Exhibit








Exhibit 10.1
STEVEN J. HILTON
FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(Effective as of January 1, 2017)




This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on February 15, 2017 by and between Meritage Homes Corporation, a Maryland corporation (“Company”) and Steven J. Hilton, an individual (“Executive”) effective as of January 1, 2017 (“Effective Date”).
RECITALS


WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed by the Company as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer;


WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive most-recently previously entered into an amended and restated employment agreement defining the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company, dated as of January 1, 2014 (“Previous Agreement”);


WHEREAS, the Previous Agreement provided Executive with certain rights, responsibilities and benefits;


WHEREAS, the Company and Executive believe that it is in the best interest of each to make certain other changes to Executive’s terms and conditions of his employment with the Company; and


WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to obtain the services of Executive, and Executive desires to provide services to the Company, in accordance with the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement.


NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and mutual agreements set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and in reliance upon the representations, covenants and mutual agreements contained herein, the Company and Executive agree to amend and restate the Previous Agreement as follows:


1.    Employment.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to employ Executive as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Executive agrees to diligently perform the duties associated with such positions.  Executive will report directly to the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”).  Executive will devote substantially all of his business time, attention and energies to the business of the Company and will comply with the charters, policies and guidelines established by the Company from time to time applicable to its directors and senior management executives.

























2.    Term.  Executive will be employed under this Agreement until December 31, 2017 (“Agreement Term”), unless Executive’s employment is terminated earlier pursuant to Section 7.  Thereafter, the Agreement will automatically renew for additional periods of one year (“Renewal Term(s)”), unless on or before August 31, 2017 (or August 31 of any Renewal Term), either Executive or the Company notifies the other in writing that it wishes to terminate employment under this Agreement at the end of the term then in effect.  If, pursuant to the foregoing, the Company notifies the Executive that it wishes to terminate employment under this Agreement at the end of the term then in effect, such termination of employment shall be treated as a termination without cause by the Company, and the provisions of Section 7(c) shall apply.


3.    Director Status.  For so long as Executive is Chief Executive Officer, the Company shall use reasonable best efforts, subject to applicable law and regulation of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), to cause Executive to be nominated for election as a director and to be recommended to the stockholders for election as a director.  Upon any termination of employment as Chief Executive Officer, Executive will be deemed to have resigned from the Board, unless (a) the Executive is not terminated for Cause (as defined below) and owns common stock of the Company with a fair market value on the date of termination, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date, of a minimum of four times Executive’s Base Salary in effect under Section 4 on such date, or (b) within 30 days thereof a majority of the independent directors of the Board (as defined by rules of the NYSE) vote to enable Executive to continue serving on the Board through the balance of his term.


4.    Base Salary.  The Company will pay Executive a base salary (“Base Salary”) at the annual rate of $1,000,000 per year.  The Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) may adjust Executive’s Base Salary from time to time, provided that the Base Salary (as previously increased, if applicable) may not be reduced without Executive’s consent.  The Base Salary will be payable in accordance with the payroll practices of the Company in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than monthly.


5.    Incentive Compensation.


(a)    Bonus.  For each calendar year during the Agreement Term and any Renewal Term, Executive shall be entitled to annual incentive compensation (the “Bonus”) under the Company’s 2006 Annual Incentive Plan (which is also known as the Company’s 2006 Executive Management Incentive Plan and the Meritage Homes Corporation Executive Management Incentive Plan) or any successor thereto (“Incentive Plan”), subject to the achievement of certain performance goals established by the Committee pursuant to the Incentive Plan and other terms and conditions, as set forth on Exhibit A.


(b)    Long-Term Incentives.  For each calendar year during the Agreement Term and any Renewal Term, Executive shall be entitled to (i) a Performance Share Award or a Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Company’s 2006 Stock Incentive Plan or any successor thereto (“Stock Incentive Plan”), subject to the achievement of certain performance goals established by the Committee pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan and other terms and conditions, as set forth on Exhibit B, and (ii) a Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Award subject to the achievement 


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of certain performance goals established by the Committee pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan and other terms and conditions, as set forth on Exhibit C-1, and (iii) a Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Stock Incentive Plan, subject to a three-year vesting schedule and other terms and conditions, as set forth on Exhibit C-2.  


6.    Executive Benefits.  During the term of this Agreement, Executive will be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and customary business expenses.  The Company will provide Executive with such fringe benefits and other Executive benefits as are regularly provided by the Company to its senior executives (e.g., health and long-term disability insurance, Paid Time Off, 401(k), etc.); provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude the Company from amending or terminating any employee or general executive benefit plan or program.  In addition, the Company shall provide the Executive with the benefits set forth on Exhibit D, which benefits may not be terminated, reduced or modified in any respect during the term hereof without the written consent of Executive.  The Company shall pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred for drafting and reviewing this Agreement and all related documents within 60 days after it is signed by the parties.  To be eligible for reimbursement, all requests for, and payment of, reimbursement under this Section 6 must occur within the timeframe set forth in Section 18(b).


7.    Termination.


(a)    Voluntary Resignation by Executive without Good Reason.  If Executive voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason, then, except as otherwise set forth in Section 7(f) below:


(i)the Company shall within 15 days after termination pay Executive his Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any accrued but unused Paid Time Off amounts; 


(ii)the Company shall pay Executive any Bonus and any Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i), any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii), and any Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(iii) that are earned or vested in or with respect to a previous year that has not yet been paid and delivered, which Bonus and performance awards shall be paid and delivered at such time as Bonuses and performance awards are paid and delivered to other executives but not later than March 15 of the year of termination; 


(iii)no Bonus shall be payable for the performance period in which termination occurs; 


		
	(iv)
	no Performance Share Awards or Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i) or other performance based awards, including but not necessarily limited to any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii), shall be payable for the performance period in which termination occurs; 






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(v)any Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(iii) or other time based awards that are not vested prior to or on account of such termination shall be forfeited; and 


(vi)the Company shall not pay or reimburse Executive for COBRA premiums for the period that the Company is required to offer COBRA coverage as a matter of law.


(b)    Voluntary Resignation by Executive with Good Reason.  If Executive voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company with Good Reason, then:


(i)     the Company shall within 15 days after termination pay Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any accrued but unused Paid Time Off amounts; 


(ii)     the Company shall pay Executive any Bonus and any Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i) and any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii) that are earned or vested in or with respect to a previous year that has not yet been paid and delivered, which Bonus and performance awards shall be paid and delivered at such time as Bonuses and performance awards are paid and delivered to other executives but not later than March 15 of the year of termination; 


(iii)     the Company shall pay Executive a pro rata Bonus based upon actual performance for the performance period in which termination occurs, determined in accordance with paragraph F of Exhibit A and paid at such time as Bonuses are paid to other executives but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the performance period; 


(iv)    all previously granted time based awards that are outstanding (including any Restricted Stock Unit Awards and other similar time based awards but not restricted stock awards which shall be dealt with under Section 7(b)(v) below) shall immediately vest and become unrestricted and the Company shall deliver to Executive the Shares subject to the time based awards; 


(v)    all previously granted time based restricted stock awards that are outstanding shall immediately vest and become unrestricted; 


(vi)    the Company shall deliver to Executive:


