# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001604821
**File Stem:** 0001604821-26-000003
**Filing Date:** 2026-6
**Character Count:** 73042
**Document Hash:** 3f92ce86f03d26cf52b20d0db5db7132
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001604821-26-000003.hdr.sgml**: 20260616

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001604821-26-000003

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 12

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260611

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260616

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260616

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Natera, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001604821
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** SERVICES-MEDICAL LABORATORIES [8071]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 08 Industrial Applications and Services
- **EIN:** 010894487
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-37478
- **FILM NUMBER:** 261094660

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 13011 MCCALLEN PASS
- **STREET 2:** BUILDING A SUITE 100
- **CITY:** AUSTIN
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 78753
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 650-249-9090

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 13011 MCCALLEN PASS
- **STREET 2:** BUILDING A SUITE 100
- **CITY:** AUSTIN
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 78753

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? ntra-20260611

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of**

**the Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

**Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 11, 2026**

**Natera, Inc.**

**(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **001-37478** | **01-0894487** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction<br> of incorporation)** | **(Commission<br> File Number)** | **(IRS Employer<br> Identification No.)** |

---

**13011 McCallen Pass**

**Building A Suite 100**

**Austin, TX 78753**

**(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)** 

**(650) 980 9190**

**(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)** 

**N/A**

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

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

---

| |
|:---|
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |

---

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | NTRA | Nasdaq Stock Market LLC<br> (Nasdaq Global Select Market) |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ◻

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.02.** | **Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.** |

---

As described below, on June 11, 2026, Natera, Inc. (the "Company") held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"). At the Annual Meeting, the Company's stockholders approved an amendment (the "Amendment") to the Company's Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Amended and Restated 2015 Plan"). The Amendment increases the shares reserved for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2015 Plan by 3.2 million shares of the Company's common stock,.

The Company's officers and directors are among the persons eligible to receive awards under the Amended and Restated 2015 Plan in accordance with the terms and conditions thereunder. A detailed summary of the Amendment is set forth in Proposal No. 5 in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Annual Meeting (the "Proxy Statement"), which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2026. Such detailed summary of the Amendment and the foregoing description of the Amendment are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Amended and Restated 2015 Plan and the forms thereunder, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.07.** | **Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.** |

---

On June 11, 2026, at the Annual Meeting, the Company's stockholders voted on five proposals, each of which is described in more detail in the Proxy Statement.

Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 15, 2026, the record date for the Annual Meeting, were entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the record date, 142,778,493 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The holders of a total of 130,691,097 shares of common stock were present at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, which constituted a quorum of the issued and outstanding shares on the record date of the Annual Meeting. In deciding all matters at the Annual Meeting, each holder of the Company's common stock was entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held as of the close of business on the record date.

The tabulation of the stockholders' votes on each proposal brought before the Annual Meeting is as follows:

*Proposal 1*: The election of three directors to serve as Class II directors until the 2029 annual meeting of stockholders, and the election of one director to serve as a Class I director until the 2028 annual meeting of stockholders, or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Class II Nominee** | **For** | **Withheld** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| Rowan Chapman | 106832026 | 15888527 | 7970544 |
| Herm Rosenman | 103920050 | 18800503 | 7970544 |
| Jonathan Sheena | 106940124 | 15780429 | 7970544 |
| **Name of Class I Nominee** | **For** | **Withheld** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| Eric H. Rubin | 120601658 | 2118895 | 7970544 |

---

*Proposal 2*: The ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **For** | **Against** | **Abstentions** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 129,786,351 | 848,088 | 56,658 | 0 |

---

*Proposal 3*: The advisory vote on the compensation of the Company's named executive officers:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **For** | **Against** | **Abstentions** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 119,883,700 | 2,492,978 | 343,875 | 7,970,544 |

---

------

*Proposal 4*: The advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company's named executive officers:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **One Year** | **Two Years** | **Three Years** | **Abstain** |
| 121,647,012 | 36,823 | 972,982 | 63,736 |

---

*Proposal 5*: The approval of an amendment to the Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **For** | **Against** | **Abstentions** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 95,735,506 | 26,861,815 | 123,232 | 7,970,544 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01.** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.** |

