UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of March 2021
Commission File Number: 001-38773
CHINA SXT PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
178 Taidong Rd North, Taizhou
Jiangsu, China
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a British Virgin Islands company (the “Company”), the Company hereby furnishes the following documents:
Exhibits
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SIGNATURE
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.
CHINA SXT PHARMACEUTICAL, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Feng Zhou | |
Feng Zhou | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
Date: March 2, 2021
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Exhibit 99.1
CHINA
SXT PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
178 Taidong Road North
Taizhou, Jiangsu
People’s Republic of China
NOTICE OF 2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held at 9:30 A.M. EST on March 31, 2021
To the Shareholders of China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc.:
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board” ) of China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company” ) for use at the 2021 annual meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the “Meeting” ) and at all adjournments and postponements thereof. The Meeting will be held at 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, on March 31, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. EST, to consider and vote upon the following proposals:
1. | To elect Feng Zhou, Jun Zheng, Junsong Li, Xiaodong Ji and Wenwei Fan (the “Director Nominees” ) to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) until the next annual shareholders meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
2. | To ratify the selection of ZH CPA, LLC (“ZH CPA”) as our independent auditor to audit the financial statements for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2021; |
3. | To approve and adopt the Company’s 2021 incentive plan (the “Incentive Plan”); |
4. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” ALL OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE AND “FOR” EACH OF THE OTHER PROPOSALS.
Holders of record of the Company’s Ordinary Shares at the close of business on February 22, 2021 (the “Record Date”) will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Each share of Ordinary Shares entitles the holder thereof to one vote.
Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Even if you plan to attend this Meeting in person, it is strongly recommended that you complete the enclosed proxy card before the meeting date, to ensure that your shares will be represented at this Meeting if you are unable to attend.
A complete list of Shareholders of record entitled to vote at this Meeting will be available for ten days before this Meeting at the principal executive office of the Company for inspection by Shareholders during ordinary business hours for any purpose germane to this Meeting.
This notice and the enclosed proxy statement are first being mailed to Shareholders on or about March 3, 2021.
You are urged to review carefully the information contained in the enclosed proxy statement prior to deciding how to vote your shares.
By Order of the Board, | |
/s/ Feng Zhou | |
Feng Zhou | |
Director and Chief Executive Officer | |
March 2, 2021 |
IF YOU RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD WITHOUT AN INDICATION OF HOW YOU WISH TO VOTE, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” ALL OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE AND “FOR” EACH OF THE OTHER PROPOSALS.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Annual Shareholder Meeting to Be Held at 9:30 A.M. Eastern Standard Time on March 31, 2021
The Notice of Annual Meeting, proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 20-F for year ended March 31, 2020 are available at www.proxyvote.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notice to Shareholders
2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
to
be held on 9:30 A.M. EST on March 31, 2021
178 Taidong Road North,
Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS
Why am I receiving this proxy statement?
This proxy statement describes the proposals on which our Board would like you, as a Shareholder, to vote at the Meeting, which will take place on 9:30 A.M. EST on March 31, 2021, at 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China.
Shareholders are being asked to consider and vote upon proposals to (i) elect the Director Nominees to the Board to serve one-year terms, (ii) ratify the selection of ZH CPA as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended March 31, 2021, (iii) approve and adopt the Company’s 2021 equity incentive plan (the “Incentive Plan”); and (vi) transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
This proxy statement also gives you information on the proposals so that you can make an informed decision. You should read it carefully. Your vote is important. You are encouraged to submit your proxy card as soon as possible after carefully reviewing this proxy statement.
In this proxy statement, we refer to China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our.”
Who can vote at this Meeting?
Shareholders who owned shares of our Ordinary Shares on February 22, 2021 (the “Record Date”) may attend and vote at this Meeting. There were 15,514,398 shares of Ordinary Shares outstanding on the Record Date. All shares of Ordinary Shares shall have one vote per share.
What is the proxy card?
The card enables you to appoint Feng Zhou as your representative at this Meeting. By completing and returning the proxy card, you are authorizing these persons to vote your shares at this Meeting in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend this Meeting. Even if you plan to attend this Meeting, it is strongly recommended to complete and return your proxy card before this Meeting date just in case your plans change. If a proposal comes up for vote at this Meeting that is not on the proxy card, the proxies will vote your shares, under your proxy, according to their best judgment.
How does the Board recommend that I vote?
Our Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” each of the Director Nominees listed in proposal No. 1 and “FOR” each of proposals No. 2, 3.
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What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
Certain of our Shareholders hold their shares in an account at a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder, rather than holding share certificates in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.
Shareholder of Record/Registered Shareholders
If, on the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, TranShare Securities Transfer and Registrar, you are a “Shareholder of record” who may vote at the Meeting, and we are sending these proxy materials directly to you. As the Shareholder of record, you have the right to direct the voting of your shares by returning the enclosed proxy card to us or to vote in person at the Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted.
Beneficial Owner
If, on the Record Date, your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm or at a bank or other nominee holder, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held “in street name,” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered the Shareholder of record for purposes of voting at the Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker on how to vote your shares and to attend the Meeting. However, since you are not the Shareholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Meeting unless you receive a valid proxy from your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder. To obtain a valid proxy, you must make a special request of your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder. If you do not make this request, you can still vote by using the voting instruction card enclosed with this proxy statement; however, you will not be able to vote in person at the Meeting.
How do I vote?
If you were a Shareholder of record of the Company’s Ordinary Shares on the Record Date, you may vote in person at the Meeting or by submitting a proxy. Each share of Ordinary Shares that you own in your name entitles you to one vote, in each case, on the applicable proposals.
(1) You may submit your proxy by mail. You may submit your proxy by mail by completing, signing and dating your proxy card and returning it in the enclosed, postage-paid and addressed envelope. If we receive your proxy card prior to this Meeting and if you mark your voting instructions on the proxy card, your shares will be voted:
● | as you instruct, and | |
● | according to the best judgment of the proxies if a proposal comes up for a vote at this Meeting that is not on the proxy card. |
We encourage you to examine your proxy card closely to make sure you are voting all of your shares in the Company.