		
	(A)
	the Shares (as defined in paragraph A of Exhibit B) subject to the previously granted Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i) and other similar previously granted performance awards, including for any performance periods that have not yet ended, determined based upon actual performance in accordance with Exhibit B and delivered at such time as performance share awards for 




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other executives are settled but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period for each such award; and
		
	(B) 
	the Shares (as defined in paragraph A of Exhibit C-1) subject to the previously granted Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii) for any performance periods that have not yet ended, determined based upon actual performance in accordance with Exhibit C-1 and delivered at such time as Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards for other executives are settled but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period for each such award;




(vii)     all previously granted performance based restricted stock awards for any performance periods that have not yet ended shall vest and become unrestricted immediately following the end of the applicable performance period for such awards based upon actual performance achieved during the applicable performance period; 


(viii)     any stock option grants that remain outstanding as of the date of termination shall immediately vest, if not previously vested, and shall remain exercisable for the remainder of the original term but not later than the 10th anniversary of the original date of grant; 


(ix)the Company shall pay Executive a single lump sum payment in an amount equal to 150% of the monthly COBRA premium payable for the coverage in effect on the date of termination for Executive and, if applicable, his dependents under the Company’s group health plan, multiplied by 18; 


(x)at the Company’s option, the Executive shall render reasonable consulting services to the Company during the 24-month period following termination of employment as may be requested from time to time by the Chairman of the Committee in accordance with, and subject to, Section 10; and


(xi)the Company will pay Executive an amount equal to the sum of (A) two times the Executive’s Base Salary on the Date of Termination of employment, and (B) two times the higher of (x) the average of the Bonus compensation paid to Executive for the two years prior to his termination of employment or (y) the annual Bonus paid to Executive for the year preceding the date of termination.  For purposes of determining the amount of the Executive’s Bonus paid for any year during the above two-year period, the amount of the Bonus compensation considered paid for purposes of this provision shall be the greater of (a) the Bonus paid to the Executive, or (b) the fair value on the day of grant (which, for restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance based restricted stock units, and performance share awards shall equal the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on such day, and for options, stock appreciation rights and similar awards 


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shall equal the value calculated pursuant to the Black-Scholes or similar valuation model as of the day of grant) of the shares of the Company’s restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance based restricted stock units, performance shares, stock options and other equity awards that became vested in such year; provided, however that the total amount set forth in Section 7(b)(xi) shall not be less than $5 million and shall not exceed $10 million.
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any amount payable or deliverable under Sections 7(b)(iv), (ix) and (xi) shall be paid in a lump-sum cash payment or delivered within 60 days following Executive’s termination of employment.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7(b) to the contrary, if the 60 day period spans two calendar years, the payment or delivery to which Executive is entitled under this Section 7(b) shall be made in the second calendar year.  


(c)    Termination without Cause by the Company.  If the Company terminates Executive without Cause, then:


(i)the Company shall within 15 days after termination pay Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any accrued but unused Paid Time Off amounts; 


(ii)the Company shall pay Executive any Bonus and any Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i) and any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii) that are earned or vested in or with respect to a previous year that has not yet been paid and delivered, which Bonus and performance awards shall be paid and delivered at such time as Bonuses and performance awards are paid and delivered to other executives but not later than March 15 of the year of termination; 


(iii)the Company shall pay Executive a pro rata Bonus based upon actual performance for the performance period in which termination occurs, determined in accordance with paragraph F of Exhibit A and paid at such time as Bonuses are paid to other executives but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the performance period; 


(iv)all previously granted time based awards that are outstanding (including any Restricted Stock Unit Awards and other similar time based awards but not restricted stock awards which shall be dealt with under Section 7(c)(v) below) shall immediately vest and become unrestricted and the Company shall deliver to Executive the Shares subject to the time based awards; 


(v)all previously granted time based restricted stock awards that are outstanding shall immediately vest and become unrestricted; 


(vi)the Company shall deliver to Executive:


		
	(A)
	the Shares subject to the previously granted Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards under 




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Section 5(b)(i) and other similar previously granted performance awards for any performance periods that have not yet ended, determined based upon actual performance in accordance with Exhibit B and delivered at such time as performance share awards for other executives are settled but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period for each such award; and


		
	(B)
	the Shares subject to the previously granted Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii) for any performance periods that have not yet ended, determined based upon actual performance in accordance with Exhibit C-1 and delivered at such time as Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards for other executives are settled but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period for each such award;




(vii)all previously granted performance based restricted stock awards for any performance periods that have not yet ended shall vest and become unrestricted immediately following the end of the applicable performance period for such awards based upon actual performance achieved during the applicable performance period; 


(viii)any stock option grants that remain outstanding as of the date of termination shall immediately vest, if not previously vested, and shall remain exercisable for the remainder of the original term but not later than the 10th anniversary of the original date of grant; 


(ix)the Company shall pay Executive a single lump payment in an amount equal to 150% of the monthly COBRA premium payable for the coverage in effect on the date of termination for Executive and, if applicable, his dependents under the Company’s group health plan, multiplied by 18; 


(x)at the Company’s option, the Executive shall render reasonable consulting services to the Company during the 24-month period following termination of employment as may be requested from time to time by the Chairman of the Committee, in accordance with, and subject to, Section 10; and 


(xi)the Company will pay Executive an amount equal to the sum of (A) two times Executive’s Base Salary on the Date of Termination of employment, and (B) two times the higher of (x) the average of the Bonus compensation paid to Executive for the two years prior to his termination of employment or (y) the annual Bonus paid to Executive for the year preceding the date of termination.  For purposes of determining the amount of the Executive’s Bonus paid for any year during the above two-year period, the amount of the 


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Bonus compensation considered paid for purposes of this provision shall be the greater of (a) the Bonus paid to the Executive, or (b) the fair value on the day of grant (which, for restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance based restricted stock units, and performance share awards shall equal the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on such day, and for options, stock appreciation rights and similar awards shall equal the value calculated pursuant to the Black-Scholes or similar valuation model as of the day of grant) of the shares of the Company’s restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance based restricted stock units, performance shares, stock options and other equity awards that became vested in such year; provided, however that the total amount set forth in Section 7(c)(xi) shall not be less than $5 million and shall not exceed $10 million.
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any amount payable or deliverable under Sections 7(c)(iv), (ix) and (xi) shall be paid in a lump-sum cash payment or delivered within 60 days following Executive’s termination of employment.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7(c) to the contrary, if the 60 day period spans two calendar years, the payment or delivery to which Executive is entitled under this Section 7(c) shall be made in the second calendar year.


(d)    Termination for Cause by the Company.  If the Company terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, then:


(i)the Company shall within 15 days after termination pay Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any accrued but unused Paid Time Off amounts; 


(ii)the Company shall pay Executive any Bonus and any Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i) and any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii) that are earned or vested in or with respect to a previous year that has not yet been paid and delivered, which Bonus and performance awards shall be paid at such time as Bonuses and performance awards are paid and delivered to other executives but not later than March 15 of the year of termination; 


(iii)no Bonus shall be payable for the performance period in which termination occurs;  


(iv)no Performance Share Awards or Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i) or other performance based awards, including but not necessarily limited to any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii), shall be payable for any performance periods that have not yet ended; and 


(v)any Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(iii), and any time based restricted stock awards or other similar time based awards that are not vested prior to such termination shall be forfeited.