---

(d) Exhibits.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| [10.1](exhibit101.htm) | <u>[Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.](exhibit101.htm)</u> |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL). |

---

------

**SIGNATURES**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Natera, Inc. | Natera, Inc. |
| By: | */s/ Michael Brophy* |
|  | Michael Brophy |
|  | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |

---

Dated: June 16, 2026

## Exhibit 10.1

**Natera, Inc.**

**2015 Equity Incentive Plan**

**(ORIGINALLY ADOPTED ON JUNE 18, 2015, AMENDED AND RESTATED ON MARCH 7, 2024, AND FURTHER AMENDED ON MARCH 6, 2025 AND MARCH 27, 2026)**

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**Natera, Inc.**

 **2015 Equity Incentive Plan**

**ARTICLE 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;INTRODUCTION**.

The Plan was originally adopted by the Board and effective on June 18, 2015, although no awards were granted prior to the IPO Date. The Plan as most recently amended and restated was adopted by the Board on March 7, 2024 and shall be effective on the Restatement Effective Date in accordance with Article 13.1. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of stockholder value by (a) encouraging Service Providers to focus on critical long-range corporate objectives, (b) encouraging the attraction and retention of Service Providers with exceptional qualifications and (c) linking Service Providers directly to stockholder interests through increased stock ownership. The Plan seeks to achieve this purpose by providing for Awards in the form of Options (which may be ISOs or NSOs), SARs, Restricted Shares and Stock Units. Capitalized terms used in this Plan are defined in Article 14.

**ARTICLE 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ADMINISTRATION**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General**. The Plan may be administered by the Board or one or more Committees. Each Committee shall have the authority and be responsible for such functions as have been assigned to it. To the extent permitted by law, a Committee may delegate to one or more of its members, to one or more officers of the Company, or to one or more agents or advisors, such administrative duties or powers as it may deem advisable, and the Committee, the subcommittee, or any person to whom duties or powers have been delegated as aforesaid, may employ one or more persons to render advice with respect to any responsibility the Committee, the subcommittee or such person may have under this Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 16**. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Exchange Act Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be approved by the entire Board or a Committee of two or more "non-employee directors" within the meaning of Exchange Act Rule 16b-3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Powers of Administrator**. Subject to the terms of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated to the Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority to (a) select the Service Providers who are to receive Awards under the Plan, (b) determine the type, number, vesting requirements and other features and conditions of such Awards, (c) determine whether, when and to what extent an Award has become vested and/or exercisable and whether performance-based vesting conditions have been satisfied, (d) interpret the Plan and Awards granted under the Plan, (e) make, amend and rescind rules relating to the Plan and Awards granted under the Plan, including rules relating to sub-plans established for the purposes of satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws, (f) impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by a Participant of any Common Shares issued pursuant to an Award, including restrictions under an insider trading policy and restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales, and (g) make all other decisions relating to the operation of the Plan and Awards granted under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effect of Administrator's Decisions**. The Administrator's decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Governing Law**. The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (except its choice-of-law provisions).

**ARTICLE 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANTS**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic Limitation**. Common Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. The aggregate number of Common Shares issued under the Plan shall not exceed the sum of (a) 30,998,178<sup>1</sup>, (b) the number of Common Shares reserved under the Predecessor Plan that are not issued or subject to outstanding awards under the Predecessor Plan on the Restatement Effective Date, (c) any Common Shares subject to outstanding options under the Predecessor Plan on the Restatement Effective Date that subsequently expire or lapse unexercised and Common Shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the Predecessor Plan that are outstanding on the Restatement Effective Date and that are subsequently forfeited to or repurchased by the Company and (d) the additional Common Shares described in Article 3.2; provided, however, that no more than 694,730 Common Shares,

<sup>1</sup> Pursuant to this provision, the Plan was amended on March 6, 2025 to add 3,600,000 additional shares and on March 27, 2026 to add 3,200,000 additional shares.