If you return a signed card, but do not provide voting instructions, your shares will be voted:
● | FOR each nominee for director; | |
● | FOR the selection of ZH CPA as our independent registered public accounting firm for year ending March 31, 2021; | |
● | FOR the approval and the adoption of the Incentive Plan; and | |
● | According to the best judgment of Mr. Zhou if a proposal comes up for a vote at the Meeting that is not on the proxy card. |
(2) You may vote in person at the Meeting. We will pass out written ballots to any Shareholder of record who wants to vote at the Meeting.
If I plan on attending the Meeting, should I return my proxy card?
Yes. Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, after carefully reading and considering the information contained in this proxy statement, please complete and sign your proxy card. Then return the proxy card in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided herewith as soon as possible so your shares may be represented at the Meeting.
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May I change my mind after I return my proxy?
Yes. You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the polls close at this Meeting. You may do this by:
● | sending a written notice to the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s executive offices stating that you would like to revoke your proxy of a particular date; | |
● | signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it to the Secretary before the polls close at this Meeting; or | |
● | attending this Meeting and voting in person. |
What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?
You may have multiple accounts at the transfer agent and/or with brokerage firms. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
What happens if I do not indicate how to vote my proxy?
Signed and dated proxies received by the Company without an indication of how the Shareholder desires to vote on a proposal will be voted in favor of each director and proposal presented to the Shareholders.
Will my shares be voted if I do not sign and return my proxy card?
If you do not sign and return your proxy card, your shares will not be voted unless you vote in person at this Meeting.
How many votes are required to elect the Director Nominees as directors of the Company?
The election of each nominee for director requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Ordinary Shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote in the election of directors at the Meeting.
How many votes are required to ratify ZH CPA as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for year ending March 31, 2021?
The proposal to ratify the appointment of ZH CPA to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended March 31, 2021, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting by the holders of shares of Ordinary Shares entitled to vote.
How may votes are required to approve, by a non-binding vote, the Company’s executive compensation?
The proposal to approve, by a non-binding vote, the Company’s executive compensation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting by the holders of shares of Ordinary Shares entitled to vote.
How many votes are required to approve, by a non-binding vote, the frequency of future Stockholder advisory votes relating to the Company’s executive compensation?
The proposal to approve, by a non-binding, vote the frequency of future Stockholder advisory votes relating to the Company’s executive compensation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting by the holders of shares of Ordinary Shares entitled to vote.
How many votes are required to approve the Charter Amendment?
The proposal to effectuate the Charter Amendment requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting by the holders of shares of Ordinary Shares entitled to vote.
Is my vote kept confidential?
Proxies, ballots and voting tabulations identifying Shareholders are kept confidential and will not be disclosed, except as may be necessary to meet legal requirements.
Where do I find the voting results of this Meeting?
We will announce voting results at this Meeting and also file a Current Report on Form 6-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) reporting the voting results.
Who can help answer my questions?
You can contact Feng Zhou at 86-010-5944 1080 or by sending a letter to the offices of the Company at 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China with any questions about proposals described in this proxy statement or how to execute your vote.
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We are furnishing this proxy statement to you, as a shareholder of China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as part of the solicitation of proxies by our Board for use at the Meeting to be held on March 31, 2021, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement is first being furnished to Shareholders on or about March 2, 2021. This proxy statement provides you with information you need to know to be able to vote or instruct your proxy how to vote at the Meeting.
Date, Time and Place of the Meeting
The Meeting will be held on 9:30 A.M. EST on March 31, 2021, at 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, or such other date, time and place to which the Meeting may be adjourned or postponed.
At the Meeting, the Company will ask Shareholders to consider and vote upon the following proposals:
1. | To elect the Director Nominees to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors until the next annual shareholders meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
2. | To ratify the selection of ZH CPA as our independent registered public accounting firm for year ending March 31, 2021; |
3. | To approve and adopt the Incentive Plan; and |
4. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
Our Board fixed the close of business on February 22, 2021, as the record date for the determination of the outstanding shares of Ordinary Shares entitled to notice of, and to vote on, the matters presented at this Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 15,514,398 shares of Ordinary Shares outstanding. Each share of Ordinary Shares entitles the holder thereof to one vote. Accordingly, a total of 15,514,398 votes may be cast at this Meeting.
A quorum of Shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present at the meeting if at least fifty percent of the Ordinary Shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting is represented in person or by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes (i.e. shares held by brokers on behalf of their customers, which may not be voted on certain matters because the brokers have not received specific voting instructions from their customers with respect to such matters) will be counted solely for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at the Meeting.
Proposal No. 1 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Ordinary Shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote in the election of directors at the Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors;
Proposal No. 2 requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote thereon. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no direct effect on the outcome of this proposal;
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Proposal No. 3 requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote thereon. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no direct effect on the outcome of this proposal;
Any proxy may be revoked by the shareholder of record giving it at any time before it is voted. A proxy may be revoked by (A) sending to our Secretary, at China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, either (i) a written notice of revocation bearing a date later than the date of such proxy or (ii) a subsequent proxy relating to the same shares, or (B) by attending this Meeting and voting in person.
If the shares are held by the broker or bank as a nominee or agent, the beneficial owners should follow the instructions provided by their broker or bank.
The cost of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this proxy statement and the accompanying form of proxy, and the cost of soliciting proxies relating to this Meeting, will be borne by the Company. If any additional solicitation of the holders of our outstanding shares of Ordinary Shares is deemed necessary, we (through our directors and officers) anticipate making such solicitation directly. The solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, telegram and personal solicitation by officers, directors and other employees of the Company, but no additional compensation will be paid to such individuals.