Upon a termination for Cause by the Company, the provisions of Section 8 (Restrictive Covenant) shall automatically become applicable for the two-year period set forth therein, without any further 


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payment due Executive.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that the compensation herein is adequate consideration for such covenants.


(e)    Termination upon Death or Disability.  If Executive’s employment is terminated as a result of Executive’s death or Disability, then:


(i)the Company shall within 15 days after termination pay Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any accrued but unused Paid Time Off amounts; 


(ii)the Company shall pay Executive any Bonus and any Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i) and any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii) that are earned or vested in or with respect to a previous year that has not yet been paid and delivered, which Bonus and performance awards shall be paid and delivered at such time as Bonuses and performance awards are paid and delivered to other executives but not later than March 15 of the year of termination; 


(iii)the Company shall pay Executive his Target Bonus for the performance period in which termination occurs as described in paragraph C of Exhibit A (provided that for any performance period beginning prior to January 1, 2015, the amount paid shall be the Bonus based upon actual performance for the performance period (rather than the Target Bonus) in which termination occurs determined in accordance with Exhibit A, and paid at such time as Bonuses are paid to other executives but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the performance period); 


(iv)all previously granted time based awards that are outstanding (including any Restricted Stock Unit Awards and other similar time based awards but not restricted stock awards which shall be dealt with under Section 7(e)(v) below) shall immediately vest and become unrestricted and the Company shall deliver to the Executive the Shares subject to the time based awards; 


(v)all previously granted time based restricted stock awards shall immediately vest and become unrestricted; 


(vi)the Company shall deliver to Executive:


		
	(A)
	the target number of Shares subject to previously granted Performance Share Awards under Section 5(b)(i) and other similar previously granted performance awards for any performance periods that have not yet ended as described in paragraph C of Exhibit B or otherwise (provided that for any performance period beginning prior to January 1, 2015, the Company shall deliver to Executive the Shares subject to previously granted Performance Share Awards under Section 5(b)(i) and other similar previously granted 




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performance awards for any performance periods that have not yet ended, determined based upon actual performance in accordance with Exhibit B (rather than delivering the target number of Shares) and delivered at such time as Performance Share Awards for other executives are settled but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period); and


		
	(B)
	the target number of Shares subject to any previously granted Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii) for any performance periods that have not yet ended, determined based upon actual performance in accordance with Exhibit C-1 and delivered at such time as Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards for other executives are settled but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period for each such award; 




(vii)the target number of shares subject to previously granted performance based restricted stock awards for any performance periods that have not yet ended shall immediately vest and become unrestricted; 


(viii)any stock option grants that remain outstanding as of the date of termination shall immediately vest, if not previously vested, and shall remain exercisable for the remainder of the original term but not later than the 10th anniversary of the original date of grant; and


(ix)the Company shall pay Executive a single lump sum payment in an amount equal to 150% of the monthly COBRA premium payable for the coverage in effect on the date of termination for Executive (if Executive’s employment is terminated as a result of Disability) and, if applicable, his dependents under the Company’s group health plan, multiplied by 18.
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any amount payable or deliverable under Sections 7(e)(iii) (but only for payment of Target Bonuses relating to performance periods beginning on and after January 1, 2015), (iv), (vi) (but only for the target number of Shares relating to performance periods beginning on and after January 1, 2015), and (ix) shall be paid in a lump-sum cash payment or delivered within 60 days following Executive’s termination of employment.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7(e) to the contrary, if the 60 day period spans two calendar years, the payment or delivery to which Executive is entitled under this Section 7(e) shall be made in the second calendar year.  If Executive dies or becomes Disabled during any period that the Company is obliged to make payments under Section 7, the Company shall pay the Executive (or in the case of death, the Executive’s estate) any unpaid amounts described in Section 7, at the time such amounts would otherwise have been paid to Executive.  




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(f)    Retirement.  If Executive voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason after completion of 15 cumulative years of service as a named executive officer and/or a member of the Board, the provisions of Section 7(a) shall apply (except as modified in this Section 7(f)) and in addition thereto:


(i)the Company shall pay Executive a pro rata Bonus based upon actual performance for the performance period in which termination occurs, determined in accordance with paragraph F of Exhibit A and paid at such time as Bonuses are paid to other executives but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the performance period; 


(ii)all previously granted time based awards that are outstanding (including any Restricted Stock Unit Awards and other similar time based awards but not restricted stock awards) shall immediately vest and become unrestricted and the Company shall deliver to Executive the Shares subject to the time based awards; 


(iii)the Company shall deliver to Executive:


		
	(A)
	the Shares subject to the previously granted Performance Share Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(i) and other similar previously granted performance awards for any performance periods that have not yet ended, determined based upon actual performance in accordance with Exhibit B and delivered at such time as performance share awards for other Executives are settled but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period for such awards; and




		
	(B)
	the Shares subject to any previously granted Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards under Section 5(b)(ii) for any performance periods that have not yet ended, determined based upon actual performance in accordance with Exhibit C-1 and delivered at such time as Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards for other executives are settled but not later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period for such awards;




(iv)all previously granted performance based restricted stock awards for any performance periods that have not yet ended shall vest and become unrestricted immediately following the end of the applicable performance period for such awards based upon actual performance achieved during the applicable performance period; 




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(v)any stock option grants that remain outstanding as of the date of termination shall immediately vest, if not previously vested, and shall remain exercisable for the remainder of the original term but not later than the 10th anniversary of the original date of grant; and 


(vi)at the Company’s option, the Executive shall render reasonable consulting services to the Company during the 24-month period following termination of employment as may be requested from time to time by the Chairman of the Committee, in accordance with, and subject to, Section 10.
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any amount deliverable under Section 7(f)(ii) shall be delivered within 60 days following Executive’s termination of employment.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7(f) to the contrary, if the 60 day period spans two calendar years, the delivery to which Executive is entitled under this Section 7(f) shall be delivered in the second calendar year.


(g)    Directors and Officers Liability Insurance; Indemnification.  In the event of termination of Executive’s employment, (i) Executive shall remain covered under the directors and officers liability insurance maintained by the Company in commercially reasonable amounts (as determined by the Board) to the same extent as executives of the Company; and (ii) Executive shall remain eligible for indemnification by the Company to the extent provided for in the Company by-laws in effect from time to time, provided that such indemnification shall not be less favorable than the indemnification provided for in the Company’s by-laws in effect as of January 1, 2017.


(h)    Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement:


(1)    “Cause” shall mean that the Executive’s employment with the Company was terminated due to Executive’s:


		
	(i)
	Malfeasance, willful or gross misconduct, or willful dishonesty in each instance that materially harms the Company or its stockholders;


		
	(ii)
	Conviction of a felony that is materially detrimental to the Company or its stockholders;


		
	(iii)
	Conviction of, or entry of a plea of nolo contendere to a felony that materially damages the Company’s financial condition or reputation or to a crime involving fraud;


		
	(iv)
	Material violation of the Company’s Code of Ethics, including breach of duty of loyalty in connection with Company’s business;


		
	(v)
	Willful failure to perform duties under this Agreement after notice by the Board and an opportunity to cure;


		
	(vi)
	Failure to reasonably cooperate with, or otherwise impedes or interferes with, an investigation authorized by the Board;




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	(vii)
	Failure to follow a legal and proper Board directive after notice by the Board and a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure; or


		
	(viii)
	Willful misconduct or gross negligence pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, if and to the extent such conduct triggers a restatement of financial results.