------

in the aggregate, shall be added to the Plan pursuant to clauses (b) and (c). The Company shall reserve and keep available such number of Common Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. The numerical limitations in this Article 3.1 shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Article 9.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Share Counting**. To the extent that Options, SARs or Stock Units are forfeited or expire for any other reason before being exercised or settled in full, the Common Shares subject to such Options, SARs or Stock Units shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. If SARs are exercised or Stock Units are settled, then only the number of Common Shares (if any) actually issued to the Participant upon exercise of such SARs or settlement of such Stock Units, as applicable, shall reduce the number available under Article 3.1 and the balance shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. If Restricted Shares or Common Shares issued upon the exercise of Options are reacquired by the Company pursuant to a forfeiture provision, repurchase right or for any other reason, then such Common Shares shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. Common Shares applied to pay the Exercise Price of Options or to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to any Award shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. To the extent that an Award is settled in cash rather than Common Shares, the cash settlement shall not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Awards Not Reducing Share Reserve in Article 3.1**. To the extent permitted under applicable stock exchange listing standards, any dividend equivalents paid or credited under the Plan with respect to Stock Units shall not be applied against the number of Common Shares that may be issued under the Plan, whether or not such dividend equivalents are converted into Stock Units. In addition, Common Shares subject to Substitute Awards granted by the Company shall not reduce the number of Common Shares that may be issued under Article 3.1, nor shall shares subject to Substitute Awards again be available for Awards under the Plan in the event of any forfeiture, expiration or cash settlement of such Substitute Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Code Section 422 and Other Limits.** Subject to adjustment in accordance with Article 9:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The aggregate grant date fair value of Awards granted to an Outside Director during any one fiscal year of the Company, together with the value of any cash compensation paid to the Outside Director during such fiscal year, may not exceed $900,000 (on a per-Director basis); provided, however, that the limitation that will apply in the fiscal year in which the Outside Director is initially appointed or elected to the Board shall instead be $1,250,000. For purposes of this limitation, the grant date fair value of an Award shall be determined in accordance with the assumptions that the Company uses to estimate the value of share-based payments for financial reporting purposes. For the sake of clarity, neither Awards granted, nor compensation paid, to an individual for his or her service as an Employee or Consultant, but not as an Outside Director, shall count towards this limitation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No more than 24,892,908 Common Shares may be issued under the Plan upon the exercise of ISOs.

**ARTICLE 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ELIGIBILITY**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Incentive Stock Options**. Only Employees who are common-law employees of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary shall be eligible for the grant of ISOs. In addition, an Employee who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company or any of its Parents or Subsidiaries shall not be eligible for the grant of an ISO unless the additional requirements set forth in Code Section 422(c)(5) are satisfied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Awards**. Awards other than ISOs may only be granted to Service Providers.