None of British Virgin Islands law, our Memorandum and Articles of Association or our Bylaws provides for appraisal or other similar rights for dissenting Shareholders in connection with any of the proposals to be voted upon at this Meeting. Accordingly, our Shareholders will have no right to dissent and obtain payment for their shares.
Who Can Answer Your Questions about Voting Your Shares
You can contact Feng Zhou at 86-52386298290 or by sending a letter to the offices of the Company at 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, with any questions about proposals described in this proxy statement or how to execute your vote.
The principal executive offices of our Company are located at 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China. The Company’s telephone number at such address is 86-52386298290.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The nominees listed below have been nominated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and approved by our Board to stand for election as directors of the Company. Unless such authority is withheld, proxies will be voted for the election of the persons named below, each of whom has been designated as a nominee. If, for any reason, any nominee/director becomes unavailable for election, the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee(s) as the Board may propose.
Board Qualifications and Director Nominees
We believe that the collective skills, experiences and qualifications of our directors provide our Board with the expertise and experience necessary to advance the interests of our Shareholders. While the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board does not have any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met by each of our directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee uses a variety of criteria to evaluate the qualifications and skills necessary for each member of the Board. In addition to the individual attributes of each of our current directors described below, we believe that our directors should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values, consistent with our longstanding values and standards. They should have broad experience at the policy-making level in business, exhibit commitment to enhancing Shareholder value and have sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on their past experience.
The Director Nominees recommended by the Board are as follows:
Name | Age | Current Position | ||
Feng Zhou | 28 | Director and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Jun Zheng | 43 | Director | ||
Junsong Li | 56 | Independent Director (1)(2)(3) | ||
Xiaodong Ji | 51 | Independent Director (1)(2)(3) | ||
Wenwei Fan | 50 | Independent Director (1)(2)(3) |
(1) Member of Audit Committee
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
(3) Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Information Regarding the Company’s Directors and the Nominees
Mr. Feng Zhou has been our CEO and director since July 4, 2017. He was the CEO of Taizhou Suxuantang, our VIE Entity from May 2017 to February 2018. From January 2015 to May 2017, he was the vice manager of Taizhou Suxuantang. As vice manager of Taizhou Suxuantang, he was responsible for procurement and formulating a cost effective strategy for purchasing goods and services. Mr. Zhou graduated from Logistical Engineering University of PLA and majored in Business Administration. We believe that Mr. Zhou should serve as a member of our board of directors due to the perspective and experience he brings as our founder, Chairman, and CEO, and as our largest and controlling stockholder.
Mr. Jun Zheng has been appointed as our director upon closing of our IPO on December 31, 2018. Mr. Zheng was a sales area manager at Jiangxi Bo Shi Da Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. from 1999 to 2004, and a department manager and deputy general manager at Taizhou Jiutian Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. from the 2005 to 2012. Mr. Zheng served as a general manager at Taizhou Renji Chinese Traditional Medicine Pieces Co., Ltd. from 2013 to 2015 and a general manager at Jiangsu Health Pharmaceutical Investment Management Co., Ltd. from 2016 to 2017. Currently, Mr. Zheng is a vice president at Taizhou Suxuantang. Mr. Zheng received his bachelor’s degree from Jiangnan University (Wuxi Light Industry University) in 1999.
Mr. Junsong Li has been appointed as our independent director upon closing of our IPO on December 31, 2018. Mr. Li has over 20 year-experience in the TCM industry. Mr. Li has served as the researcher of Nanjing TCM University since 2009. From 1986 to 2003, Mr. Li worked as an associate professor of Nanjing TCM Hospital. Mr. Li graduated from Nanjing TCM University with a Bachelor of Arts in TCM in 1986 and a Master’s Degree in TCM in 2002. Mr. Li obtained his PhD from Shanghai TCM University in 2006. We believe Mr. Li is well-qualified to serve as a member of the board because of his extensive prior work experience and educational background in the TCM field.
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Xiaodong Ji becomes our independent director in March 2021. Currently, Mr. Ji established Jiangsu Sutaitang E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (“Sutaitang”) in October 2019 and currently serves as the CEO of Sutaitang. He is also the deputy general manager of Jiangsu Health Pharmaceutical investment Co., Ltd. Mr. Ji has rich experience of two decades in corporation management, brand chain operation and marketing. Prior to joining us, Mr. Ji has served as CEOs of Dongfang Purple Wine, Zhengde Pharmaceutical, China Belt and Road Shopping Mall Co., Ltd. (the subsidiary of Zhong Zong Tou Group, “Shopping Mall”), respectively. Mr. Ji was responsible for the enterprise management and channel construction of Dongfang Purple Wine and Zhengde Pharmaceutical. Dongfang Purple Wine creates the fifth largest category of wine in China - Purple wine (purple wine is a fine wine made from mulberry fruit). Zhengde pharmaceutical is a brand channel enterprise controlled by Jilin Zixin Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd. which is listed on Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Mr. Ji was in charge of the strategic planning and ecological chain
Mr. Wenwei Fan has been appointed as our independent director upon closing of our IPO on December 31, 2018. Mr. Fan currently is a Partner of a Chinese Certified Public Accountant firm, Beijing Huashen Accounting Firm, where he is in charge of supervising international auditing, including auditing financial statements for Chinese subsidiaries of several multinational companies. He started his career with Shiyong Zhonghe Accounting firm, which was acquired by Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2000. Mr. Fan is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Tax Agent in China. He graduated from Jiangsu University of Finance and Economics in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree.
Proposal No. 1 will be approved if a majority of the total votes properly cast in person or by proxy at the Meeting by the holders of Ordinary Shares vote “FOR” the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the result of the vote.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote all of your shares “FOR” the election to the Board of all of the nominees described in this Proposal No. 1.
Director Independence
Our Board reviewed the materiality of any relationship that each of our directors has with us, either directly or indirectly. Based on this review, it is determined that Junsong Li, Xiaodong Ji, and Wenwei Fan are “independent directors” as defined by NASDAQ.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee. Each of the committees of the Board have the composition and responsibilities described below.
