EXHIBIT 10.1


 


SOLIGENIX, INC.


AMENDED AND RESTATED

2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN


 


ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


ON APRIL 2, 2015 


(LAST AMENDED ON JUNE 9, 2015)


  


The purpose of the Soligenix,
Inc. Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to advance the interests of Soligenix, Inc. by
enhancing its ability to attract and retain employees and other persons who can make significant contributions to the success of
the Company through ownership of shares of the Company’s common stock.


 


The Plan is intended to
accomplish this goal by enabling the Company to grant Awards in the form of options, restricted stock awards, deferred stock awards,
unrestricted stock, performance awards, or combinations thereof, as described in greater detail below.


 


ARTICLE I


DEFINITIONS


 


1.1          General.
Wherever the following terms are used in this Plan they shall have the meaning specified below, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.


 


1.2          Award.
“Award” shall mean the grant of an option, deferred stock, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, performance award,
stock appreciation right or any combination thereof pursuant to this Plan.


 


1.3          Award
Limit. “Award Limit” shall mean three million (3,000,000) shares of common stock, plus the amount of any increase
in the number of shares that may be available for issuance pursuant to Section 2.1(a).


 


1.4          Board.
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.


 


1.5          Code.
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.


 


1.6          Committee.
“Committee” shall mean the Committee to which the Board delegates the power to act under or pursuant to the provisions
of the Plan, or the Board if no Committee is selected. If the Board delegates powers to a Committee, and if the Company is or becomes
subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, then, if necessary for compliance therewith, such Committee shall consist initially
of not less than two (2) members of the Board, each member of which must be a “Non-Employee Board Member” within the
meaning of the applicable rules promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act. The failure of any Committee members to qualify as a
“Non-Employee Board Member” shall not otherwise affect the validity of an Award. If the Company is or becomes subject
to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, no member of the Committee shall receive any Award pursuant to the Plan or any similar plan
of the Company or any affiliate while serving on the Committee unless the Board determines that the grant of such Award satisfies
the then current Rule 16b-3 requirements under the Exchange Act.


 


Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, and insofar as the Board determines that it is necessary in order for compensation recognized by Participants
pursuant to the Plan to be fully deductible to the Company for federal income tax purposes, each member of the Committee also shall
be an “outside director” (as defined in regulations or other guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service under
Section 162(m) of the Code).


 


1.7          Company.
“Company” shall mean Soligenix, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and includes any successor or assignee corporation or
corporations into which the Company may be merged, changed, or consolidated; any corporation for whose securities the securities
of the Company shall be exchanged; and any assignee of or successor to substantially all of the assets of the Company.


 






    	 



    	 



    

 


1.8          Disability
or Disabled. “Disability or Disabled” shall mean permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3)
of the Code, except as otherwise may be required by Section 409A of the Code, in which case “disability” shall be defined
as set forth in Section 409A of the Code.


 


1.9          Exchange
Act. “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


 


1.10        Fair
Market Value. “Fair Market Value” of a share of common stock as of a given date shall be (i) the mean between the
highest and lowest selling price of a share of common stock on such date on the principal exchange on which shares of common stock
are then trading, if any, or if shares were not traded on such date, then on the closest preceding date on which a trade occurred,
or (ii) if the common stock is not traded on an exchange, the mean between the closing representative bid and asked prices for
the common stock on such date as reported by AMEX or, if AMEX is not then in existence, by its successor quotation system; or (iii)
if the common stock is not publicly traded, the Fair Market Value of a share of common stock as established by the Committee acting
in good faith.


 


1.11        Key
Employee. “Key Employee” shall mean an employee of the Company or of an affiliate (including, without limitation,
an employee who also is serving as an officer or director of the Company or of an affiliate) designated by the Board or the Committee
as being eligible to be granted one or more options under the Plan.


 


1.12        Key
Non-Employee. “Key Non-Employee” shall mean a Non-Employee Board Member, consultant, or independent contractor
of the Company or of an affiliate who is designated by the Board or the Committee as being eligible to be granted one or more options
under the Plan.


 


1.13        Non-Employee
Board Member. “Non-Employee Board Member” shall mean a director of the Company who is not an employee of the Company
or any of its affiliates. For purposes of this Plan, a Non-Employee Board Member shall be deemed to include the employer of such
Non-Employee Board Member, if the Non-Employee Board Member is so required, as a condition of his employment, to provide that any
option granted hereunder be made to the employer.


 


1.14        Participant.
“Participant” shall mean a Key Employee or a Key Non-Employee to whom an award is granted under the Plan.


 


1.15        Plan.
“Plan” shall mean this Equity Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time.


 


1.16        Shares.
“Shares” shall mean the following shares of the capital stock of the Company as to which Awards have been or may be
granted under the Plan: treasury shares or authorized but unissued common stock $.001 par value, or any share of capital stock
into which the shares are changed or for which they are exchanged within the provision of the Plan.


 


1.17        Rule
16b-3. “Rule 16b-3” shall mean that certain Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, as such Rule may be amended from
time to time.