**ARTICLE 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OPTIONS**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock Option Agreement**. Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such Option shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The Stock Option Agreement shall specify whether the Option is intended to be an ISO or an NSO. The provisions of the various Stock Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Number of Shares**. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the number of Common Shares subject to the Option, which number shall adjust in accordance with Article 9.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise Price**. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator in its discretion; <u>provided, however</u>, that unless an Option is intended to comply with Code Section 409A (and not, for the avoidance of doubt, be exempt from Code Section 409A), the Exercise Price of any Option granted to a Participant subject to taxation in the United States shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of grant; <u>provided further</u>, that the preceding clause shall not apply to an Option that is a Substitute Award granted in a manner that would satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A and, if applicable, Code Section 424(a).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercisability and Term**. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the date or event when all or any installment of the Option is to become vested and/or exercisable. The Stock Option Agreement shall also specify the term of the Option; provided that, except to the extent necessary to comply with applicable foreign law, the term of an Option shall in no event exceed 10 years from the date of grant. A Stock Option Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting and/or exercisability upon certain specified events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionee's Service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Death of Optionee**. After an Optionee's death, any vested and exercisable Options held by such Optionee may be exercised by his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each Optionee may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Optionee's death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Optionee, then any vested and exercisable Options held by the Optionee may be exercised by his or her estate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Modification or Assumption of Options**. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may modify, extend or assume outstanding options. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, impair his or her rights or obligations under such Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No Repricings or Cash Buyouts**. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, neither the Administrator nor any other person may, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (a) decrease the exercise price for any outstanding Option after the date of grant, (b) cancel, buyout or allow an Optionee to surrender an outstanding Option to the Company in exchange for cash or as consideration for the grant of a new Award if the exercise price of such Option exceeds the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of such cancellation, buyout or surrender, or (c) take any other action with respect to an Option that would be treated as a repricing under GAAP or under the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ Stock Market (or such other principal U.S. national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are traded), in each case, other than in connection with the provisions set forth in Article 9.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment for Option Shares**. The entire Exercise Price of Common Shares issued upon exercise of Options shall be payable in cash or cash equivalents at the time when such Common Shares are purchased. In addition, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted by applicable law, accept payment of all or a portion of the Exercise Price through any one or a combination of the following forms or methods:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to any conditions or limitations established by the Administrator, by surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Common Shares that are already owned by the Optionee with a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Common Shares as to which such Option will be exercised;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) an irrevocable direction to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Common Shares being purchased under the Plan and to deliver all or part of the sales proceeds to the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to such conditions and requirements as the Administrator may impose from time to time, through a net exercise procedure; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through any other form or method consistent with applicable laws, regulations and rules.

**ARTICLE 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SAR Agreement**. Each grant of a SAR under the Plan shall be evidenced by a SAR Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such SAR shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various SAR Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Number of Shares**. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the number of Common Shares to which the SAR pertains, which number shall adjust in accordance with Article 9.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise Price**. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall in no event be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of grant. The preceding sentence shall not apply to a SAR that is a Substitute Award granted in a manner that would satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercisability and Term**. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the SAR is to become vested and exercisable. The SAR Agreement shall also specify the term of the SAR; provided that except to the extent necessary to comply with applicable foreign law, the term of a SAR shall not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. A SAR Agreement may

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provide for accelerated vesting and exercisability upon certain specified events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionee's Service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise of SARs**. Upon exercise of a SAR, the Optionee (or any person having the right to exercise the SAR after his or her death) shall receive from the Company (a) Common Shares, (b) cash or (c) a combination of Common Shares and cash, as the Administrator shall determine. The amount of cash and/or the Fair Market Value of Common Shares received upon exercise of SARs shall, in the aggregate, not exceed the amount by which the Fair Market Value (on the date of surrender) of the Common Shares subject to the SARs exceeds the Exercise Price. If, on the date when a SAR expires, the Exercise Price is less than the Fair Market Value on such date but any portion of such SAR has not been exercised or surrendered, then such SAR shall automatically be deemed to be exercised as of such date with respect to such portion. A SAR Agreement may also provide for an automatic exercise of the SAR on an earlier date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Death of Optionee**. After an Optionee's death, any vested and exercisable SARs held by such Optionee may be exercised by his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each Optionee may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Optionee's death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Optionee, then any vested and exercisable SARs held by the Optionee at the time of his or her death may be exercised by his or her estate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Modification or Assumption of SARs**. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may modify, extend or assume outstanding SARs. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of a SAR shall, without the consent of the Optionee, impair his or her rights or obligations under such SAR.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No Repricings or Cash Buyouts**. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, neither the Administrator nor any other person may, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (a) decrease the exercise price for any outstanding SAR after the date of grant, (b) cancel, buyout or allow an Optionee to surrender an outstanding SAR to the Company in exchange for cash or as consideration for the grant of a new Award if the exercise price of such SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of such cancellation, buyout or surrender, or (c) take any other action with respect to a SAR that would be treated as a repricing under GAAP or under the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ Stock Market (or such other principal U.S. national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are traded), in each case, other than in connection with the provisions set forth in Article 9.