Audit Committee
Mr. Wenwei Fan, Mr. Junsong Li and Mr. Xiaodong Ji are members of our Audit Committee, where Mr. Wenwei Fan, serves as the chairman. All members of our Audit Committee satisfy the independence standards promulgated by the SEC and by NASDAQ as such standards apply specifically to members of audit committees.
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We adopted and approved a charter for the Audit Committee prior to consummation of our initial public offering. In accordance with our Audit Committee Charter, our Audit Committee shall perform several functions, including:
● | evaluates the independence and performance of, and assesses the qualifications of, our independent auditor, and engages such independent auditor; |
● | approves the plan and fees for the annual audit, quarterly reviews, tax and other audit-related services, and approves in advance any non-audit service to be provided by the independent auditor; |
● | monitors the independence of the independent auditor and the rotation of partners of the independent auditor on our engagement team as required by law; |
● | reviews the financial statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and Quarterly Reports on Form 6-K and reviews with management and the independent auditors the results of the annual audit and reviews of our quarterly financial statements; |
● | oversees all aspects our systems of internal accounting control and corporate governance functions on behalf of the board; |
● | reviews and approves in advance any proposed related-party transactions and report to the full Board on any approved transactions; and |
● | provides oversight assistance in connection with legal, ethical and risk management compliance programs established by management and the Board, including Sarbanes-Oxley Act implementation, and makes recommendations to the Board regarding corporate governance issues and policy decisions. |
It is determined that Mr. Wenwei Fan, possesses accounting or related financial management experience that qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Compensation Committee
Mr. Junsong Li, Mr. Wenwei Fan, and Mr. Xiaodong Ji are members of our Compensation Committee and Junsong Li is the chairman. All members of our Compensation Committee are qualified as independent under the current definition promulgated by NASDAQ. We adopted a charter for the Compensation. In accordance with the Compensation Committee’s Charter, the Compensation Committee shall be responsible for overseeing and making recommendations to the Board regarding the salaries and other compensation of our executive officers and general employees and providing assistance and recommendations with respect to our compensation policies and practices.
Nominating and Governance Committee
Mr. Xiaodong Ji, Mr. Junsong Li, and Mr. Wenwei Fan are the members of our Nominating and Governance Committee where Mr. Xiaodong Ji serves as the chairman. All members of our Nominating and Governance Committee are qualified as independent under the current definition promulgated by NASDAQ. The Board of Directors adopted and approved a charter for the Nominating and Governance Committee prior to consummation of our initial public offering. In accordance with the Nominating and Governance Committee’s Charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be responsible to identity and propose new potential director nominees to the Board of Directors for consideration and review our corporate governance policies.
Family Relationships
None of the directors or executive officers has a family relationship as defined in Item 401 of Regulation S-K.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years, been involved in any legal proceedings described in subparagraph (f) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K.
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Board of Directors
Our board of directors consists of 5 directors as of the date of this annual report.
Duties of Directors
Under British Virgin Islands law, our directors have a duty to act honestly and in good faith and in what the director believes to be in our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonable director would exercise in the same circumstances. See “Description of Ordinary Shares — Differences in Corporate Law” for additional information on our directors’ fiduciary duties under British Virgin Islands law. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our M&A. We have the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.
A director must exercise his powers as a director for a proper purpose and must not act, or agree to us acting, in a manner that contravenes the BC Act or the M&A. When exercising his powers or performing his duties as a director, a director is entitled to rely upon the register of members and upon books, records, financial statements and other information prepared or supplied, and on professional or expert advice given to him. However, such reliance is subject to the director acting in good faith, making proper enquiry where indicated by the circumstances and having no knowledge that reliance on the matter is not warranted. Under the BC Act, our directors have all the powers necessary for managing, and for directing and supervising, our business and affairs, including but not limited to exercising the borrowing powers of the company and mortgaging the property of the company, as well as executing checks, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments on behalf of the company.
Interested Transactions
A director may vote, attend a board meeting or sign a document on our behalf with respect to any contract or transaction in which he or she is interested. A director must promptly disclose the interest to all other directors after becoming aware of the fact that he or she is interested in a transaction we have entered into or are to enter into. A general notice or disclosure to the board or otherwise contained in the minutes of a meeting or a written resolution of the board or any committee of the board that a director is a shareholder, director, officer or trustee of any specified firm or company and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction with such firm or company will be sufficient disclosure, and, after such general notice, it will not be necessary to give special notice relating to any particular transaction.
Remuneration and Borrowing
The directors may receive such remuneration as our board of directors may determine from time to time. Each director is entitled to be repaid or prepaid all traveling, hotel and incidental expenses reasonably incurred or expected to be incurred in attending meetings of our board of directors or committees of our board of directors or shareholder meetings or otherwise in connection with the discharge of his or her duties as a director. The compensation committee will assist the directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure for the directors. Our board of directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge our undertakings and property or any part thereof, to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the company or of any third party.
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PROPOSAL NO. 2 — RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has selected ZH CPA, LLC to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.
We are asking our Shareholders to ratify the selection of ZH CPA as our independent registered public accounting firm. In the event our Shareholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee may reconsider this appointment.
We have been advised by ZH CPA that neither the firm nor any of its associates had any relationship during the last fiscal year with our company other than the usual relationship that exists between independent registered public accountant firms and their clients. Representatives of ZH CPA are not expected to attend the Meeting in person and therefore are not expected to be available to respond to any questions. As a result, representatives of ZH CPA will not make a statement at the Meeting.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by our principal external auditors, for the periods indicated.