(2)    “Change of Control” shall mean and include the following transactions or situations:  


		
	(i)
	The acquisition of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having 35% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities by any “Unrelated Person” or “Unrelated Persons” acting in concert with one another. For “Change of Control” purposes, the term “Person” shall mean and include any individual, partnership, joint venture, association, trust, corporation, or other entity (including a “group” as referred to in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”)). For “Change of Control” purposes, the term “Unrelated Person” shall mean and include any Person other than the Company, or an employee benefit plan of the Company, or any officer, director, or 10% or more shareholder of the Company as of the date of this Agreement;




		
	(ii)
	A sale, transfer, or other disposition through a single transaction or a series of transactions of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to an Unrelated Person or Unrelated Persons acting in concert with one another;


		
	(iii)
	Any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into an Unrelated Person, unless immediately after the consolidation or merger the holders of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the consolidation or merger are the Beneficial Owners of securities of the surviving corporation representing at least 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving corporation’s then outstanding securities; or




		
	(iv)
	A change during any period of two consecutive years of a majority of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors for any reason, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, of each director was approved by the vote of a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of the period.




(3)    “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following circumstances: 




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	(i)
	If the Company assigns Executive duties that are materially inconsistent with, or constitute a material reduction of powers or functions associated with, Executive’s position, duties, or responsibilities with the Company, or a material adverse change in Executive’s titles, authority, or reporting responsibilities, or in conditions of Executive’s employment;


		
	(ii)
	If the Executive’s Base Salary is reduced;


		
	(iii)
	If the Company fails to cause any successor to expressly assume and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement;


		
	(iv)
	If the Company requires Executive to relocate to an employment location that is more than fifty (50) miles from Scottsdale, Arizona, or 


		
	(v)
	If the Company materially breaches its obligations under this Agreement and such breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice from the Executive; or


		
	(vi)
	If, following a Change of Control, Executive does not serve, or is not serving as, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the parent corporation of the surviving organization.




(4)    “CIC Agreement” shall mean that certain Third Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Executive and the Company, effective January 1, 2010, as thereafter amended.


(5)    “Date of Termination” shall mean (i) if this Agreement is terminated as a result of Executive’s death, the date of Executive’s death, (ii) if this Agreement is terminated by Executive for Good Reason, the date on which he notifies the Company in writing (but following the Company’s opportunity to cure as provided in Section 7(i)(v)), (iii) if this Agreement is terminated by Executive without Good Reason or on account of retirement, the later of (A) the date on which Executive notifies the Company in writing and (B) the date of termination specified in the written notice, (iv) if this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Disability, the date a notice of termination is given (following the procedures set forth in Section 7(i)(iv)), (v) if this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, the date a final determination is provided to Executive by the Company (following the procedures set forth in Section 7(i)(iii)), or (vi) if this Agreement is terminated by the Company without Cause, the date notice of termination is given to Executive by the Company (following the procedures set forth in Section 7(i)(ii));


(6)    “Disability” shall mean Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than six (6) months under an accident and health plan established by the Company for its employees, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which actually hinders Executive’s ability to perform his job 


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and which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.


(i)    Procedures for Notices of Termination.  Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the Executive if such Notice of Termination is delivered by the Company and to the Company if such Notice of Termination is delivered by the Executive, all in accordance with the following procedures:


(i)    The Notice of Termination shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances alleged to provide a basis for termination.


(ii)    Any Notice of Termination by the Company shall be in writing signed by the Chairman of the Committee specifying in detail the basis for such termination.


(iii)    If the Company shall furnish a Notice of Termination for Cause and Executive in good faith notifies the Company that a dispute exists concerning such termination within the 30-day period following Executive’s receipt of such notice, Executive may elect to continue Executive’s employment (or Executive may be placed on paid administrative leave, at the Company’s option), during such dispute. If it is thereafter determined that (1) Cause did exist, the Executive’s “Termination Date” shall be the earlier of (A) the date on which the dispute is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties or pursuant to the alternative dispute resolution provisions of Section 16, or (B) the date of the Executive’s death; or (2) Cause did not exist, Executive’s employment shall continue as if the Company had not delivered its Notice of Termination and there shall be no Termination Date arising out of such notice. A determination of Cause shall be made by a majority of the members of the Board only after the Executive and Executive’s legal counsel, if any, have been giving an opportunity to meet with the Board in advance of the Board’s vote on the matter; provided that, such determination of Cause shall be subject to the dispute resolution process described in Section 16.


(iv)    If the Company shall furnish a Notice of Termination by reason of Disability and Executive in good faith notifies the Company that a dispute exists concerning such termination within the 30-day period following Executive’s receipt of such notice, Executive may elect to continue Executive’s employment during such dispute (or Executive may be placed on paid administrative leave, at the Company’s option). The dispute relating to the existence of a Disability shall be resolved by the opinion of the licensed physician selected by the Company, provided, however, that if Executive does not accept the opinion of the licensed physician selected by the Company, the dispute shall be resolved by the opinion of a licensed physician who shall be selected by the Executive; provided further, however, that if the Company does not accept the opinion of the licensed physician selected by the Executive, the dispute shall be finally resolved by the opinion of a licensed physician selected by the licensed physicians selected by the Company and the Executive, respectively. If it is thereafter determined that (1) a Disability did exist, Executive’s Termination Date shall be the earlier of (A) the date on which the dispute is resolved, or (B) the date of 


15









Executive’s death, or (2) a Disability did not exist, Executive’s employment shall continue as if the Company had not delivered its Notice of Termination and there shall be no Termination Date arising out of such notice. 


(v)    If Executive in good faith furnishes a Notice of Termination for Good Reason and the Company notifies Executive that a dispute exists concerning the termination within the 30-day period following the Company’s receipt of such notice, Executive may elect to continue Executive’s employment (or Executive may be placed on paid administrative leave with pay, at the Company’s option), during such dispute. If it is thereafter determined that (1) Good Reason did exist, Executive’s Termination Date shall be the earlier of (A) the date on which the dispute is finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties or pursuant to the alternative dispute resolution provisions of Section 16, or (B) the date of Executive’s death; or (2) Good Reason did not exist, Executive’s employment shall continue after such determination as if Executive had not delivered the Notice of Termination asserting Good Reason. The Company shall be given an opportunity to cure the event causing Good Reason within the 30-day period following Executive’s Notice of Termination for Good Reason.


(vi)    If Executive does not elect to continue employment pending resolution of a dispute regarding a Notice of Termination, and it is finally determined that the reason for termination set forth in such Notice of Termination did not exist, if such notice was delivered by Executive, Executive shall be deemed to have voluntarily terminated Executive’s employment other than for Good Reason and if delivered by the Company, the Company will be deemed to have terminated Executive other than by reason of Disability or with Cause.


(j)    Release Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no payment (other than payments described in (i) and (ii) of Sections 7(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e); payments under Section 7(e) on account of death or Disability; and any payment under Section 7(g) on account of Retirement) shall be made under this Section 7 unless Executive executes (and does not revoke) a legal release (“Release Agreement”), in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit E, in which Executive releases the Company, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents and others affiliated with the Company from any and all claims, including claims relating to  Executive’s employment with the Company and the termination of Executive’s employment.  The Release Agreement shall be provided to Executive within 5 days following Executive’s termination of employment.  The Release Agreement must be executed and returned to the Company within the 21 or 45 day (as applicable) period described in the Release Agreement and it must not be revoked by Executive within the 7-day revocation period described in the Release Agreement. 