**ARTICLE 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RESTRICTED SHARES**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted Stock Agreement**. Each grant of Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Such Restricted Shares shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Stock Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment for Awards**. Restricted Shares may be sold or awarded under the Plan for such consideration as the Administrator may determine, including (without limitation) cash, cash equivalents, property, cancellation of other equity awards, full-recourse promissory notes, past services and future services, and such other methods of payment as are permitted by applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vesting Conditions**. Each Award of Restricted Shares may or may not be subject to vesting and/or other conditions as the Administrator may determine. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Restricted Stock Agreement. Vesting conditions may include, at the Administrator's discretion, service-based conditions, performance-based conditions, such other conditions as the Administrator may determine, or any combination thereof. A Restricted Stock Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting upon certain specified events.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Voting and Dividend Rights**. The holders of Restricted Shares awarded under the Plan shall have the same voting, dividend and other rights as the Company's other stockholders, unless the Administrator otherwise provides. A Restricted Stock Agreement, however, may require that any cash dividends paid on Restricted Shares (a) be accumulated and paid when such Restricted Shares vest, or (b) be invested in additional Restricted Shares. Such additional Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the shares subject to the Stock Award with respect to which the dividends were paid. In addition, unless the Administrator provides otherwise, if any dividends or other distributions are paid in Common Shares, such Common Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Restricted Shares with respect to which they were paid.

**ARTICLE 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; STOCK UNITS**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock Unit Agreement**. Each grant of Stock Units under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Unit Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Such Stock Units shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any

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other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Stock Unit Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payment for Awards**. To the extent that an Award is granted in the form of Stock Units, no cash consideration shall be required of the Award recipients.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vesting Conditions**. Each Award of Stock Units may or may not be subject to vesting, as determined by the Administrator. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Stock Unit Agreement. Vesting conditions may include, at the Administrator's discretion, service-based conditions, performance-based conditions, such other conditions as the Administrator may determine, or any combination thereof. A Stock Unit Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting upon certain specified events.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Voting and Dividend Rights**. The holders of Stock Units shall have no voting rights. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, Stock Units awarded under the Plan may, at the Administrator's discretion, provide for a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one Common Share while the Stock Unit is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Stock Units. Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of Common Shares, or in a combination of both. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Stock Units to which they attach.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Form and Time of Settlement of Stock Units**. Settlement of vested Stock Units may be made in the form of (a) cash, (b) Common Shares or (c) any combination of both, as determined by the Administrator. The actual number of Stock Units eligible for settlement may be larger or smaller than the number included in the original Award, based on predetermined performance factors. Methods of converting Stock Units into cash may include (without limitation) a method based on the average Fair Market Value of Common Shares over a series of trading days. Vested Stock Units shall be settled in such manner and at such time(s) as specified in the Stock Unit Agreement. Until an Award of Stock Units is settled, the number of such Stock Units shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Article 9.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Death of Recipient**. Any Stock Units that become payable after the recipient's death shall be distributed to the recipient's beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each recipient of Stock Units under the Plan may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Award recipient's death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Award recipient, then any Stock Units that become payable after the recipient's death shall be distributed to the recipient's estate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Modification or Assumption of Stock Units**. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may modify or assume outstanding stock units or may accept the cancellation of outstanding stock units (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new Stock Units for the same or a different number of shares or in return for the grant of a different type of Award. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of a Stock Unit shall, without the consent of the Participant, materially impair his or her rights or obligations under such Stock Unit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creditors' Rights**. A holder of Stock Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Stock Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Stock Unit Agreement.

**ARTICLE 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ADJUSTMENTS; DISSOLUTIONS AND LIQUIDATIONS; CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments**. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Common Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in Common Shares, a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise) into a lesser number of Common Shares or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued Common Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, proportionate adjustments shall automatically be made to the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The number and kind of shares available for issuance under Article 3, including the numerical share limits in Articles 3.1 and 3.4;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The number and kind of shares covered by each outstanding Option, SAR and Stock Unit; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Exercise Price applicable to each outstanding Option and SAR, and the repurchase price, if any, applicable to Restricted Shares.

