Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address or facsimile number. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant at Participant’s last known mailing address, email address or facsimile number in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given when actually received, when sent by email, when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company or upon receipt of a facsimile transmission confirmation.

 

  A- 2  
 

 

4.3           Titles . Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

 

4.4           Conformity to Securities Laws . Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws.

 

4.5           Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

4.6           Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement, the RSUs and the Dividend Equivalents will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

4.7           Entire Agreement . The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

4.8           Agreement Severable . In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

4.9           Limitation on Participant’s Rights . Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the RSUs and Dividend Equivalents, and rights no greater than the right to receive cash or the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the RSUs and Dividend Equivalents, as and when settled pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

4.10         Not a Contract of Employment . Nothing in the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement confers upon Participant any right to continue in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary or interferes with or restricts in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

4.11         Counterparts . The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.

 

* * * * *

 

 

A-3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

2015 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

 

PERFORMANCE SHARE Unit Grant Notice

 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Performance Share Unit Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) have the meanings given to them in the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “ Plan ”) of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (the “ Company ”).

 

The Company has granted to the participant listed below (“ Participant ”) the Target Number of Performance Share Units described in this Grant Notice (the “ PSUs ”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Performance Share Unit Agreement attached as Exhibit A (the “ Agreement ”), both of which are incorporated into this Grant Notice by reference.

 

Participant:  
Grant Date:  
Performance Period:  
Target Number of PSUs:  

 

By Participant’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of this Grant Notice, the Plan and the Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Agreement.

 

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS HOLDINGS, INC.   PARTICIPANT
     
By:                                 
Name:     [Participant Name]
Title:      

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT

 

Capitalized terms not specifically defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified in the Grant Notice or, if not defined in the Grant Notice, in the Plan.

 

Article I.
general

 

1.1            Award of PSUs and Dividend Equivalents .

 

(a)                The Company has granted the PSUs to Participant effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “ Grant Date ”). Each PSU represents the right to receive one Share or, at the option of the Company, an amount of cash, in either case, as set forth in this Agreement. Participant will have no right to the distribution of any Shares or payment of any cash until the time (if ever) the PSUs have vested.

 

(b)               The Company hereby grants to Participant, with respect to each PSU, a Dividend Equivalent for ordinary cash dividends paid to substantially all holders of outstanding Shares with a record date after the Grant Date and prior to the date the applicable PSU is settled, forfeited or otherwise expires. Each Dividend Equivalent entitles Participant to receive the equivalent value of any such ordinary cash dividends paid on a single Share. The Company will establish a separate Dividend Equivalent bookkeeping account (a “ Dividend Equivalent Account ”) for each Dividend Equivalent and credit the Dividend Equivalent Account (without interest) on the applicable dividend payment date with the amount of any such cash paid.

 

1.2            Incorporation of Terms of Plan . The PSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan will control.

 

1.3            Unsecured Promise . The PSUs and Dividend Equivalents will at all times prior to settlement represent an unsecured Company obligation payable only from the Company’s general assets.

 

 

 

 

Article II.
VESTING; forfeiture AND SETTLEMENT

 

2.1            Vesting; Forfeiture .

 

(a)                Generally. The PSUs will be earned at a level of up to 200% based upon and subject to the Company’s achievement for the Performance Period identified in the Grant Notice (the “ Performance Period ”) of the performance conditions separately communicated to Participant (the “ Performance Conditions ”). When practicable following the completion of the Performance Period, the Administrator shall determine the extent to which the Performance Conditions have been satisfied (such date of determination, which shall occur in the calendar year following the last year of the Performance Period, the “ Final Determination Date ”). To the extent earned under the terms of the Performance Conditions, the PSUs will vest on the Final Determination Date, subject to this Section 2.1. Any fraction of a PSU that would otherwise be vested will be rounded up to the next whole share. Any PSUs that are not earned in accordance with the Performance Conditions will immediately and automatically be cancelled and forfeited without consideration as of the Final Determination Date. In addition, in the event of (i) Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason prior to January 1 of the year following the last year of the Performance Period, or (ii) Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company or its applicable Subsidiary for Cause or the Participant’s voluntary resignation (other than on account of Participant’s Disability) prior to the Final Determination Date, all PSUs not yet vested will immediately and automatically be cancelled and forfeited without consideration, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or as provided in a separate binding written agreement between Participant and the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event the Participant dies, is terminated by the Company or its applicable Subsidiary without Cause or terminates on account of Participant’s Disability, in any case after January 1 of the year following the last year of the Performance Period and prior to the Final Determination Date, the Participant will remain entitled to receive payment in respect of the PSUs in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Dividend Equivalents (including any Dividend Equivalent Account balance) will vest or be forfeited, as applicable, upon the vesting or forfeiture of the PSU with respect to which the Dividend Equivalent (including the Dividend Equivalent Account) relates. As used in this Agreement, “ Cause ” means (i) if Participant is a party to a written employment or consulting agreement with the Company or its Subsidiary in which the term “cause” is defined (a “ Relevant Agreement ”), “Cause” as defined in the Relevant Agreement, and (ii) if no Relevant Agreement exists, (A) the Administrator’s determination that Participant failed to substantially perform Participant’s duties (other than a failure resulting from Participant’s Disability); (B) the Administrator’s determination that Participant failed to carry out, or comply with any lawful and reasonable directive of the Board or Participant’s immediate supervisor; (C) Participant’s conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any felony or indictable offense or crime involving moral turpitude; (D) Participant’s unlawful use (including being under the influence) or possession of illegal drugs on the premises of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or while performing Participant’s duties and responsibilities for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (E) Participant’s commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, misconduct, or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

