# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001293818
**File Stem:** 0001829126-26-001757
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 171189
**Document Hash:** 3d619dc4638da3cd9d4a55b73e8f2851
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001829126-26-001757.hdr.sgml**: 20260227

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001829126-26-001757

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 17

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260223

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

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year

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

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Regulation FD Disclosure

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260227

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260227

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** CapForce Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001293818
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** SERVICES-MEDICAL LABORATORIES [8071]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 08 Industrial Applications and Services
- **EIN:** 061614015
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-37367
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26702060

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 9717 KEY WEST AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 100
- **CITY:** ROCKVILLE
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20850
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 301-869-9683

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 9717 KEY WEST AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 100
- **CITY:** ROCKVILLE
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20850

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** OPGEN INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20040615

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

**UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, DC 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

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

**February 23, 2026 Date of Report (date of earliest event reported)**

**CapForce Inc.**

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **001-37367** | **06-1614015** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction of <br> incorporation or organization)** | **(Commission<br> File Number)** | **(I.R.S. Employer <br> Identification Number)** |

---

**23219 Stringtown Road, Suite 300 Clarksburg, MD 20871 (Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)**

**(240) 813-1260 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)**

**OpGen, Inc. (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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ 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:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common Stock | OPGN | OTC Markets Group, Inc. |

---

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. ☐

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

At the Company's 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"), the stockholders of CapForce Inc. (the "Company") approved the Company's 2026 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2026 Plan"). The 2026 Plan was previously approved by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Company, subject to stockholder approval, on January 9, 2026. The 2026 Plan became effective on February 23, 2026 following receipt of stockholder approval at the Annual Meeting.

The total number of shares of stock reserved and available for distribution under the 2026 Plan is 1,000,000 shares. In the event of any stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, share combination, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, split-up, reorganization, rights offering, liquidation, or any similar change event of or by our Company, appropriate adjustments will be made to the shares subject to the 2026 Plan and to any outstanding awards.

The 2026 Plan includes an evergreen provision providing for an automatic annual increase in the shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2026 Plan over the next 10 years in an amount equal to 5% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on December 31st of the preceding calendar year. Pursuant to the evergreen provision, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2026 Plan shall automatically increase on January 1st of each year for a period of 9 years, commencing on January 1, 2027 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2036, in an amount equal to 5% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on December 31st of the preceding calendar year, provided that the Board of Directors may decide, prior to the first day of any calendar year, that there shall be no increase in the shares available for issuance under the 2026 Plan for such calendar year or that the increase shall be a lesser number of shares than otherwise provided under the evergreen provision.

The material terms of the 2026 Plan are described in "Proposal No. 2 – Approval of the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan" the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (the "Proxy Statement") filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on February 6, 2026, which information is incorporated herein by reference. Such information and the foregoing description of the 2026 Plan do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the 2026 Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.**

At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders of the Company also approved an amendment (the "Amendment") to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), pursuant to the Name Change Proposal (as defined below) providing for a change in the Company's corporate name from OpGen, Inc. to CapForce Inc. In connection with the name change, the Company expects to change its ticker symbol to "CFOR."

The change in name of the Company and the filing of the Amendment will not affect the validity or transferability of any outstanding shares of common stock, and stockholders will not be required to exchange outstanding certificates for new share certificates.

Following the approval of the Name Change Proposal at the Annual Meeting, the Company filed the Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on February 27, 2026. Except for the change of name of the Company, the Amendment does not make any other changes to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation. In connection with the foregoing, the Company also amended and restated its Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended (the "Bylaws"), to reflect the change in the Company's name.