(k)    No Duty to Mitigate.  Any payments under this Section 7 or Section 8(c) (if applicable) will be made to Executive without regard to whether Executive looks for or obtains alternative employment following termination of employment with the Company hereunder.


(l)    Expenses and Interest.  If a good faith dispute shall arise with respect to the enforcement of any rights under this Agreement or if any arbitration or legal proceeding shall be 


16









brought in good faith to enforce or interpret any provision hereof, or to recover damages for breach hereof, the prevailing party shall recover any reasonable attorneys’ fees and necessary costs and disbursement incurred as a result of such dispute or legal proceeding, and prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained calculated at the rate of interest announced by Bank of America, Arizona from time to time as its prime rate from the date that payments were or should have been made under this Agreement.


8.    Restrictive Covenant.  In consideration of Executive’s employment, Executive agrees to the following:


(a)    During the Restriction Period (as defined below), Executive will not, directly or indirectly, either as an executive, partner, owner, lender, director, adviser or consultant or in any other capacity or through any entity:


(1)    directly or indirectly, hire or solicit for employment for any other business entity (other than the Company) any person who is, or within the six month period preceding the date of such activity was, an employee of or consultant to the Company (other than as a result of a general solicitation for employment); or


(2)    solicit any customer or supplier of the Company (including lot developers and land bankers) for a production homebuilding business or otherwise attempt to induce any such customer or supplier to discontinue or materially modify its relationship with the Company.  During the Restriction Period, Executive may utilize the services of Company suppliers for business operations permitted under Section 8(b), i.e., custom homebuilding, land banking and land or lot development, so long as these activities do not disrupt or adversely affect the Company’s relationships with such suppliers.


(b)During Executive’s employment hereunder, and following Executive’s termination (except for a termination without Good Reason under Section 7(a) or retirement under Section 7(f) unless the Company makes the election under Section 8(c)) for the remainder of the Restriction Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, either as an executive, partner, member, owner, lender, director, adviser or consultant or in any other capacity or through any entity engage in any production homebuilding or home sales within 100 miles of any Company project, provided, that, for purposes of this Section 8(b), Executive (i) may own stock in the Company and less than 1% of any other publicly traded homebuilder, and (ii) may engage in custom homebuilding (up to 5 homes annually for third parties and 2 for family members), land banking or lot or land development; provided, however, that Executive may not directly or indirectly engage in the sale of finished lots within the restricted area described above, unless at least 10 business days prior to any offer to a third party, the lots are offered to the Company, and if the Company (or its nominee) determines to purchase the property, the applicable selling party negotiates a sale in good faith.  If no such sale is then consummated, then the applicable selling party may pursue a sale with a third party.  If the terms of such third-party sale are materially different than the offer made to the Company, the Company (or its nominee) will have the right of first refusal to purchase the lots within three business days of notice of the proposed sale to such a third party.  This notice must contain the specific terms and conditions thereof and the proposed buyer.  If the Company (or a nominee) does 


17









not respond in writing to the right of first offer within 10 days or the right of first refusal within three days, the Company will be deemed to have waived the applicable right.  The Company or a nominee can substitute cash for any non-cash consideration (at the fair market value thereof).  This right will arise again if the third party offer is materially modified or amended.  


(c)    If Executive has a termination without Good Reason under Section 7(a) or for retirement under Section 7(f), the Company may elect to have Executive comply with the restrictive covenant provisions contained in Section 8(b) after Executive’s termination of employment without Good Reason under Section 7(a) or Executive’s retirement under Section 7(f) for the remainder of the Restriction Period.  If the Company so elects, the Company will pay Executive $5 million (the “Consulting, Severance and Non-Competition Payment”), in monthly installments of $208,333.33 in cash or by check, over the next two years (the “Consulting Period”) (subject to Executive’s compliance with this Agreement, including the requirements of Sections 8 and 9 as provided herein);  provided however, that in no event will the Executive be required to provide services to Company pursuant to this Section 8(c) or Section 7 at a level that exceeds 20% of the average level of bona fide services Executive provided to Company in the immediately preceding 36 months.  Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the scheduled payments under this Section 8(c) shall commence to be paid within 60 days following Executive’s termination of employment.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8(c) to the contrary, if the 60 day period spans two calendar years, the scheduled payments to which Executive is entitled under this Section 8(c) shall commence to be paid in the second calendar year.  Any amounts remaining due under this Section 8(c) shall be paid in a lump sum payment to Executive (or his estate) within thirty (30) days of Executive’s death or Disability, subject to the requirements of Section 18.


(d)    The provisions of this Section 8 shall begin as of the Effective Date, will survive the termination of this agreement under Section 7 and will expire two years from the Date of Termination, provided that, to the extent required, the notices under Section 7 are given and the payments are made as provided therein (“Restriction Period”); and further provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 8(b), if Executive terminates his employment without Good Reason under Section 7(a) or if the Executive retires under Section 7(f), the provisions of Section 8(b) and the reasonable assistance described in Section 10 shall not apply after Executive’s termination of employment unless the Company elects to have the provisions apply and makes the payments to Executive in accordance with Section 8(c).


(e)    Executive represents to the Company that he is willing and able to engage in businesses that are not competing businesses hereunder and that enforcement of the restrictions set forth in this Section 8 would not be unduly burdensome to Executive.  Executive hereby agrees that the period of time provided for in this Section 8 and other provisions and restrictions set forth herein are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company and its successors and assigns in the use and employment of the goodwill of the business conducted by Executive.  Executive agrees that, if Executive in any material respect violates the terms of Section 8(a), 8(b) or Section 9, the Company shall not be obliged to pay any remaining Consulting, Severance, and Non-Competition Payments and any other payments or benefits specified in Section 7, provided that the Company must first provide Executive with written notice of such violation and the opportunity to provide within thirty (30) days any information showing that he has not in any material respect breached such Agreement.  


18









During any notice period or any dispute regarding the violation of the terms of this Section 8 or Section 9, the Company will place such payments in an interest bearing escrow account at Bank of America, Phoenix, or its successor.  Executive further agrees that damages cannot adequately compensate the Company in the event of a violation of this Section 8 and that, if such violation should occur, injunctive relief shall be essential for the protection of the Company and its successors and assigns.  Accordingly, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, in the event any of the provisions of this Section 8 shall be violated or breached, the Company shall be entitled to obtain injunctive relief against the party or parties violating such covenants without bond but upon due notice, in addition to such further or other relief as may be available at equity or law.  An injunction by the Company shall not be considered an election of remedies or a waiver of any right to assert any other remedies which the Company has at law or in equity.  No waiver of any breach or violation hereof shall be implied from forbearance or failure by the Company to take action thereof.  The prevailing party in any litigation, arbitration or similar dispute resolution proceeding to enforce this provision will recover any and all reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees.


(f)    Executive agrees that the period of time in which this Section 8 is in effect shall be extended for a period equal to the duration of any breach of this Section 8 by Executive.


(g)    For purposes of Sections 8 and 9, the term “Company” includes Meritage Homes Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates.  For purposes hereunder, an affiliate shall be deemed to be any corporation or other business entity in which the Company or its subsidiaries owns a controlling interest.