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In the event of a declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than Common Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the price of Common Shares, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence, the Administrator may make such adjustments as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate to the foregoing. Any adjustment in the number of shares subject to an Award under this Article 9.1 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share, although the Administrator in its sole discretion may make a cash payment in lieu of a fractional share. Except as provided in this Article 9, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of any issuance by the Company of stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class, any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any stock dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dissolution or Liquidation**. To the extent not previously exercised or settled, Options, SARs and Stock Units shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Corporate Transactions**. In the event that the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, or a Change in Control (other than one described in Article 14.6(d)), all Common Shares acquired under the Plan and all Awards outstanding on the effective date of the transaction shall be treated in the manner described in the definitive transaction agreement (or, in the event the transaction does not entail a definitive agreement to which the Company is party, in the manner determined by the Administrator, with such determination having final and binding effect on all parties), which agreement or determination need not treat all Awards (or portions thereof) in an identical manner. Unless an Award Agreement provides otherwise, the treatment specified in the transaction agreement or by the Administrator may include (without limitation) one or more of the following with respect to each outstanding Award:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The continuation of such outstanding Award by the Company (if the Company is the surviving entity);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The assumption of such outstanding Award by the surviving entity or its parent, provided that the assumption of an Option or a SAR shall comply with applicable tax requirements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The substitution by the surviving entity or its parent of an equivalent award for such outstanding Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the holders of Common Shares in the transaction), provided that the substitution of an Option or a SAR shall comply with applicable tax requirements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cancellation of outstanding Awards without payment of any consideration. Optionees shall be able to exercise outstanding Options and SARs, to the extent such Options and SARs are then vested or become vested as of the effective time of the transaction, during a period of not less than five full business days preceding the closing date of the transaction, unless (i) a shorter period is required to permit a timely closing of the transaction and (ii) such shorter period still offers the Optionees a reasonable opportunity to exercise such Options and SARs. Any exercise of such Options and SARs during such period may be contingent on the closing of the transaction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cancellation of such Award and a payment to the Participant with respect to each share subject to the portion of the Award that is vested or becomes vested as of the effective time of the transaction equal to the excess of (A) the value, as determined by the Administrator in its absolute discretion, of the property (including cash) received by the holder of a Common Share as a result of the transaction, over (if applicable) (B) the per-share Exercise Price of such Award (such excess, if any, the "**Spread**"). Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving entity or its parent having a value equal to the Spread. In addition, any escrow, holdback, earn-out or similar provisions in the transaction agreement may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to the holders of Common Shares, but only to the extent the application of such provisions does not adversely affect the status of the Award as exempt from Code Section 409A. If the Spread applicable to an Award (whether or not vested) is zero or a negative number, then the Award may be cancelled without making a payment to the Participant. In the event that a Stock Unit is subject to Code Section 409A, the payment described in this clause (e) shall be made on the settlement date specified in the applicable Stock Unit Agreement, provided that settlement may be accelerated in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of an Award of Restricted Shares to the surviving entity or its parent, with corresponding proportionate adjustments made to the price per share to be paid upon exercise of any such reacquisition or repurchase rights.

For avoidance of doubt, the Administrator shall have the discretion, exercisable either at the time an Award is granted or at any time while the Award remains outstanding, to provide for the acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, whether or not the Award is to be assumed or replaced in the transaction, or in connection with a termination of the Participant's Service following a transaction.

Any action taken under this Article 9.3 shall either preserve an Award's status as exempt from Code Section 409A or comply with Code Section 409A.

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**ARTICLE 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OTHER AWARDS**.

Subject in all events to the limitations under Article 3 above as to the number of Common Shares available for issuance under this Plan, the Company may grant other forms of equity-based awards not specifically described herein and may grant awards under other plans or programs, where such awards are settled in the form of Common Shares issued under this Plan. Such Common Shares shall be treated for all purposes under the Plan like Common Shares issued in settlement of Stock Units and shall, when issued, reduce the number of Common Shares available under Article 3.