 


1.18        Termination
of Directorship. “Termination of Directorship” shall mean the time when an optionee who is an independent director
ceases to be a director for any reason, including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by resignation, failure to be elected,
death or retirement. The Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating
to Termination of Directorship.


 


1.19        Termination
of Employment. “Termination of Employment” shall mean the time when the employee-employer relationship between
the optionee, grantee or restricted stockholder and the Company is terminated for any reason, including, but not by way of limitation,
a termination by resignation, discharge, death, disability or retirement; but excluding (i) terminations where there is a simultaneous
reemployment, continuing employment or retention as a consultant or advisor of an optionee, grantee or restricted stockholder by
the Company, (ii) at the discretion of the Committee, terminations which result in a temporary severance of the employee-employer
relationship, and (iii) at the discretion of the Committee, terminations which are followed by the simultaneous establishment of
a consulting relationship by the Company with the former employee. The Committee, in its absolute discretion, shall determine the
effect of all matters and questions relating to Termination of Employment, including, but not by way of limitation, the question
of whether a Termination of Employment resulted from a discharge for good cause, and all questions of whether particular leaves
of absence constitute Terminations of Employment; provided, however, that, with respect to “incentive stock
options”, a leave of absence, change in status from an employee to an independent contractor or other change in the employee-employer
relationship shall constitute a Termination of Employment if, and to the extent that, such leave of absence, change in status or
other change interrupts employment for the purpose of Section 422(a)(2) of the Code and the then applicable regulations and revenue
rulings under said Section. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Company has an absolute and unrestricted right
to terminate an employee’s employment at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent
expressly provided otherwise in writing.


 






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ARTICLE II


SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN


 


2.1          Shares
Subject to Plan.


 


(a)          The
shares of stock subject to options, awards of restricted stock, performance awards, awards of deferred stock or unrestricted stock
shall be the Company’s common stock, $.001 par value. The aggregate number of such shares which may be issued upon exercise
of such options or rights or upon any such awards under the Plan initially shall not exceed three million (3,000,000), subject
to adjustment as provided herein. The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of such options or rights or upon any such
awards may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.


 


(b)          The
maximum number of shares which may be subject to options or stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan to any individual
in any calendar year shall not exceed the limitations set forth in this subsection 2.1(b) as follows:


 


(i)           Subject
to adjustment as provided in Section 9.3, the maximum number of shares of stock as to which options may be granted to any Participant
in any one calendar year shall be 600,000. These limits shall be construed and applied in a manner that is consistent with the
rules under Section 162(m) of the Code.


 


(ii)          Subject
to adjustment as provided in Section 9.3, the maximum number of shares of stock subject to performance awards granted to any Participant
in any one calendar year shall be 600,000. This limit shall be construed and applied in a manner that is consistent with the rules
under Section 162(m) of the Code.


 


(iii)         Subject
to adjustment as provided in Section 9.3, the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be issued, in the aggregate, pursuant
to the exercise of Options that do not qualify as “incentive stock options” under Section 422(b) of the Code (“non-qualified
stock options”) shall be 3,000,000 and the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be issued, in the aggregate, pursuant
to the exercise of stock options that qualify as “incentive stock options” (“ISOs”) shall also be 3,000,000,
in each case plus the amount of any increase in the number of shares that may be available for issuance pursuant to Section 2.1(a);
provided, that the foregoing maximum limits shall not be construed to permit more than the maximum number of shares described at
(a) above (as the same may be adjusted as provided in Section 9.3) to be issued in the aggregate pursuant to all Awards.


 


(c)           To
the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, shares subject to options which are canceled shall continue to be counted against
the Award Limit and if, after grant of an option, the price of shares subject to such option is reduced, the transaction shall
be treated as a cancellation of the option and a grant of a new option and both the option deemed to be canceled and the option
deemed to be granted shall be counted against the Award Limit. This subparagraph (c) shall be construed in a manner consistent
with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any such cancellation and subsequent grant or Award shall fully comply with
the requirements of said Section 409A of the Code.


 


2.2          Unexercised
Options and Other Rights. Consistent with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, as from time to time applicable, to
the extent that (i) an option expires or is otherwise terminated without being exercised, or (ii) any shares of stock subject to
any restricted stock, deferred stock or performance award granted hereunder are forfeited, such shares shall again be available
for issuance in connection with future awards under the Plan. If any shares of stock have been pledged as collateral for indebtedness
incurred by a Participant in connection with the exercise of an option and such shares are returned to the Company in satisfaction
of such indebtedness, such shares shall again be available for issuance in connection with future awards under the Plan.


 






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ARTICLE III


GRANTING OF OPTIONS


 


3.1          Eligibility.
Any officer, employee, consultant, advisor or director shall be eligible to be granted an option.


 


3.2         
Granting of Options.


 


(a)          The
Committee shall from time to time, in its absolute discretion:


 


(i)           Select
which Participants shall be granted options;


 


(ii)          Subject
to the Award Limit, determine the number of shares subject to such options;


 


(iii)         Determine
whether such options are to be ISOs or non-qualified stock options and whether such options are to qualify as performance-based
compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code; and


 


(iv)         Determine
the terms and conditions of such options, consistent with this Plan; provided, however, that the terms and conditions
of options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall include,
but not be limited to, such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the
Code.