9.    Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information.


(a)    It is understood that in the course of Executive’s employment with Company, Executive will become acquainted with Company Confidential Information (as defined below).  Executive recognizes that Company Confidential Information has been developed or acquired at great expense, is proprietary to the Company, and is and shall remain the exclusive property of the Company.  Accordingly, Executive agrees that except as otherwise ordered in a legal or regulatory proceeding or in order to effectuate Company business off-premises, he will not, disclose to others, copy, make any use of, or remove from Company’s premises any Company Confidential Information, except as Executive’s duties may specifically require, without the express written consent of the Company, during Executive’s employment with the Company and thereafter until such time as Company Confidential Information becomes generally known, or readily ascertainable by proper means by persons unrelated to the Company.


(b)    Upon any termination of employment, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company the originals and all copies of any and all materials, documents, notes, manuals, or lists containing or embodying Company Confidential Information, or relating directly or indirectly to the business of the Company, in the possession or control of Executive, unless Executive remains a member of the Board, and in such case Executive may retain and receive all Company Confidential Information provided to other Board members.




19









(c)    Executive hereby agrees that the period of time provided for in this Section 9 and other provisions and restrictions set forth herein are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company and its successors and assigns in the use and employment of the goodwill of the business conducted by Executive.  Executive further agrees that damages cannot adequately compensate the Company in the event of a violation of this Section 9 and that, if such violation should occur, injunctive relief shall be essential for the protection of the Company and its successors and assigns.  Accordingly, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, in the event any of the provisions of this Section 9 shall be violated or breached, the Company shall be entitled to obtain injunctive relief against the party or parties violating such covenants, without bond but upon due notice, in addition to such further or other relief as may be available at equity or law.  Obtainment of such an injunction by the Company shall not be considered an election of remedies or a waiver of any right to assert any other remedies which the Company has at law or in equity.  No waiver of any breach or violation hereof shall be implied from forbearance or failure by the Company to take action thereof.  The prevailing party in any litigation, arbitration or similar dispute resolution proceeding to enforce this provision will recover any and all reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees.


(d)    “Company Confidential Information” shall mean confidential, proprietary information or trade secrets of Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates including without limitation the following:  (1) customer lists and customer information as compiled by Company; (2) Company’s internal practices and procedures; (3) Company’s financial condition and financial results of operation; (4) supply of materials information, including sources and costs, designs, information on land and lot inventories, and current and prospective projects; (5) strategic planning, manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, finance, marketing, promotion, distribution, and selling activities; (6) all other information which Executive has a reasonable basis to consider confidential or which is treated by Company as confidential; and (7) all information having independent economic value to Company that is not generally known to, and not readily ascertainable by proper means by, persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the following shall not be considered “Company Confidential Information”: (i) the general skills of the Executive as an experienced real estate and homebuilding entrepreneur and senior management level employee; (ii) information generally known by senior management executives within the homebuilding and/or land development industry; (iii) persons, entities, contacts or relationships of Executive that are also generally known in the industry; and (iv) information which becomes available on a non-confidential basis from a source other than Executive which source is not prohibited from disclosing such confidential information by legal, contractual or other obligation.


10.    Cooperation; No Disparagement.  During the Restriction Period, Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance to the Company (including assistance with litigation matters), upon the Company’s request, concerning the Executive’s previous employment responsibilities and functions with the Company.  Additionally, at all times after the Executive’s employment with the Company has terminated, Company and Executive agree to refrain from making any disparaging or derogatory remarks, statements and/or publications regarding the other, its employees or its services.  In consideration for such cooperation, Company shall compensate Executive for the time Executive spends on such cooperative efforts (at an hourly rate based on Executive’s total compensation during the year preceding the Date of Termination) and Company shall reimburse 


20









Executive for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Executive incurs in connection with such cooperative efforts.  In addition, in no event will the Executive be required to provide services to the Company pursuant to this Section 10 at a level that exceeds 20% of the average level of bona fide services Executive provided to the Company in the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) months.


11.    Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under any applicable law, then such provision will be deemed to be modified to the extent necessary to render it legal, valid and enforceable, and if no such modification will make the provision legal, valid and enforceable, then this Agreement will be construed as if not containing the provision held to be invalid, and the rights and obligations of the parties will be construed and enforced accordingly.


12.    Assignment by Company.  Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Company from consolidating or merging into or with, or transferring all or substantially all of its assets to, another corporation or entity that assumes this Agreement and all obligations and undertakings hereunder.  Upon such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets and assumption, the term “Company” as used herein shall mean such other corporation or entity, as appropriate, and this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect, subject to the provisions of Section 7 and the CIC Agreement.


13.    Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, the CIC Agreement, and any agreements concerning stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other benefits, embody the complete agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede any prior written, or prior or contemporaneous oral, understandings or agreements between the parties that may have related in any way to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement may be amended only in writing executed by the Company and Executive.


14.    Governing Law.  This Agreement and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws, and not the law of conflicts, of the State of Arizona.


15.    Notice.  Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or by overnight courier service or three days after being sent by mail, postage prepaid, at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such person may subsequently give such notice of:


	
			
	if to Company:

	 
	Meritage Homes Corporation

	 
	8800 East Raintree Drive, Suite 300

	 
	Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

	 
	Attention: Chairman of the Committee










	
			
	if to Executive:

	 
	Steven J. Hilton

	 
	To Such Address as Shall Most Currently Appear on the Records of the Company

	 

	 






16.    Arbitration.  Any dispute, controversy, or claim, whether contractual or non-contractual, between the parties hereto arising directly or indirectly out of or connected with this Agreement, relating to the breach or alleged breach of any representation, warranty, agreement, or covenant under this Agreement, unless mutually settled by the parties hereto, shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”).  The parties agree that before the proceeding to arbitration that they will mediate their disputes before the AAA by a mediator approved by the AAA.  Any arbitration shall be conducted by arbitrators approved by the AAA and mutually acceptable to Company and Executive.  All such disputes, controversies or claims shall be conducted by a single arbitrator, unless the dispute involves more than $50,000 in the aggregate in which case the arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators.  If the parties hereto are unable to agree on the mediator or the arbitrator(s), then the AAA shall select the arbitrator(s).  The resolution of the dispute by the arbitrator(s) shall be final, binding, nonappealable, and fully enforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction under the Federal Arbitration Act.  The arbitrator(s) shall award damages to the prevailing party.  The arbitration award shall be in writing and shall include a statement of the reasons for the award.  The arbitration shall be held in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metropolitan area.  The Company shall pay all AAA, mediation, and arbitrator’s fees and costs.  The arbitrator(s) shall award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party.


17.    Withholding; Release; No Duplication of Benefits.  All of Executive’s compensation under this Agreement will be subject to deduction and withholding authorized or required by applicable law.  The Company’s obligation to make any post-termination payments hereunder (other than those payments described in Section 7(j) and expense reimbursements through date of termination), shall be subject to receipt by the Company from Executive of the Release Agreement, and compliance by Executive with the covenants set forth in Sections 8 and 9 hereof.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of the CIC Agreement and this Agreement, such conflict shall be resolved so as to provide on an individual item by item basis the greater benefit to Executive.  However, in order to avoid duplication of any monetary benefits, any payments or benefits due under Executive’s CIC Agreement or under any employee severance plan to the extent such a plan exists or is subsequently implemented by the Company, will not be paid if the corresponding item under this Agreement is equal or greater and is paid.