**ARTICLE 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LIMITATION ON RIGHTS**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retention Rights**. Neither the Plan nor any Award granted under the Plan shall be deemed to give any individual a right to remain a Service Provider. The Company and its Parents, Subsidiaries and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate the Service of any Service Provider at any time, with or without cause, subject to applicable laws, the Company's certificate of incorporation and by-laws and a written employment agreement (if any).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stockholders' Rights**. Except as set forth in Article 7.4 or 8.4 above, a Participant shall have no dividend rights, voting rights or other rights as a stockholder with respect to any Common Shares covered by his or her Award prior to the time when a stock certificate for such Common Shares is issued or, if applicable, the time when he or she becomes entitled to receive such Common Shares by filing any required notice of exercise and paying any required Exercise Price. No adjustment shall be made for cash dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to such time, except as expressly provided in the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory Requirements**. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, the obligation of the Company to issue Common Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and such approval by any regulatory body as may be required. The Company reserves the right to restrict, in whole or in part, the delivery of Common Shares pursuant to any Award prior to the satisfaction of all legal requirements relating to the issuance of such Common Shares, to their registration, qualification or listing or to an exemption from registration, qualification or listing. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed necessary by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Common Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Common Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transferability of Awards.** The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, permit transfer of an Award in a manner consistent with applicable law. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, Awards shall be transferable by a Participant only by (a) beneficiary designation, (b) a will or (c) the laws of descent and distribution; <u>provided</u> that, in any event, an ISO may only be transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee or by the Optionee's guardian or legal representative.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recoupment Policy.** All Awards granted under the Plan, all amounts paid under the Plan and all Common Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to recoupment, clawback or recovery by the Company in accordance with applicable law and with Company policy (whenever adopted) regarding same, whether or not such policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or other applicable law, as well as any implementing regulations and/or listing standards thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Conditions and Restrictions on Common Shares.** Any Common Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to such forfeiture conditions, rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal, other transfer restrictions and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine. Such conditions and restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and shall apply in addition to any restrictions that may apply to holders of Common Shares generally. In addition, Common Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to such conditions and restrictions imposed either by applicable law or by Company policy, as adopted from time to time, designed to ensure compliance with applicable law or laws with which the Company determines in its sole discretion to comply including in order to maintain any statutory, regulatory or tax advantage.

**ARTICLE 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TAXES**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General**. It is a condition to each Award under the Plan that a Participant or his or her successor shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with any Award granted under the Plan. The Company shall not be required to issue any Common Shares or make any cash payment under the Plan unless such obligations are satisfied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Share Withholding**. To the extent that applicable law subjects a Participant to tax withholding obligations, the Administrator may permit such Participant to satisfy all or part of such obligations by having the Company withhold all or a portion of

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any Common Shares that otherwise would be issued to him or her or by surrendering all or a portion of any Common Shares that he or she previously acquired. Such Common Shares shall be valued on the date when they are withheld or surrendered. Any payment of taxes by assigning Common Shares to the Company may be subject to restrictions including any restrictions required by SEC, accounting or other rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 409A Matters**. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in an Award Agreement, it is intended that Awards granted under the Plan either be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A. To the extent an Award is subject to Code Section 409A (a "**409A Award**"), the terms of the Plan, the Award and any written agreement governing the Award shall be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A so that the Award is not subject to additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, unless the Administrator expressly provides otherwise. A 409A Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Administrator from time to time in order for it to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. In this regard, if any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a "separation from service" to an individual who is considered a "specified employee" (as each term is defined under Code Section 409A), then no such payment shall be made prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Participant's separation from service or (ii) the Participant's death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to Code Section 409A(a)(1).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Limitation on Liability**. Neither the Company nor any person serving as Administrator shall have any liability to a Participant in the event an Award held by the Participant fails to achieve its intended characterization under applicable tax law.

**ARTICLE 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FUTURE OF THE PLAN**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective Date; Term of the Plan**. The Plan was originally adopted by the Board and effective on June 18, 2015. The Plan as most recently amended and restated was adopted by the Board on March 7, 2024 and shall be effective on the date of the approval of the Plan, as amended and restated, by the holders of the Common Shares entitled to vote at a duly constituted meeting of the Company's stockholders (the "**Restatement Effective Date**"). The Plan shall terminate automatically 10 years after the later of (a) the date when the Board adopted the Plan or (b) the date when the Board approved the most recent increase in the number of Common Shares reserved under Article 3 that was also approved by the Company's stockholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amendment or Termination**. The Board may, at any time and for any reason, amend or terminate the Plan. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the termination thereof. The termination of the Plan, or any amendment thereof, shall not affect any Award previously granted under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stockholder Approval**. An amendment of the Plan shall be subject to the approval of the Company's stockholders only to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.