 


(b)          The
Committee shall instruct the secretary of the Company to issue such options and may impose such conditions on the grant of such
options as it deems appropriate, including substitution or replacement of awards, cancellation and replacement or other adjustments
to the Award, including but not limited to the strike price. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Committee
may, in its discretion and on such terms as it deems appropriate, require as a condition on the grant of an option that the optionee
surrender for cancellation some or all of the unexercised options, awards of restricted stock, deferred stock, performance awards
or unrestricted stock or other rights which have been previously granted to him under this Plan or otherwise. Any such surrender
and subsequent grant or Award shall fully comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and within the statutory guidelines.
Such grant or other Award may contain such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate and shall be exercisable in
accordance with its terms, subject to statutory and regulatory compliance.


 


3.3          Special
Rules Applicable to ISOs.


 


(a)          No
person may be granted an ISO under this Plan if such person, at the time the ISO is granted, owns stock possessing more than ten
percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company unless such ISO conforms to the applicable
provisions of Section 422 of the Code.


 


(b)          No
ISO shall be granted unless such option, when granted, qualifies as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of
the Code. No ISO shall be granted to any person who is not an employee.


 


(c)          Any
ISO granted under this Plan may be modified by the Committee to disqualify such option from treatment as an “incentive stock
option” under Section 422 of the Code.


 


(d)          To
the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of stock with respect to which “incentive stock options” (within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Code, but without regard to Section 422(d) of the Code) are exercisable for the first time by an
optionee during any calendar year (under the Plan and all other incentive stock option plans of the Company) exceeds $100,000,
such options shall be treated as non-qualified stock options to the extent required by Section 422 of the Code. The rule set forth
in the preceding sentence shall be applied by taking options into account in the order in which they were granted. For purposes
of this Section 3.3(d), the Fair Market Value of stock shall be determined as of the time the option with respect to such stock
is granted.


 






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3.4         
Certain Additional Provisions for Non-Qualified Stock Options.


 


(a)          Non-Qualified
Stock Options With Fair Market Value Exercise Price. Unless otherwise determined by the Board pursuant to paragraph (b) below,
to avoid a deferral of compensation falling within the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, any option to purchase stock,
other than an “incentive stock option” described in Section 422 of the Code, will have the following characteristics:
(i) the exercise price will never be less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date the option is granted,
(ii) the receipt, transfer or exercise of the option will be subject to taxation under Section 83 of the Code, and (iii) the option
will not include any feature for the deferral of compensation other than the deferral of recognition of income until the later
of exercise or disposition of the option.


 


(b)          Non-Qualified
Stock Options With an Exercise Price Less than Fair Market Value. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above, to the extent that any
non-qualified stock option may constitute a deferral of compensation, such option shall comply with the requirements of Section
409A of the Code as set forth in the corresponding stock option agreement.


 


3.5          Substitute
Options. In the event that the Company or any Subsidiary consummates a transaction described in Section 424(a) of the Code
(relating to the acquisition of property or stock from an unrelated corporation), individuals who become employees or consultants
of the Company or any Subsidiary on account of such transaction may be granted ISOs in substitution for options granted by their
former employer, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The Board, in its sole discretion and consistent with
Sections 409A and 424(a) of the Code, shall determine the exercise price of such substitute Options.


 


ARTICLE IV


TERMS OF OPTIONS


 


4.1          Option
Agreement. Each option shall be evidenced by a written stock option agreement, which shall be executed by the optionee and
an authorized officer of the Company and which shall contain such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine, consistent
with this Plan. Stock option agreements evidencing options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in
Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions
of Section 162(m) of the Code. Stock option agreements evidencing ISOs shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary
to meet the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code. In this regard, any awards which are non-qualified stock options
under Section 3.4 of this Plan will include within the written award agreement such terms and conditions as are necessary to comply
with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Any award agreement may require that the Participant agree to be bound by any
stockholders’ agreement among all or certain stockholders of the Company that may be in effect at the time of the grant of
the award, or the exercise of an Option, if applicable, or certain provisions of any such agreement that may be specified by the
Company.


 


4.2          Option
Price. The price per share of the shares subject to each option shall be set by the Committee; provided, however,
that (i) such price shall be no less than the par value of a share of common stock, and (ii) in the case of options intended to
qualify as ISOs or as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code such price shall be no less
than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted (110% of the Fair Market Value
of a share of common stock on the date such option is granted in the case of an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section
424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company).


 


4.3          Option
Term. The term of an option shall be set by the Committee in its discretion; provided, however, that, in the
case of ISOs, the term shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date the ISO is granted, or five (5) years from such date
if the ISO is granted to an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company.