Year Ended
March 31, 2020 |
Year Ended
March 31, 2019 |
|||||||
Audit fees(1) | $ | 176,000 | $ | 206,000 | ||||
Audit related fees(2) | - | |||||||
Tax fees(3) | - | - | ||||||
All other fees(4) | - | - | ||||||
TOTAL | $ | 176,000 | $ | 206,000 |
(1) | “Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed for each of the fiscal years for professional services rendered by our principal accountant for the audit of our annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. |
(2) | “Audit related fees” means the aggregate fees billed for each of the fiscal years for assurance and related services by our principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (1). |
(3) | “Tax Fees” represents the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for the professional tax services rendered by our principal auditors. |
(4) | “All Other Fees” represents the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for services rendered by our principal auditors other than services reported under “Audit fees,” “Audit-related fees” and “Tax fees.” |
The policy of our audit committee and our board of directors is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by our principal auditors, including audit services, audit-related services, and other services as described above, other than those for de minimis services which are approved by the audit committee or our board of directors prior to the completion of the services.
Policies and Procedures Relating to Approval of Services by Our Independent Registered Public Accountants
The Audit Committee is solely responsible for the approval in advance of all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firms (including the fees and other terms thereof), subject to the de minimus exceptions for non-audit services provided by Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act, which services are subsequently approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of the audit. None of the fees listed above are for services rendered pursuant to such de minimus exceptions.
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors has established its pre-approval policies and procedures, pursuant to which the Audit Committee approved the foregoing audit, tax and non-audit services provided by ZH CPA in 2021. Consistent with the Audit Committee’s responsibility for engaging our independent auditors, all audit and permitted non-audit services require pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The full Audit Committee approves proposed services and fee estimates for these services. One or more independent directors serving on the Audit Committee may be delegated by the full Audit Committee to pre-approve any audit and non-audit services. Any such delegation shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. Pursuant to these procedures, the Audit Committee approved the foregoing audit services provided by ZH CPA.
Proposal No. 2 will be approved if a majority of the total votes properly cast in person or by proxy at the Meeting by the holders of Ordinary Shares vote “FOR” the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the result of the vote.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote all of your shares “FOR” the ratification of ZH CPA as independent registered public accountants as described in this Proposal No. 2.
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PROPOSAL NO. 3 — 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
The 2021 Incentive Plan
The Board has declared advisable, adopted and is submitting for shareholder approval, the Company’s 2021 Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). The purpose of the Incentive Plan is to attract and retain key personnel and to provide a means for directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors to acquire and maintain an interest in the Company, which interest may be measured by reference to the value of our Ordinary Shares.
If approved by the Company’s shareholders, the Incentive Plan will be effective as of February 21, 2021 (the date that the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Incentive Plan). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Proposal 2 shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Incentive Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A. The following description of the Incentive Plan’s material terms is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Incentive Plan.
Description of the Incentive Plan
Administration of the Incentive Plan. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan
Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock Based Awards may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.
Shares Subject to the Incentive Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Incentive Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 9,300,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Ordinary Shares. Shares shall not be deemed to have been issued pursuant to the Plan with respect to any portion of an Award that is settled in cash. Upon payment in Shares pursuant to the exercise of an Award, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced only by the number of Shares actually issued in such payment. If a Participant pays the exercise price (or purchase price, if applicable) of an Award through the tender of Shares, or if Shares are tendered or withheld to satisfy any Company withholding obligations, the number of Shares so tendered or withheld shall again be available for issuance pursuant to future Awards under the Plan. A total of 9,300,000 Shares, which such amount is included in the limit set forth in the first sentence of the Section 3(a) of Incentive Plan, may be issued under the Incentive Plan pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options.
Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend, or terminate the Incentive Plan.
Term of Plan. Subject to Section 22 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its adoption by the Board. It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 18 of the Plan.
Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control, each outstanding Option and SAR shall be assumed or an equivalent option or SAR substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation and each outstanding Award of Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award and Restricted Stock Unit shall be assumed or an equivalent Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award and Restricted Stock Unit award substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation.
Vote Required and Board Recommendation
If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes of the holders of Ordinary Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting will be required to approve and adopt the Incentive Plan.
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OTHER MATTERS
Our Board knows of no other matter to be presented at the Meeting. If any additional matter should properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote such proxy in accordance with their judgment on any such matters.
Deadline for Submission of Shareholder Proposals for 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
For any proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy for submission to the Shareholders at our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, it must be submitted in writing and comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. Such proposals must be received by the Company at its offices 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Attention: Chief Executive Officer, no later than June 12, 2021.
If we are not notified of a Shareholder proposal a reasonable time prior to the time we send our proxy statement for our 2022 annual meeting, then our Board will have discretionary authority to vote on the Shareholder proposal, even though the Shareholder proposal is not discussed in the proxy statement. In order to curtail any controversy as to the date on which a Shareholder proposal was received by us, it is suggested that Shareholder proposals be submitted by certified mail, return receipt requested, and be addressed to China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Attention: Chief Executive Officer. Notwithstanding, the foregoing shall not effectuate any rights of Shareholders to request inclusion of proposals in our proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act nor grant any Shareholder a right to have any nominee included in our proxy statement.
The solicitation of proxies is made on behalf of the Board and we will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. The transfer agent and registrar for our Ordinary Shares, TranShare Securities Transfer and Registrar, as a part of its regular services and for no additional compensation other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, has been engaged to assist in the proxy solicitation. Proxies may be solicited through the mail and through telephonic or telegraphic communications to, or by meetings with, Shareholders or their representatives by our directors, officers and other employees who will receive no additional compensation therefor. We may also retain a proxy solicitation firm to assist us in obtaining proxies by mail, facsimile or email from record and beneficial holders of shares for the Meeting. If we retain a proxy solicitation firm, we expect to pay such firm reasonable and customary compensation for its services, including out-of-pocket expenses.
We request persons such as brokers, nominees and fiduciaries holding stock in their names for others, or holding stock for others who have the right to give voting instructions, to forward proxy material to their principals and to request authority for the execution of the proxy. We will reimburse such persons for their reasonable expenses.
The Annual Report is being sent with this Proxy Statement to each Shareholder and is available at www.proxyvote.com as well as on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Annual Report contains our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. The Annual Report, however, is not to be regarded as part of the proxy soliciting material.