18.    Compliance with Code Section 409A.  To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Code section 409A and Treasury Regulations and other interpretative guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other such guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date (collectively, “Section 409A”). 




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(a)    For purposes of applying the provisions of Section 409A to this Agreement, each separately identified amount to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. In addition, to the extent permissible under Section 409A, any series of installment payments under this Agreement shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.
(b)    Any reimbursement under this Agreement, to the extent it constitutes a deferral of compensation under Section 409A, shall meet the following requirements: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to Executive during any calendar year will not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided to Executive in any other calendar year, (ii) the reimbursements for expenses for which Executive is entitled to be reimbursed shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable expense is incurred, and (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits hereunder may not be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
(c)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no compensation or benefits (including, without limitation, any severance payments under Section 7) shall be paid to Executive during the six (6)-month period following Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A) if the Company determines that the Executive is a Specified Employee (defined below) and that paying such amounts at the time or times indicated in this Agreement would subject the Executive to taxation under Code section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i). If the payment of any such amounts is delayed as a result of the previous sentence, then on the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Executive’s separation from service (or such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under Section 409A without resulting in a prohibited distribution, including as a result of the Executive’s death (the “409A Payment Date”), the Company shall begin to make such payments as described in this Section 18, provided that any amounts that would have been payable earlier but for the application of this Section 18, shall be paid in lump-sum on the 409A Payment Date along with accrued interest at the rate of interest announced by Bank of America, Arizona from time to time as its prime rate from the date that payments to Executive should have been made under this Agreement.  For purposes of this Section 18, the term “Specified Employee” shall have the meaning set forth in Code section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i). 


(d)    It is the intention of both the Company and Executive that the benefits and rights to which Executive could be entitled pursuant to this Agreement comply with Section 409A, to the extent that the requirements of Section 409A are applicable thereto, and the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with that intention.  If Executive or the Company believes, at any time, that any such benefit or right that is subject to Section 409A does not comply, it shall promptly advise the other and shall negotiate reasonably and in good faith to amend the terms of such benefits and rights such that they comply with Section 409A (with the most limited possible economic effect on Executive and on the Company); provided, that this Section 7 does not, and shall not be construed so as to, create any obligation on the part of the Company to adopt any such amendments, policies or procedures or to take any other such actions. 




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(e)    Any payment under Section 7 shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 18 (except for a payment pursuant to Section 7(e) as a result of Executive’s death).  If and to the extent required by Section 409A, any payment or benefit required to be paid under this Agreement on account of termination of Executive’s employment shall be made only after Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.  


(f)    Although the Company intends that amounts payable to Executive under this Agreement will either not be subject to taxation under Section 409A or shall comply with the requirements of Section 409A, the Company does not guarantee any particular tax treatment for amounts payable to the Executive hereunder.  Except for Company’s responsibility to withhold applicable income and employment taxes from amounts payable to Executive hereunder, Company shall not be responsible for the payment of any applicable taxes incurred by Executive on amounts paid or provided to Executive under this Agreement.  In no event shall the Company, its affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors or advisors be liable for any taxes, interest or penalties imposed under Section 409A or any corresponding provision of state or local law.  Under no circumstances may the time or schedule of any payment made or benefit provided pursuant to this Agreement be accelerated or subject to further deferral except as otherwise permitted under Section 409A.


19.    Effect of Restatement of Financial Results.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any financial results are misstated as a result of Executive’s willful misconduct or gross negligence, and as a result such financial results are subsequently restated downward resulting in lower levels of bonuses pursuant to Section 5 and the accompanying Exhibit A, offsets shall be made against future bonuses.  If such future bonuses are insufficient to offset the full difference between awarded bonuses and restated bonuses and/or if such restatement occurs at the end of the Agreement Term and subsequent Renewal Term(s), if any, bonuses previously earned and delivered under this Agreement may be clawed-back.


20.    Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and legatees.  Nothing herein shall be construed to provide any right to any other entity or individual.


21.    Related Party Transactions.  Executive may not engage in any related party transactions with the Company unless approved in the specific instance by the Audit Committee of the Board.




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


MERITAGE HOMES CORPORATION, 
a Maryland corporation






	
			
	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/
	Raymond Oppel

	 
	By:
	Raymond Oppel

	 
	 
	Executive Compensation Committee Chair










EXECUTIVE: STEVEN J. HILTON
	
			
	 
	 
	 

	 
	/s/
	Steven J. Hilton








24










EXHIBIT A
BONUS




		
	A.
	Bonus Opportunity.  For each Performance Period, as defined in paragraph B below, Executive shall be entitled to a Bonus based on his Target Bonus, as set forth in paragraph C below, subject to the achievement of certain performance goals.




		
	B.
	Performance Period.  For purposes of this Exhibit A, the Performance Period shall be the 12 month period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year during the Agreement Term and any Renewal Term.




		
	C.
	Target Bonus and Bonus.  Executive’s Target Bonus shall be $2,500,000.  Executive’s Bonus that is payable for any Performance Period, if any, shall be an amount ranging from 0% to 200% of the Target Bonus, contingent upon the achievement of one or more performance goals established by the Committee for such Performance Period, as set forth in paragraph D.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bonus payable to the Executive shall not exceed the maximum bonus that could be payable under the Incentive Plan.




		
	D.
	Performance Goals.  Subject to and in accordance with the requirements under Section 162(m) of the Code, no later than 90 days after the commencement of each Performance Period, the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, establish in writing one or more preestablished, objective performance goals for such Performance Period.  Such performance goal(s) shall state, in terms of an objective formula or standard, the amount of the Target Bonus payable to Executive upon achievement of each such performance goal (or any specified threshold, intermediate, target, maximum or other level with respect thereto).




		
	E.
	Incentive Plan.  This Exhibit A, subject to any action taken by the Committee pursuant thereto shall be subject to the terms and conditions of, the Incentive Plan.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of the Agreement or this Exhibit A and the Incentive Plan, or any award agreement, the Agreement or this Exhibit A (as applicable) shall control.




		
	F.
	Pro Rata Bonus.  A pro rata Bonus, where applicable, shall be an amount equal to (1) the Bonus otherwise determined by the Committee based upon actual performance for the Performance Period in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Exhibit A, multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days that Executive is employed by the Company during the Performance Period, and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Performance Period.




		
	G.
	Payment.  Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, any Bonus payable under this Exhibit A (including any pro rata Bonus determined under paragraph F) shall be paid in cash to Executive at the time(s) determined by the Committee in its reasonable discretion, provided that the Bonus shall be paid in its entirety no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year to which the payment relates. 






Exhibit A













A-2
PHX 331058941v6
4287041.9








EXHIBIT B
PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD


		
	A.
	Performance Share Opportunity.  For each Performance Period, as defined in paragraph B below, Executive shall be granted a Performance Share Award (“PSA”) under the Stock Incentive Plan giving Executive the right to receive shares of common stock of the Company (“Shares”), based on a target specified in paragraph C below and subject to the achievement of certain performance goals.




		
	B.
	Performance Period.  For purposes of this Exhibit B, the Performance Period shall be the three year period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year during the Agreement Term and any Renewal Term.