 






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4.4          Option
Vesting and Exercisability. Stock options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions
as shall be determined by the Committee at or after grant. The Committee may provide, in its discretion, that any stock option
shall be exercisable only in installments, and the Committee may waive such installment exercise provisions at any time in whole
or in part based on such factors as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion, including but not limited to in connection
with any “change in control” of the Company, as defined in any stock option agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Board may accelerate (i) the vesting or payment of any award (including an ISO), (ii) the lapse of restrictions on any award
(including an award of Restricted Stock) and (iii) the date on which any Option first becomes exercisable as long as such acceleration
will not subject the specific award or this Plan, in general, to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.


 


ARTICLE V


EXERCISE OF OPTIONS


 


5.1          Partial
Exercise. An exercisable option may be exercised in whole or in part. However, an option shall not be exercisable with respect
to fractional shares and the Committee may require that, by the terms of the option, a partial exercise be with respect to a minimum
number of shares.


 


5.2          Manner
of Exercise. All or a portion of an exercisable option shall be deemed exercised upon delivery of all of the following to the
secretary of the Company or the secretary’s office:


 


(a)          A
written notice complying with the applicable rules established by the Committee stating that the option, or a portion thereof,
is to be exercised. The notice shall be signed by the optionee or other person then entitled to exercise the option or such portion;


 


(b)          Such
representations and documents as the Committee, in its absolute discretion, deems necessary or advisable to effect compliance with
all applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations.
The Committee may, in its absolute discretion, also take whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to effect such compliance
including, without limitation, placing legends on share certificates and issuing stop-transfer notices to agents and registrars;


 


(c)          In
the event that the option shall be exercised pursuant to Section 9.1 by any person or persons other than the optionee, appropriate
proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the option; and


 


(d)          Full
cash payment to the secretary of the Company for the shares with respect to which the option, or portion thereof, is exercised.
However, at the discretion of the Committee, the terms of the option may (i) allow a delay in payment up to thirty (30) days from
the date the option, or portion thereof, is exercised; (ii) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of shares
of common stock owned by the optionee for at least six months prior to the date of delivery, duly endorsed for transfer to the
Company with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate exercise price of the option or exercised portion
thereof; (iii) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the surrender of shares of common stock then issuable upon exercise
of the option having a Fair Market Value on the date of option exercise equal to the aggregate exercise price of the option or
exercised portion thereof; (iv) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of property of any kind which constitutes
good and valuable consideration; (v) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of a promissory note bearing interest
(at no less than such rate as shall then preclude the imputation of interest under the Code) and payable upon such terms as may
be prescribed by the Committee, or (vi) allow payment through any combination of the foregoing. In the case of a promissory note,
the Committee may also prescribe the form of such note, the security to be given for such note and the rate of interest, if any,
that the note shall bear. The option may not be exercised, however, by delivery of a promissory note or by a loan from the Company
when or where such loan or other extension of credit is prohibited by law, and any such note or loan shall comply with all applicable
laws, regulations and rules of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any other governmental agency having jurisdiction.


 






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5.3          Conditions
to Issuance of Stock Certificate. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for
shares of stock purchased upon the exercise of any option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:


 


(a)          The
admission of such shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which such class of stock is then listed;


 


(b)          The
completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law, or under the rulings or regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body which the Committee shall, in its absolute
discretion, deem necessary or advisable;


 


(c)          The
obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its absolute
discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;


 


(d)          The
lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the option as the Committee may establish from time to time for
reasons of administrative convenience; and


 


(e)          The
receipt by the Company of full payment for such shares, including payment of any applicable withholding tax.


 


5.4          Rights
as Stockholders. The holders of options shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, stockholders of the Company
in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of an option unless and until certificates representing such shares have
been issued by the Company to such holders.


 


5.5          Ownership
and Transfer Restrictions. The Committee, in its absolute discretion, may impose such restrictions on the ownership and transferability
of the shares purchasable upon the exercise of an option as it deems appropriate. Any such restriction shall be set forth in the
respective stock option agreement and may be referred to on the certificates evidencing such shares. The Committee may require
the optionee to give the Company prompt notice of any disposition of shares of common stock acquired by exercise of an ISO within
(i) two years from the date the option was granted or (ii) one year after the transfer of such shares to the optionee. The Committee
may direct that the certificates evidencing shares acquired by exercise of an option refer to such requirement to be given prompt
notice of disposition.


 


ARTICLE VI


AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK


 


6.1          Award
of Restricted Stock.


 


(a)          The
Committee shall from time to time, in its absolute discretion, select which Participants shall be awarded restricted stock, and
determine the purchase price, if any, and other terms and conditions applicable to such restricted stock, consistent with this
Plan.


 


(b)          The
Committee shall establish the purchase price, if any, and form of payment for restricted stock, including any consideration required
by applicable law. The Committee shall instruct the secretary of the Company to issue such restricted stock and may impose such
conditions on the issuance of such restricted stock as it deems appropriate.


 


6.2          Restricted
Stock Agreement. Restricted stock shall be issued only pursuant to a written restricted stock agreement, which shall be executed
by the selected Key Employee or consultant and an authorized officer of the Company and which shall contain such terms and conditions
as the Committee shall determine, consistent with this Plan.