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Delivery of Proxy Materials to Households
Only one copy of this proxy statement and one copy of our Annual Report are being delivered to multiple registered Shareholders who share an address unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the Shareholders. A separate form of proxy and a separate notice of the Meeting are being included for each account at the shared address. Registered Shareholders who share an address and would like to receive a separate copy of our Annual Report and/or a separate copy of this proxy statement, or have questions regarding the householding process, may contact the Company’s transfer agent: TranShare Securities Transfer and Registrar, by calling (303) 662-1112, or by forwarding a written request addressed to TranShare Securities Transfer and Registrar, 2849 Executive Drive, Suite 200, Clearwater, Fl 33762. Promptly upon request, a separate copy of our Annual Report on Form 20-F and/or a separate copy of this proxy Statement will be sent. By contacting TranShare Securities Transfer and Registrar, registered Shareholders sharing an address can also (i) notify the Company that the registered Shareholders wish to receive separate annual reports to Shareholders, proxy statements and/or Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, in the future or (ii) request delivery of a single copy of annual reports to Shareholders and proxy statements in the future if registered Shareholders at the shared address are receiving multiple copies.
Many brokers, brokerage firms, broker/dealers, banks and other holders of record have also instituted “householding” (delivery of one copy of materials to multiple Shareholders who share an address). If your family has one or more “street name” accounts under which you beneficially own shares of our Ordinary Shares, you may have received householding information from your broker, brokerage firm, broker/dealer, bank or other nominee in the past. Please contact the holder of record directly if you have questions, require additional copies of this proxy statement or our Annual Report or wish to revoke your decision to household and thereby receive multiple copies. You should also contact the holder of record if you wish to institute householding.
Where You Can Find Additional Information
Accompanying this proxy statement is a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2020. Such Report constitutes the Company’s Annual Report to its Shareholders for purposes of Rule 14a-3 under the Exchange Act. Such Report includes the Company’s audited financial statements for the 2020 fiscal year and certain other financial information, which is incorporated by reference herein. The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders who have questions in regard to any aspect of the matters discussed in this proxy statement should contact Feng Zhou, our Chief Financial Officer, at 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, or by telephone on 86-52386298290.
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CHINA SXT PHARMARCEUTICALS, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:
● | to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, |
● | to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and |
● | to promote the success of the Company’s business. |
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares, and Other Stock Based Awards.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a) “162(m) Award” means an Award that is granted to a Covered Employee and is intended to qualify as “performance-based” under Section 162(m) of the Code
(b) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(c) “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards or equity compensation plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Ordinary Share is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(d) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares or Other Stock Based Awards.
(e) “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(f) “Awarded Stock” means the Ordinary Share subject to an Award.
(g) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(h) “Change in Control” 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 fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities;
(ii) The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets;
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(iii) A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” means directors who either (A) are Directors as of the effective date of the Plan, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but will not include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company); or
(iv) 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) more than 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.
(i) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.
(j) “Committee” means a committee of Directors or other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan
(k) “Ordinary Share” means the ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, or in the case of Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units, and certain Other Stock Based Awards, the cash equivalent thereof, as applicable.
(l) “Company” means China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(m) “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.
(n) “Covered Employees” means those persons who the Committee determines are subject to the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(o) “Director” means a member of the Board.
(p) “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(q) “Dividend Equivalent” means a credit, made at the discretion of the Administrator, to the account of a Participant in an amount equal to the value of dividends paid on one Share for each Share represented by an Award held by such Participant.
(r) “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(s) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(t) “Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for Awards of the same type (which may have lower exercise prices and different terms), Awards of a different type, and/or cash, and/or (ii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced. The terms and conditions of any Exchange Program will be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
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(u) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Ordinary Share determined as follows:
(i) If the Ordinary Share is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq Capital Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market trading day on or prior to the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Ordinary Share is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of one Ordinary Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Ordinary Share for the last market trading day on or prior to the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the Ordinary Share, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
Notwithstanding the preceding, for federal, state, and local income tax reporting purposes and for such other purposes as the Administrator deems appropriate, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in accordance with uniform and nondiscriminatory standards adopted by it from time to time.
(v) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(w) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(x) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(y) “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(z) “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(aa) “Other Stock Based Awards” means any other awards not specifically described in the Plan that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, Shares and are created by the Administrator pursuant to Section 12.
(bb) “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.
(cc) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(dd) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award granted under the Plan.
(ee) “Performance Goals” means one or more objective measurable performance goals established by the Committee with respect to a Performance Period based upon one or more of the following criteria: (i) operating income; (ii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; (iii) earnings; (iv) cash flow; (v) market share; (vi) sales or revenue; (vii) expenses; (vii) profit/loss or profit margin; (ix) working capital; (x) return on equity or assets; (xi) earnings per share; (xii) total shareholder return; (xiii) price/earnings ratio; (xiv) debt or debt-to-equity; (xv) accounts receivable; (xvi) writeoffs; (xvii) cash; (xviii) assets; (xix) liquidity; (xx) operations; (xxi) borrowers; (xxii) investors; (xxiii) strategic partners; (xxiv) mergers or acquisitions; (xxv) loans facilitated; (xxvi) product offerings; and/or (xxvii) stock price. Any criteria used may be measured, as applicable, (a) in absolute terms, (b) in relative terms (including but not limited to, the passage of time and/or against other companies or financial metrics), (c) on a per share and/or share per capita basis, (d) against the performance of the Company as a whole or against particular entities, segments, operating units or products of the Company and /or (e) on a pre-tax or after tax basis. Awards issued to persons who are not Covered Employees may take into account any other factors deemed appropriate by the Committee.
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(ff) “Performance Period” means any period not exceeding 120 months as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. The Committee may establish different Performance Periods for different Participants, and the Committee may establish concurrent or overlapping Performance Periods.
(gg) “Performance Share” means an Award granted to a Service Provider pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.