		
	C.
	Shares.  A target number of Shares with a fair market value on the date of grant, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on such date, of $1,000,000 shall be established for the PSA for each Performance Period.  The PSA that is payable for any Performance Period, if any, shall be an amount ranging from 0% to 150% of such target number of Shares, contingent upon the achievement of one or more performance goals established by the Committee for such Performance Period, as set forth in paragraph D.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum number of shares deliverable pursuant to any PSA shall not exceed the maximum number of shares that could be granted during a calendar year under the Stock Incentive Plan.




		
	D.
	Performance Goals.  Subject to and in accordance with the requirements under Section 162(m) of the Code, no later than 90 days after the commencement of each Performance Period, the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, establish in writing one or more preestablished, objective performance goals for such Performance Period. Such performance goal(s) shall state, in terms of an objective formula or standard, the amount of the target number of Shares determined under paragraph C for such Performance Period payable to Executive upon achievement of each such performance goal (or any specified threshold, intermediate, target, maximum or other level with respect thereto).




		
	E.
	Stock Incentive Plan.  This Exhibit B, subject to any action taken by the Committee pursuant thereto, shall be subject to the terms and conditions of, the Stock Incentive Plan.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of the Agreement or this Exhibit B and the Stock Incentive Plan or any award agreement, the Agreement or this Exhibit B (as applicable) shall control. 




		
	F.
	Payment.  Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, any PSAs payable under this Exhibit B shall be settled by delivery of whole Shares (with cash for any fractional share) to Executive at the time(s) determined by the Committee in its reasonable discretion, provided that such Shares shall be delivered (and such cash, if any, shall be paid) no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the Performance Period to which the payment relates.




		
	G.
	Restricted Stock Units.  The Company may grant Executive performance based restricted stock units in lieu of the PSAs; provided, however, that such restricted stock units shall be on the same terms and conditions as the PSAs and the provisions herein and in the Agreement with respect to PSAs shall apply to the performance based restricted stock units.






Exhibit B










EXHIBIT C-1
PERFORMANCE BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD


		
	A.
	Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit.  For each Performance Period beginning on or after January 1, 2017, as defined in paragraph B below, and subject to the approval of the Committee, Executive shall be granted a Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Stock Incentive Plan giving Executive the right to receive shares of common stock of the Company (“Shares”) with a fair market value on the date of grant, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on such date, of one million dollars ($1,000,000), or such greater amount as may be provided in a written notice to the Executive from the Committee.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum number of Shares deliverable pursuant to any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Award granted under this Exhibit C-1 shall not exceed the maximum number of Shares that could be granted during a calendar year under the Stock Incentive Plan, reduced by the maximum number of shares deliverable pursuant to a PSA granted under Exhibit B and an RSU granted under Exhibit C-2 during the same calendar year.




		
	B.
	Performance Period.  For purposes of this Exhibit C-1, the Performance Period for any Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be the three year period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year during the Agreement Term and any Renewal Term.




		
	C.
	Performance Goals.  Subject to and in accordance with the requirements under Section 162(m) of the Code, no later than ninety (90) days after the commencement of each Performance Period, the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, establish in writing one or more preestablished, objective performance goals for such Performance Period.  Such performance goal(s) shall state, in terms of an objective formula or standard, the amount of the target number of Shares determined for such Performance Period payable to Executive upon achievement of each such performance goal (or any specified threshold, intermediate, target, maximum or other level with respect thereto).




		
	D.
	Stock Incentive Plan.  This Exhibit C-1 shall be subject to the terms and conditions of, the Stock Incentive Plan.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of the Agreement or this Exhibit C-1 and the Stock Incentive Plan or any award agreement, the Agreement or this Exhibit C-1 (as applicable) shall control.




		
	E.
	Payment.  Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, any Performance Based Restricted Stock Units payable under this Exhibit C-1 shall be settled by delivery of whole Shares (with cash for any fractional share) to Executive at the time(s) determined by the Committee in its reasonable discretion, provided that such Shares shall be delivered (and such cash, if any shall be paid) no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the Performance Period to which the payment relates.




For the avoidance of doubt, in the event Executive terminates employment prior to the end of a Performance Period, Shares subject to Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards for which the Performance Period has not yet ended shall be payable or deliverable to Executive if and to the extent Executive is eligible for payment or delivery thereof under 


Exhibit C-1









any of Sections 7(b)(vi) (Voluntary Resignation by Executive for Good Reason), 7(c)(vi) (Termination without Cause by the Company), 7(e)(vi) (Termination upon Death or Disability) or 7(f)(iii) (Retirement).




Exhibit D-2








EXHIBIT C-2
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD




		
	A.
	Restricted Stock Unit.  For each Vesting Period, as defined in paragraph B below, the Committee may in its sole and complete discretion grant to Executive in January or February of each calendar year a Restricted Stock Unit Award (“RSU”) under the Stock Incentive Plan giving Executive the right to receive shares of common stock of the Company (“Shares”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum number of Shares deliverable pursuant to any RSU shall not exceed the maximum number of Shares that could be granted during a calendar year under the Stock Incentive Plan, reduced by the maximum number of shares deliverable pursuant to a PSA granted under Exhibit B and a Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Award granted under Exhibit C-1 during the same calendar year.




		
	B.
	Vesting Period.  For purposes of this Exhibit C, the Vesting Period for any RSU shall be the three year period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year.




		
	C.
	Vesting.  The RSU for any Vesting Period shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable as of the earlier of (i) the last day of the Vesting Period, provided that Executive remains continuously employed by the Company through and including such day, and (ii) the Executive’s termination of employment to the extent provided in the Agreement.  Any RSU Award that does not vest prior to or on account of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be forfeited.  




		
	D.
	Stock Incentive Plan.  This Exhibit C-2 shall be subject to the terms and conditions of, the Stock Incentive Plan.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of the Agreement or this Exhibit C-2 and the Stock Incentive Plan or any award agreement, the Agreement or this Exhibit C-2 (as applicable) shall control. 




		
	E.
	Payment.  Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, any RSUs which become fully vested and nonforfeitable under paragraph C of this Exhibit C-2 shall be settled by delivery of whole Shares (with cash for any fractional share) to Executive within 60 days after the end of the Vesting Period.  Notwithstanding anything in this Exhibit C-2 to the contrary, if the 60 day payment distribution period spans two calendar years, the payment to which Executive is entitled under this paragraph E shall be made in the second calendar year.








Exhibit C-2










EXHIBIT D
SPECIFIED BENEFITS




1.    Payments annually for Executive to purchase life insurance in the amount of $5,000,000.


2.    The Company shall provide Executive with disability insurance with monthly benefits of $20,000 in the event of Executive’s total disability (or reimbursement for the premiums paid by Executive for such policy); provided that in lieu of such disability benefit, the Executive may elect to receive any combination of disability and/or long term care benefit(s) so long as the Company’s cost of such other benefit(s) does not exceed the Company’s cost of a comparable disability benefit.


3.    The Executive shall be paid for his business use of his airplane an amount equal to comparable charter rates within 60 days of such use pursuant to the Company’s travel policy in effect from time to time and subject to review annually.


4.    Use of Company car (same as current policy) pursuant to the Company’s travel policy in effect from time to time and subject to review annually.


5.    Taxes related to any payments and benefits above shall be the sole responsibility of the Executive. 








D-1