 


6.3          Rights
as Stockholders. Upon delivery of the shares of restricted stock to the escrow holder pursuant to Section 6.5, the restricted
stockholder shall have, unless otherwise provided by the Committee, all the rights of a stockholder with respect to said shares,
subject to the restrictions in the restricted stockholder’s restricted stock agreement, including the right to receive all
dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect to the shares; provided, however, that in the discretion
of the Committee, any extraordinary distributions with respect to the common stock shall be subject to the restrictions set forth
in Section 6.4.


 






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6.4          Restriction.
All shares of restricted stock issued under this Plan (including any shares received by holders thereof with respect to shares
of restricted stock as a result of stock dividends, stock splits or any other form of recapitalization) shall, in the terms of
each individual restricted stock agreement, be subject to such restrictions as the Committee shall provide, which restrictions
may include, without limitation, restrictions concerning voting rights and transferability and restrictions based on duration of
employment with the Company, Company performance and individual performance; provided, however, that by a resolution
adopted after the restricted stock is issued, the Committee may, on such terms and conditions as it may determine to be appropriate,
remove any or all of the restrictions imposed by the terms of the restricted stock agreement. Restricted stock may not be sold
or encumbered until all restrictions are terminated or expire.


 


6.5          Escrow.
The Secretary of the Company or such other escrow holder as the Committee may appoint shall retain physical custody of each certificate
representing restricted stock until all of the restrictions imposed under the restricted stock agreement with respect to the shares
evidenced by such certificate expire or shall have been removed.


 


6.6          Legend.
In order to enforce the restrictions imposed upon shares of restricted stock hereunder, the Committee shall cause a legend or legends
to be placed on certificates representing all shares of restricted stock that are still subject to restrictions under restricted
stock agreements, which legend or legends shall make appropriate reference to the conditions imposed thereby.


 


6.7          Deferred
Compensation. To the extent that any award of shares of Restricted Stock may constitute a deferral of compensation, the award
shall comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code as set forth in the corresponding restricted stock agreement.


 


ARTICLE VII


PERFORMANCE AWARDS, DEFERRED STOCK, UNRESTRICTED
STOCK


 


7.1          Performance
Awards.


 


(a)          Any
Participant selected by the Committee may be granted one or more performance awards. The value of such performance awards may be
linked to the market value, book value, net profits or other measure of the value of common stock or other specific Performance
Criteria (as defined in Section 7.1(c) below) determined appropriate by the Committee, or may be based upon the appreciation in
the market value, book value, net profits or other measure of the value of a specified number of shares of common stock over a
fixed period or periods determined by the Committee. Performance conditioned awards are subject to the following:


 


(b)          Any
performance award intended to qualify as performance-based for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. In the case of any performance
award to which this Section 7.1(b) applies, the Plan and such Award will be construed to the maximum extent permitted by law in
a manner consistent with qualifying the Award for such exception. With respect to such performance awards, the Committee will establish,
in writing, one or more specific Performance Criteria (as defined below) no later than ninety (90) days after the commencement
of the period of service to which the performance relates (or at such earlier time as is required to qualify the Award as performance-based
under Section 162(m) of the Code). The Performance Criteria so established shall serve as a condition to the grant, vesting or
payment of the performance award, as determined by the Committee. Prior to grant, vesting or payment of the performance award,
as the case may be, the Committee will certify whether the Performance Criteria have been attained and such determination will
be final and conclusive. If the Performance Criteria with respect to the Award are not attained, no other Award will be provided
in substitution of the performance award. No performance award to which this Section 7.1(b) applies may be granted after the first
meeting of the stockholders of the Company held in 2019 until the performance measures described in Section 7.1(c) below (as the
same may be amended) have been resubmitted to and re-approved by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with the requirements
of Section 162(m) of the Code, unless such grant is made contingent upon such approval.


 






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(c)          For
purposes of this Section 7.1, “Performance Criteria” are specified criteria, other than the mere performance of services
or the mere passage of time the satisfaction of which is a condition for the grant, exercisability, vesting or full enjoyment of
an Award. For purposes of Awards that are intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m)
of the Code, a Performance Criterion means an objectively determinable measure of performance relating to any or any combination
of the following (measured either absolutely or by reference to an index or indices and determined either on a consolidated basis
or, as the context permits, on a divisional, subsidiary, line of business, project or geographical basis or in combinations thereof);
sales; revenues; assets; expenses; earnings before or after deduction for all or any portion of interest, taxes, depreciation,
or amortization, whether or not on a continuing operations or an aggregate or per share basis; return on equity, investment, capital
or assets; one or more operating rations; borrowing levels, leverage ratios or credit rating; market share; capital expenditures;
cash flow; stock price; stockholder return; sales of particular products or services; customer acquisition or retention; acquisitions
and divestitures (in whole or in part); joint ventures and strategic alliances; spin-offs, split-ups and the like; reorganizations;
or recapitalizations, restructurings, financings (issuance of debt or equity) or refinancings. A Performance Criterion measure
and any targets with respect thereto determined by the Committee need not be based upon an increase, a positive or improved result
or avoidance of loss. Any Performance Criterion based on performance over a period of time shall be determined by reference to
a period of not less than one year. To the extent consistent with the requirements for satisfying the performance-based compensation
exception under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may provide in the case of any Award intended to qualify for such exception
that one or more of the Performance Criteria applicable to such Award will be adjusted in an objectively determinable manner to
reflect events (for example, but without limitation, acquisitions or dispositions) occurring during the performance period that
affect the applicable Performance Criterion or Criteria.