(hh) “Performance Unit” means an Award granted to a Service Provider pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.
(ii) “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(jj) “Plan” means this 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
(kk) “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under Section 8 or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an option.
(ll) “Restricted Stock Unit” means an Award that the Administrator permits to be paid in installments or on a deferred basis pursuant to Sections 4 and 11 of the Plan.
(mm) “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.
(nn) “Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(oo) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(pp) “Share” means one Ordinary Share, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15 of the Plan.
(qq) “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award that pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan is designated as a SAR.
(rr) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation”, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a) Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 9,300,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Ordinary Share. Shares shall not be deemed to have been issued pursuant to the Plan with respect to any portion of an Award that is settled in cash. Upon payment in Shares pursuant to the exercise of an Award, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced only by the number of Shares actually issued in such payment. If a Participant pays the exercise price (or purchase price, if applicable) of an Award through the tender of Shares, or if Shares are tendered or withheld to satisfy any Company withholding obligations, the number of Shares so tendered or withheld shall again be available for issuance pursuant to future Awards under the Plan. A total of 9,300,000 Shares, which such amount is included in the limit set forth in the first sentence of this Section 3(a), may be issued under the Plan pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options.
(b) Lapsed Awards. If any outstanding Award expires or is terminated or canceled without having been exercised or settled in full, or if Shares acquired pursuant to an Award subject to forfeiture or repurchase are forfeited or repurchased by the Company, the Shares allocable to the terminated portion of such Award or such forfeited or repurchased Shares shall again be available for grant under the Plan.
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(c) Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of the Plan, shall at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Procedure.
(i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.
(ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable and necessary to qualify Awards granted hereunder as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan will be administered by a Committee of two or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.
(v) Delegation of Authority for Day-to-Day Administration. Except to the extent prohibited by Applicable Law, the Administrator may delegate to one or more individuals the day-to-day administration of the Plan and any of the functions assigned to it in this Plan. Such delegation may be revoked at any time.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;
(v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture or repurchase restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine;
(vi) to institute an Exchange Program;
(vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(viii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws and/or qualifying for preferred tax treatment under applicable foreign tax laws;
(ix) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 19(c) of the Plan), including (A) the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan and (B) accelerate the satisfaction of any vesting criteria or waiver of forfeiture or repurchase restrictions;
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(x) to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares or cash to be issued upon exercise or vesting of an Award that number of Shares or cash having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of any Shares to be withheld will be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by a Participant to have Shares or cash withheld for this purpose will be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;
(xi) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator,
(xii) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award;
(xiii) to determine whether Awards will be settled in Shares, cash or in any combination thereof;
(xiv) to determine whether Awards will be adjusted for Dividend Equivalents;
(xv) to create Other Stock Based Awards for issuance under the Plan;
(xvi) to establish a program whereby Service Providers designated by the Administrator can reduce compensation otherwise payable in cash in exchange for Awards under the Plan;
(xvii) to impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by a Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Shares issued as a result of or under an Award, including without limitation, (A) restrictions under an insider trading policy, and (B) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers; and
(xviii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
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(c) Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations, and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.
5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock Based Awards may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.
6. Limitations.
(a) ISO $100,000 Rule. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(b) Special Limits for Grants of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to Section 16 of the Plan, the following special limits shall apply to Shares available for Awards under the Plan:
(i) the maximum number of Shares that may be subject to Options granted to any Service Provider in any calendar year shall equal 9,300,000 Shares; and
(ii) the maximum number of Shares that may be subject to Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Service Provider in any calendar year shall equal 9,300,000 Shares.
(c) No Rights as a Service Provider. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing his or her relationship as a Service Provider, nor shall they interfere in any way with the right of the Participant or the right of the Company or its Parent or Subsidiaries to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause.
7. Stock Options.
(a) Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement and will not exceed ten (10) years from the date of grant. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.
(b) Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(i) Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:
(1) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A) granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(2) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price will be determined by the Administrator. In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162 (m) of the Code, or in the event of the grant of a Nonstatutory Stock Option to an Employee, Director, or Consultant who is a U.S. taxpayer, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Incentive Stock Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(ii) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the satisfaction of such conditions at any time.
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(c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, may consist entirely of:
(i) cash;
(ii) check;
(iii) promissory note;
(iv) other Shares which meet conditions established by the Administrator;
(v) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;
(vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the Participant, including any liability attributable to the Participant’s participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;
(vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or
(viii) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
(d) Exercise of Option.
(i) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (x) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Award Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (y) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (including provision for any applicable tax withholding). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Awarded Stock, 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 16 of the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement.
Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(ii) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option as to all of the vested Shares within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the remaining Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii) Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option as to all of the vested Shares within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the remaining Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
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(iv) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the Option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to the Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the persons) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s death. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not exercised as to all of the vested Shares within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the remaining Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
8. Restricted Stock.
(a) Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(b) Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c) Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
(d) Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e) Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.
(f) Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(g) Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
(h) Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
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9. Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a) Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a SAR may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b) Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of SARs granted to any Service Provider.
(c) Exercise Price and Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of SARs granted under the Plan.
(d) Exercise of SARs. SARs will be exercisable on such terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate exercisability at any time.
(e) SAR Agreement. Each SAR grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(f) Expiration of SARs. An SAR granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Sections 7(d)(ii), 7(d)(iii) and 7(d)(iv) also will apply to SARs.
(g) Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of an 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 Administrator, the payment upon SAR exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
10. Performance Units and Performance Shares.
(a) Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant.
(b) Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(c) Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Participant. Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, or individual goals (including solely continued service), applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion; provided, however, that if the Award is a 162(m) Award, then the Award will be subject to achievement of Performance Goals with respect to a Performance Period established by the Committee and the Award shall be granted and administered in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(d) Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives for such Performance Unit/Share unless such Award is a 162(m) Award.
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(e) Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period at the time determined by the Administrator. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination of cash and Shares.
(f) Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.
11. Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Units shall consist of a Restricted Stock, Performance Share or Performance Unit Award that the Administrator, in its sole discretion permits to be paid out in installments or on a deferred basis, in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Administrator
12. Other Stock Based Awards. Other Stock Based Awards may be granted either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with, other Awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. The Administrator shall have authority to determine the Service Providers to whom and the time or times at which Other Stock Based Awards shall be made, the amount of such Other Stock Based Awards, and all other conditions of the Other Stock Based Awards including any dividend and/or voting rights.
13. Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence and will resume on the date the Participant returns to work on a regular schedule as determined by the Company; provided, however, that no vesting credit will be awarded for the time vesting has been suspended during such leave of absence. A Service Provider will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no leave of absence may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then three months following the 91st day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
14. Non-Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
15. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Change in Control.
(a) Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator (in its sole discretion) to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Administrator shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust the number and class of Shares which may be delivered under the Plan, the number, class and price of Shares subject to outstanding awards, and the numerical limits in Section 6. Notwithstanding the preceding, the number of Shares subject to any Award always shall be a whole number.
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(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for a Participant to have the right to exercise his or her Award, to the extent applicable, until ten (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the Awarded Stock covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Award would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option or forfeiture rights applicable to any Award shall lapse 100%, and that any Award vesting shall accelerate 100%, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised or vested, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Change in Control.
(i) Stock Options and SARs. In the event of a Change in Control, each outstanding Option and SAR shall be assumed or an equivalent option or SAR substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or SAR, the Participant shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Option or SAR as to all of the Awarded Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option or SAR is not assumed or substituted in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator shall notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or SAR shall be exercisable, to the extent vested, for a period of up to fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or SAR shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or SAR shall be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the option or SAR confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Awarded Stock subject to the Option or SAR immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Ordinary Share for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely Ordinary Share of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option or SAR, for each share of Awarded Stock subject to the Option or SAR, to be solely Ordinary Share of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Ordinary Share in the Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned, or is paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
(ii) Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock Based Awards. In the event of a Change in Control, each outstanding Award of Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award and Restricted Stock Unit shall be assumed or an equivalent Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award and Restricted Stock Unit award substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant shall fully vest in the Award, including as to Shares/Units that would not otherwise be vested, all applicable restrictions will lapse, and all performance objectives and other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at targeted levels. For the purposes of this paragraph, an Award of Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Other Stock Based Awards and Restricted Stock Units shall be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control (and if a Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Unit, for each Share as determined based on the then current value of the unit), the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Ordinary Share for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely Ordinary Share of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide that the consideration to be received for each Share (and if a Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Unit, for each Share as determined based on the then current value of the unit) be solely Ordinary Share of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Ordinary Share in the Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned, or is paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of the performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to the performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
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(iii) Outside Director Awards. Notwithstanding any provision of Section 15(c)(i) or 15(c)(ii) to the contrary, with respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director that are assumed or substituted for, if on the date of or following the assumption or substitution the Participant’s status as a Director or a director of the successor corporation, as applicable, is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the Participant, then the Participant shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise his or her Options and Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Awarded Stock, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, as applicable, will lapse, and, with respect to Performance Shares, Performance Units, and Other Stock Based Awards, all performance goals and other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met.
(iv) Administrator Discretion. Notwithstanding any provision of Section 15(c)(i), 15(c)(ii), or 15(c)(iii) to the contrary, the Administrator (or in the case of 162(m) Awards, the Committee) may determine alternative treatment that shall apply to the Award in the event of a Change in Control by specifying such alternative treatment in the Award Agreement. In the event of such alternative treatment, the treatment specified in Sections 15(c)(i), 15(c)(ii), and 15(c)(iii), as applicable, shall not apply.
16. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
17. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 22 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its adoption by the Board. It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 18 of the Plan.
18. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend, or terminate the Plan.
(b) Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension, or termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
19. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or receipt of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising or receiving such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
20. Severability. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan or an Award to the contrary, if any one or more of the provisions (or any part thereof) of this Plan or the Awards shall be held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be modified so as to make it valid, legal, and enforceable, and the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions (or any part thereof) of the Plan or Award, as applicable, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
21. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.
22. Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.
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Exhibit 99.2
CHINA SXT PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
178 Taidong Road North, Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held at 9:30 A.M. EST on March 31, 2021
(Record Date – February 22, 2021)
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Feng Zhou, as proxy of the undersigned, with full power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes him to represent and to vote all the shares of stock of China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc. which the undersigned is entitled to vote, as specified below on this card, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on March 31, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., EST, at 178 Taidong Road North Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR EACH OF THE PROPOSALS. This proxy authorizes the above designated proxy to vote in his discretion on such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof to the extent authorized by Rule 14a-4(c) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR ALL”
OF PROPOSAL 1 AND “FOR” OF PROPOSALS 2, AND 3 SET FORTH BELOW.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK
PROPOSAL 1: To elect the nominees listed in the Proxy Statement to the Company’s Board of Directors.
NOMINEES:
01 Feng Zhou | 02 Jun Zheng | 03 Junsong Li | 04 Xioadong Ji | 05 Weiwei Fan |
For All | Withhold All | For All Except | ||
☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
INSTRUCTION: | To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the box next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: |
PROPOSAL 2: To ratify the selection of ZH CPA, LLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for year ending March 31, 2021.
For | Against | Abstain | ||
☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
PROPOSAL 3: To approve and adopt the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
For | Against | Abstain | ||
☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Please indicate if you intend to attend this meeting ☐ YES ☐ NO
Signature of Shareholder: | ||||
Date: | ||||
Name shares held in (Please print): | Account Number (if any): | |||
No. of Shares Entitled to Vote: | Stock Certificate Number(s): |
Note: | Please sign exactly as your name or names appear in the Company’s stock transfer books. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. |
If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such.
If the signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Please provide any change of address information in the spaces below in order that we may update our records:
Address: | |||