**ARTICLE 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DEFINITIONS**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Administrator**" means the Board or any Committee administering the Plan in accordance with Article 2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Affiliate**" means any entity other than a Subsidiary, if the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of such entity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Award**" means any award granted under the Plan, including as an Option, a SAR, a Restricted Share or a Stock Unit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Award Agreement**" means a Stock Option Agreement, an SAR Agreement, a Restricted Stock Agreement, a Stock Unit Agreement or such other agreement evidencing an Award granted under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Board**" means the Company's Board of Directors, as constituted from time to time and, where the context so requires, reference to the "Board" may refer to a Committee to whom the Board has delegated authority to administer any aspect of this Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Change in Control**" means:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the Company's then-outstanding voting securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Individuals who are members of the Board (the "**Incumbent Board**") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board over a period of 12 months; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.

A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company's incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company's securities immediately before such transaction. In addition, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment event with respect to any Award which provides for a deferral of compensation and is subject to Code Section 409A, then notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or applicable Award Agreement the transaction with respect to such Award must also constitute a "change in control event" as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) to the extent required by Code Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Code**" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Committee**" means a committee of one or more members of the Board, or of other individuals satisfying applicable laws, appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Common Share**" means one share of the common stock of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Company**" means Natera, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Consultant**" means a consultant or adviser who provides *bona fide* services to the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate as an independent contractor and who qualifies as a consultant or advisor under Instruction A.1.(a)(1) of Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Employee**" means a common-law employee of the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Exchange Act**" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Exercise Price**," in the case of an Option, means the amount for which one Common Share may be purchased upon exercise of such Option, as specified in the applicable Stock Option Agreement. "Exercise Price," in the case of a SAR, means an amount, as specified in the applicable SAR Agreement, which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value of one Common Share in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Fair Market Value**" means the closing price of a Common Share on any established stock exchange or a national market system on the applicable date or, if the applicable date is not a trading day, on the last trading day prior to the applicable date, as reported in a source that the Administrator deems reliable. If Common Shares are not traded on an established stock exchange or a national market system, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate. The Administrator's determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**IPO Date**" means the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission for its initial offering of common stock to the public.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**ISO**" means an incentive stock option described in Code Section 422(b).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**NSO**" means a stock option not described in Code Sections 422 or 423.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Option**" means an ISO or NSO granted under the Plan and entitling the holder to purchase Common Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Optionee**" means an individual or estate holding an Option or SAR.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Outside Director**" means a member of the Board who is not an Employee.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Parent**" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as of such date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Participant**" means an individual or estate holding an Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Plan**" means this Natera, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Predecessor Plan**" means the Company's 2007 Stock Plan, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Restricted Share**" means a Common Share awarded under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Restricted Stock Agreement**" means the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Restricted Share that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Share.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**SAR**" means a stock appreciation right granted under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.29&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**SAR Agreement**" means the agreement between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his or her SAR.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Securities Act**" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Service**" means service as an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.32&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Service Provider**" means any individual who is an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.33&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Stock Award**" means any award of an Option, a SAR, a Restricted Share or a Stock Unit under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Stock Option Agreement**" means the agreement between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his or her Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Stock Unit**" means a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one Common Share, as awarded under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.36&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Stock Unit Agreement**" means the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Stock Unit that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Stock Unit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.37&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Subsidiary**" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Substitute Awards**" means Awards or Common Shares issued by the Company in assumption of, or substitution or exchange for, Awards previously granted, or the right or obligation to make future awards, in each case by a corporation acquired by the Company or any Affiliate or with which the Company or any Affiliate combines to the extent permitted by NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5635 or any successor thereto.

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