 


7.2          Unrestricted
Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Committee may grant or sell shares of fully vested and unrestricted
stock in such amounts and for such consideration, if any, as the Committee shall determine; provided, that the aggregate number
of shares of unrestricted stock that may be granted or sold for a purchase price that is less than their fair market value, unless
granted in lieu of cash compensation equal to such fair market value, shall not exceed 600,000 shares.


 


7.3          Deferred
Stock. Any Participant selected by the Committee may be granted an award of deferred stock in the manner determined from time
to time by the Committee. The number of shares of deferred stock shall be determined by the Committee and may be linked to the
market value, book value, net profits or other measure of the value of common stock or other specific Performance Criteria determined
appropriate by the Committee. Common stock underlying a deferred stock award will not be issued until the deferred stock award
has vested, pursuant to a vesting schedule or Performance Criteria set by the Committee. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee,
a grantee of deferred stock shall have no rights as a Company stockholder with respect to such deferred stock until such time as
the award has vested and the common stock underlying the award has been issued.


 


7.4          Performance
Award Agreement, Deferred Stock Agreement, Unrestricted Stock Agreement. Each performance award, award of deferred stock and/or
unrestricted Stock shall be evidenced by a written agreement, which shall be executed by the grantee and an authorized officer
of the Company and which shall contain such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine, consistent with this Plan.


 


7.5          Term.
The term of a performance award, award of deferred stock and/or unrestricted stock shall be set by the Committee in its discretion.


 


7.6          Payment
on Exercise. Payment of the amount determined under Section 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3 above shall be in cash, in common stock or a combination
of both, as determined by the Committee. To the extent any payment under this Article VII is effected in common stock, it shall
be made subject to satisfaction of all provisions of Section 5.3.


 


7.7          Deferred
Compensation. It is not intended that awards under this Article VII, in form and/or operation, will constitute “deferred
compensation” under Section 409A of the Code. If it is subsequently determined that such awards in form and/or operation,
constitute “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code, the award shall be amended as provided by in Section
9.6 to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code as set forth in the corresponding award agreement.


 


7.8          Form
of Agreement. Each award granted pursuant to this Article VII shall be evidenced by a written agreement, which shall be executed
by the Grantee and an authorized officer of the Company and which shall contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator
shall determine, consistent with this Plan, including the term of the award and payment on exercise.


 






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ARTICLE VIII


ADMINISTRATION


 


8.1          Committee.
The Committee shall consist of two or more directors appointed by and holding office at the pleasure of the Board. To the extent
applicable, the members of the Committee shall each be an “outside director” as defined under Section 162(m) of the
Code. Appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. Committee members may resign at any time
by delivering written notice to the Board. Vacancies in the Committee may be filled by the Board.


 


8.2          Duties
and Powers of Committee. It shall be the duty of the Committee to conduct the general administration of this Plan in accordance
with its provisions. The Committee shall have the power to interpret this Plan and the agreements pursuant to which options, awards
of restricted stock, deferred stock, unrestricted stock or performance awards are granted or awarded, and to adopt such rules for
the administration, interpretation, and application of this Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke
any such rules. Any such grant or award under this Plan need not be the same with respect to each optionee, grantee or restricted
stockholder. Any such interpretations and rules with respect to ISOs shall be consistent with the provisions of Section 422 of
the Code. In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of
the Committee under this Plan except with respect to matters which under Rule 16b-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code, or any regulations
or rules issued thereunder, are required to be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.


 


8.3          Majority
Rule. The Committee shall act by a majority of its members in attendance at a meeting at which a quorum is present or by a
memorandum or other written instrument signed by all members of the Committee.


 


8.4          Compensation;
Professional Assistance; Good Faith Actions. Members of the Committee shall receive such compensation for their services as
members as may be determined by the Board. All expenses and liabilities which members of the Committee incur in connection with
the administration of this Plan shall be borne by the Company. The Committee may, with the approval of the Board, employ attorneys,
consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers, or other persons. The Committee, the Company and the Company’s officers and
directors shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons. All actions taken and all interpretations
and determinations made by the Committee in good faith shall be final and binding upon all optionees, grantees, restricted stockholders,
the Company and all other interested persons. No members of the Committee or Board shall be personally liable for any action, determination
or interpretation made in good faith with respect to this Plan, options, awards of restricted stock or unrestricted stock, deferred
stock or performance awards, and all members of the Committee shall be fully protected and indemnified by the Company in respect
of any such action, determination or interpretation.