(b)               Change in Control. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event a Change in Control occurs before the end of the Performance Period, the number of PSUs earned pursuant to this Agreement will be determined by the Administrator as of the date of the Change in Control (with the Performance Conditions adjusted, as applicable, to the extent necessary to measure performance over such shorter period). Following the date of the Change in Control, such PSUs that are deemed earned will vest (a) on January 1 of the year following the last year of the Performance Period, subject to Participant not incurring a Termination of Service prior to that date, or (b) as set forth in any employment agreement that may be in effect between the Company (or any Subsidiary) and Participant, and, in either case, will be settled promptly thereafter in accordance with Section 2.2.

 

2.2            Settlement of PSUs .

 

(a)               PSUs and Dividend Equivalents (including any Dividend Equivalent Account balance) will be paid in Shares or cash at the Company’s option as soon as administratively practicable after (and not later than 60 days after) the Final Determination Date, but in no event later than 30 days after the issuance of annual earnings results for the last year of the Performance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may delay any payment under this Agreement that the Company reasonably determines would violate Applicable Law until the earliest date the Company reasonably determines the making of the payment will not cause such a violation (in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(7)(ii)), provided the Company reasonably believes the delay will not result in the imposition of excise taxes under Section 409A.

 

(b)               If a PSU is paid in cash, the amount of cash paid with respect to the PSU will equal the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day immediately preceding the payment date. If a Dividend Equivalent is paid in Shares, the number of Shares paid with respect to the Dividend Equivalent will equal the quotient, rounded down to the nearest whole Share, of the Dividend Equivalent Account balance divided by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day immediately preceding the payment date.

 

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Article III.
TAXATION AND TAX WITHHOLDING

 

3.1            Representation . Participant represents to the Company that Participant has reviewed with Participant’s own tax advisors the tax consequences of this Award and the transactions contemplated by the Grant Notice and this Agreement. Participant is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.

 

3.2            Tax Withholding .

 

(a)               The Company has the right and option, but not the obligation, to treat Participant’s failure to provide timely payment in accordance with the Plan of any withholding tax arising in connection with the PSUs or Dividend Equivalents as Participant’s election to satisfy all or any portion of the withholding tax by requesting the Company retain Shares otherwise issuable under the Award.

 

(b)               Participant acknowledges that Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the PSUs and the Dividend Equivalents, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with the PSUs or Dividend Equivalents. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or payment of the PSUs or the Dividend Equivalents or the subsequent sale of Shares. The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the PSUs or Dividend Equivalents to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax liability.

 

Article IV.
other provisions

 

4.1            Adjustments . Participant acknowledges that the PSUs, the Shares subject to the PSUs and the Dividend Equivalents are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and the Plan.

 

4.2            Notices . Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company must be in writing and addressed to the Company in care of the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s principal office or the Secretary’s then-current email address or facsimile number. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to Participant must be in writing and addressed to Participant at Participant’s last known mailing address, email address or facsimile number in the Company’s personnel files. By a notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice will be deemed duly given when actually received, when sent by email, when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited with postage prepaid in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, when delivered by a nationally recognized express shipping company or upon receipt of a facsimile transmission confirmation.

 

4.3            Titles . Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

 

4.4            Conformity to Securities Laws . Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws and, to the extent Applicable Laws permit, will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Laws.

 

4.5            Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement will inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

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4.6            Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement, the PSUs and the Dividend Equivalents will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent Applicable Laws permit, this Agreement will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

4.7            Entire Agreement . The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

4.8            Agreement Severable . In the event that any provision of the Grant Notice or this Agreement is held illegal or invalid, the provision will be severable from, and the illegality or invalidity of the provision will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

 

4.9            Limitation on Participant’s Rights . Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and may not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the PSUs and Dividend Equivalents, and rights no greater than the right to receive cash or the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the PSUs and Dividend Equivalents, as and when settled pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

4.10          Not a Contract of Employment . Nothing in the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement confers upon Participant any right to continue in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary or interferes with or restricts in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.

 

4.11          Counterparts . The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which will be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.

 

* * * * *

 

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