 


ARTICLE IX


MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS


 


9.1          Not
Transferable. Except as may otherwise be authorized in writing by the Committee in accordance with applicable law, options,
restricted stock awards, unrestricted or deferred stock awards or performance awards under this Plan may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, unless and until such rights
or awards have been exercised, or the shares underlying such rights or awards have been issued, and all restrictions applicable
to such shares have lapsed. No Award or interest or right therein shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the
optionee, grantee or restricted stockholder or his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer,
alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary
or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy),
and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided however, that this Section 9.1 shall not
prevent (i) transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, or (ii) the designation of a beneficiary to
exercise any option or other right or award (or any portion thereof) granted under the Plan after the optionee’s or grantee’s
death.


 






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9.2          Amendment,
Suspension or Termination of this Plan. This Plan shall terminate on the date of the annual meeting of the Board immediately
following the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Board’s adoption of this Plan. This Plan may be wholly or partially
amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Committee. However, without approval
of the Company’s stockholders given within twelve (12) months before or after the action by the Committee, no action of the
Committee may, except as provided in Section 9.3, increase the limits imposed in Section 2.1 on the maximum number of shares which
may be issued under this Plan or modify the Award Limit, and no action of the Committee may be taken that would otherwise require
stockholder approval as a matter of applicable law, regulation or rule. No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan shall,
without the consent of the holder of, alter or impair any rights or obligations under any Award theretofore granted, unless the
award itself otherwise expressly so provides. No Award may be granted or awarded during any period of suspension or after termination
of this Plan, and in no event may any ISO be granted under this Plan after the first to occur of the following events:


 


(a)          The
expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board; or


 


(b)          The
expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders under Section 9.5.


 


Specifically, and in addition
to the foregoing, this Plan may be amended, to the extent necessary, to comply with regulatory and legislative requirements, including
Section 409A of the Code.


 


9.3          Adjustments.
Upon the happening of any of the following described events, a Participant’s rights with respect to awards granted hereunder
shall be adjusted as hereinafter provided, unless otherwise specifically provided in the award agreement.


 


(a)          Stock
Splits and Recapitalizations. In the event the Company issues any of its shares as a stock dividend upon or with respect to
the shares, or in the event shares shall be subdivided or combined into a greater or smaller number of shares, or if, upon a merger
or consolidation, reorganization, split-up, liquidation, combination, recapitalization or the like of the Company, shares shall
be exchanged for other securities of the Company, securities of another entity, cash or other property, each Participant upon exercising
an Option (for the purchase price to be paid under the Option) shall be entitled to purchase such number of shares, other securities
of the Company, securities of such other entity, cash or other property as the Participant would have received if the Participant
had been the holder of the shares with respect to which the award is exercised at all times between the Grant Date of the award
and the date of its exercise, and appropriate adjustments shall be made in the purchase price per share. In determining whether
any award granted hereunder has vested, appropriate adjustments will be made for distributions and transactions described in this
Section 9.3(a). The Board may adjust the number of shares subject to outstanding awards and the exercise price and the terms of
outstanding awards to take into consideration material changes in accounting practices or principles, extraordinary dividends,
acquisitions or dispositions of stock or property, or any other event if it is determined by the Board that such adjustment is
appropriate to avoid distortion in the operation of the Plan, including adjustments of the limitations in Section 2.1 on the maximum
number and kind of shares which may be issued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment under this Section 9.3(a) shall not
be permitted to the extent that the individual award or this Plan, in general, would constitute deferred compensation subject to
Section 409A of the Code unless the award agreement sets forth the terms and conditions necessary to comply with the requirements
of Section 409A of the Code. Where an adjustment of the type described above is made to an ISO under this Section, the adjustment
will be made in a manner which will not be considered a “modification” under the provisions of subsection 424(h)(3)
of the Code.


 


(b)          Restricted
Stock. If any person owning Restricted Stock receives new or additional or different shares or securities (“New
Securities”) in connection with a corporate transaction or stock dividend described in Section 9.3(a) as a result of
owning such Restricted Stock, the New Securities shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions applicable to the Restricted
Stock with respect to which such New Securities were issued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustment under this Section 9.3(b)
shall not be permitted to the extent that the individual award or this Plan, in general, would constitute deferred compensation
subject to Section 409A of the Code unless the award agreement sets forth the terms and conditions necessary to comply with the
requirements of Section 409A of the Code.


 






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(c)          Fractional
Shares. No fractional shares shall be issued under the Plan. Any fractional shares which, but for this Section, would
have been issued shall be deemed to have been issued and immediately sold to the Company for their Fair Market Value, and the Participant
shall receive from the Company cash in lieu of such fractional shares.


 


(d)          Further
Adjustment. Upon the happening of any of the events described in Sections 9.3(a) or 9.3(c), the class and aggregate number
of shares set forth in Section 5.1 hereof that are subject to awards which previously have been or subsequently may be granted
under the Plan, and the number of shares set forth in Section 5.3 hereof that may be granted to a Participant in any year shall
be appropriately adjusted to reflect the events described in such Sections. The Board shall determine the specific adjustments
to be made under this Section 9.3(d).


 


(e)          Assumption
of Options Upon Certain Events. In connection with a merger or consolidation of an entity with the Company or the acquisition
by the Company of property or stock of an entity, the Board may grant awards under the Plan in substitution for stock and stock
based awards issued by such entity or a Subsidiary thereof, as long as such substitute awards will not constitute a deferral of
compensation under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Board determines that any such
substitute award shall constitute a deferral of compensation under Section 409A of the Code, such award shall be accompanied with
a written award agreement which shall set forth the terms and conditions required to comply with the requirements of Section 409A
of the Code. The substitute awards shall be granted on such terms and conditions as the Board considers appropriate in the circumstances.
The awards so granted shall not reduce the number of shares that would otherwise be available for awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event of such a reorganization, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock splitup,
stock dividend or combination, or other adjustment or event which results in shares of Common Stock being exchanged for or converted
into cash, securities or other property, the Company will have the right, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory guidance,
including but not limited to Section 409A of the Code, to terminate this Plan as of the date of the exchange or conversion, in
which case all options, rights and other awards under this Plan shall become the right to receive such cash, securities or other
property, net of any applicable exercise price.


 


9.4         Approval
of Plan by Stockholders. This Plan will be submitted for the approval of the Company’s stockholders within (12) twelve
months after the date of the Board’s initial adoption of this Plan. Awards may be granted prior to such stockholder approval,
provided that such Awards shall not be exercisable nor shall vest prior to the time when this Plan is approved by the stockholders,
and provided further that if such approval has not been obtained at the end of said twelve (12) month period, all Awards previously
granted under this Plan shall thereupon be canceled and become null and void.


 


9.5          Tax
Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to require payment in cash or deduction from other compensation payable to each
optionee, grantee or restricted stockholder of any sums required by federal, state or local tax law to be withheld with respect
to the issuance, vesting or exercise of any option, restricted stock, deferred stock, performance award or unrestricted stock.
The Committee may in its discretion and in satisfaction of the foregoing requirement allow such optionee, grantee or restricted
stockholder to elect to have the Company withhold shares of common stock (or allow the return of shares of common stock) having
a Fair Market Value equal to the sums required to be withheld.


 


9.6          Loan.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may, in its discretion, extend one or more loans in connection with the
exercise or receipt of an option or performance award, granted under this Plan, or the issuance of restricted stock, unrestricted
stock or deferred stock awarded under this Plan. The terms and conditions of any such loan shall be set by the Committee.


 


9.7          Limitations
Applicable to Section 16 Persons and Performance-Based Compensation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, any
option, performance award, stock appreciation right granted, or restricted stock, unrestricted stock or deferred stock awarded,
to a Key Employee or director who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, shall be subject to any additional limitations
set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange
Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule, and this Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary
to conform to such limitations. Furthermore, notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, any option or stock appreciation
right intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall be subject to
any additional limitations set forth in Section 162(m) of the Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m) of the Code) or any
regulations or rulings issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as performance-based compensation as described
in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, and this Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.


 






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9.8          Other
Transfer Restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, in order to qualify for the exemption provided by Rule
16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and any successor provision, (i) any Restricted Stock offered under the Plan to a Participant subject
to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (a “Section 16 Participant”) may not be sold for six (6) months after acquisition;
(ii) any shares or other equity security acquired by a Section 16 Participant upon exercise of an Option may not be sold for six
(6) months after the date of grant of the Option; and (iii) any Option or other similar right related to an equity security issued
under the Plan shall not be transferable except in accordance with the rules under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, subject to any
other applicable transfer restrictions under the Plan or the award agreement. The Board shall have no authority to take any action
if the authority to take such action, or the taking of such action, would disqualify a transaction under the Plan from the exemption
provided by Rule 16b-3 under the Act, or any successor provision.


 


9.9          Effect
of Plan Upon Other Compensation or Incentive Plans. The adoption of this Plan shall not affect any other compensation or incentive
plans in effect for the Company. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company (i) to establish any
other forms of incentives or compensation for employees of the Company or (ii) to grant or assume options or other rights otherwise
than under this Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose including but not by way of limitation, the grant or assumption
of options in connection with the acquisition by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business, stock or
assets of any corporation, partnership, firm or association.


 


9.10        Compliance
with Laws. This Plan, the granting and vesting of options, restricted stock awards, unrestricted stock awards, deferred stock
awards, performance awards or stock appreciation rights under this Plan and the issuance and delivery of shares of common stock
and the payment of money under this Plan or under Awards granted hereunder are subject to compliance with all applicable federal
and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities law and federal margin requirements
and the requirements of Section 409A of the Code) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as
may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Any securities delivered under
this Plan shall be subject to such restrictions, and the person acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company, provide
such assurances and representations to the Company as the Company may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all
applicable legal requirements. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan, options, restricted stock awards, unrestricted
stock awards, deferred stock awards, performance awards, or stock appreciation rights granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed
amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.


 


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


 


9.12        Governing
Law. This Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the
State of Delaware without regard to conflicts of laws thereof.


 


 


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