The foregoing description of the Amendment and Bylaws do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the form of the Amendment and the Bylaws, which are filed as Exhibits 3.1, and 3.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

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

On February 23, 2026, the Company held its Annual Meeting. The Company's stockholders voted on the proposals listed below, each of which was described in the Company's proxy statement for the Annual Meeting as filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2026. As of January 5, 2026, the record date for the Annual Meeting, shares of the Company's capital stock representing 10,210,511 votes were outstanding. At the Annual Meeting, shares of the Company's capital stock representing 8,344,457 votes were represented in person or by proxy. The following is a summary of the voting results for the proposals voted upon at the Annual Meeting:

1. <u>Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors</u>. Proposal No. 1 was the election of the following named persons to serve as directors of the Company for a one-year term or until their successors are elected and qualified. The votes cast were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Nominee** | **For** | **Against** | **Abstained or Withheld** |
| Victor Chua Kok Hoe | 8336639 | 6700 | 1118 |
| John Tan Honjian | 8336650 | 6689 | 1118 |
| Ken Lim Zhao Qi | 8336646 | 6693 | 1118 |
| Ethan Low Yu Jie | 8336649 | 6690 | 1118 |
| Constance Wong Poh Yin | 8335550 | 7789 | 1118 |

---

Based on the foregoing vote, the five nominees listed above were elected to serve on the Board. There were no additional director nominations brought before the meeting.

2. <u>Proposal No. 2 – 2026 Equity Incentive Plan Proposal</u>. Proposal No. 2 was to approve the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2026 Equity Incentive Plan Proposal"). The results of the vote were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Votes For** | **Votes Against** | **Abstained or Withheld** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 8299282 | 8808 | 36367 | N/A |

---

Based on the foregoing vote, the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan Proposal was approved.

3. <u>Proposal No. 3 – Warrant Exercise Proposal</u>. Proposal No. 3 was to approve the issuance of 889,274 shares of the Company's common stock upon the exercise of common stock purchase warrants issued in connection with the Company's best efforts public offering that closed on May 4, 2023, as contemplated by Nasdaq listing rules (the "Warrant Exercise Proposal"). The results of the vote were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Votes For** | **Votes Against** | **Abstained or Withheld** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 8335871 | 7480 | 1106 | N/A |

---

Based on the foregoing vote, the Warrant Exercise Proposal was approved.

4. <u>Proposal No. 4 – Ratification of the Issuance of Certain Shares of Common Stock</u>. Proposal No. 4 was to ratify the sale and issuance of certain shares of common stock of the Company to AEI Capital, Ltd., our controlling stockholder, for the purpose of exempting such sales and issuances from Section 16(b) under the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 16b-3(d)(2) thereunder (the "Share Sale and Issuance Ratification Proposal").

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Votes For** | **Votes Against** | **Abstained or Withheld** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 8334836 | 8809 | 812 | N/A |

---

Based on the foregoing vote, the Share Sale and Issuance Ratification Proposal was approved.

5. <u>Proposal No. 5 – Name Change Proposal</u>. Proposal No. 5 was to approve the change of the name of the Company from "OpGen, Inc." to "CapForce Inc." (the "Name Change Proposal"). The results of the vote were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Votes For** | **Votes Against** | **Abstained or Withheld** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 8333795 | 9063 | 1599 | N/A |

---

Based on the foregoing vote, the Name Change Proposal was approved.

6. <u>Proposal No. 6 – Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote</u>. Proposal No. 6 was to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company's named executive officers (the "Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote"), as disclosed in the compensation discussion and analysis, the compensation tables, and any related material contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Annual Meeting filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2026.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Votes For** | **Votes Against** | **Abstained or Withheld** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 8299141 | 8640 | 36676 | N/A |

---

Based on the foregoing vote, the Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote was approved.

7. <u>Proposal No. 7 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Accounting Firm</u>. Proposal No. 7 was to ratify the appointment of Beckles & Co., Inc. to serve as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The results of the vote were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Votes For** | **Votes Against** | **Abstained or Withheld** | **Broker Non-Votes** |
| 8335053 | 6216 | 3188 | N/A |

---

Based on the foregoing vote, the ratification of Beckles & Co., Inc. as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025 was approved.

**Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure**

On February 27, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the change of the Company's name. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under such section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

**Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

(d) Exhibits

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 3.1 | [Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on February 27, 2026.](capforceinc_ex3-1.htm) |
| 3.2 | [Amended and Restated Bylaws of CapForce Inc., as effective February 27, 2026.](capforceinc_ex3-2.htm) |
| 10.1 | [CapForce Inc. 2026 Incentive Compensation Plan, effective February 23, 2026.](capforceinc_ex10-1.htm) |
| 99.1 | [Press Release dated February 27, 2026.](capforceinc_ex99-1.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

---

**SIGNATURES**

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

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: February 27, 2026 | **CapForce Inc.** | **CapForce Inc.** | **CapForce Inc.** |
|  | By: | /s/ Christian-Laurent Benoit Bonte | /s/ Christian-Laurent Benoit Bonte |
|  |  | Name: | Christian-Laurent Benoit Bonte |
|  |  | Title: | Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 3.1

**Exhibit 3.1**

**CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT**

**TO**

**CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION**

**OF**

**OPGEN, INC.**

The undersigned officer of OpGen, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The name of the corporation is OpGen, Inc. (the "Corporation").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Section 1 of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation be and hereby is amended and replaced in its entirety with the following:

"1. The name of the Corporation is CapForce Inc. (the "Corporation")."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. The amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation herein certified has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 222 and 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation on February 25, 2026.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Christian-Laurent Bonte |
| Name: | Christian-Laurent Bonte |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 3.2

**Exhibit 3.2**

**AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS**

**OF**

**CAPFORCE INC.**

**(a Delaware corporation)**

The following are the Bylaws ("<u>Bylaws</u>") **of CAPFORCE INC.,** a Delaware corporation (the "<u>Corporation</u>"), effective as of February 27, 2026.

**ARTICLE I<br> OFFICES**

**Section 1.01 PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE.** The principal executive office of the Corporation shall be located at 708 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "<u>Board of Directors</u>") may change the location of said principal executive office.

**Section 1.02 OTHER OFFICES.** The Corporation may also have an office or offices at such other place or places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or as the business of the Corporation may require.

**ARTICLE II<br> MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS**

**Section 2.01 ANNUAL MEETINGS.** The annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation shall be held at a date and at such time as the Board of Directors shall determine. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.03 hereof and any other proper business may be transacted.

**Section 2.02 SPECIAL MEETINGS.** Special meetings of stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by a majority of the Board of Directors, by the Chairman of the Board or by the President. Special meetings may not be called by any other person or persons. Each special meeting shall be held at such date and time as is requested by the person or persons calling the meeting, subject to limits fixed by applicable law.

**Section 2.03 PLACE OF MEETINGS.** Each annual or special meeting of stockholders shall be held at such location as may be determined by the Board of Directors or, if no such determination is made, at such place as may be determined by the Chairman of the Board. If no location is so determined, any annual or special meeting shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation.

**Section 2.04 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS.** Written notice of each annual or special meeting of stockholders (the "<u>Meeting Notice</u>") shall be delivered either personally or by mail to stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting no fewer than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting. The Meeting Notice shall include the time, date and location of the meeting to which such Meeting Notice relates. The purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called may, in the case of an annual meeting, and shall, in the case of a special meeting, be set forth in the Meeting Notice. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his address as it shall appear on the stock books of the Corporation, unless he shall have filed with the Secretary of the Corporation a written request that notices intended for him be mailed to some other address, in which case such notice shall be mailed to the address designated in such request.

**Section 2.05 NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS AND STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.**

&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) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws shall be eligible to serve as directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.05, who is entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.05.

&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) Nominations by stockholders shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at the Corporation's principal executive office: (i) in the case of an annual meeting, no fewer than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the Meeting Notice for the preceding year's annual meeting; <u>provided,</u> <u>however,</u> that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made; and (ii) in the case of a special meeting at which directors are to be elected, not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made.

&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) Such stockholder's notice shall set forth: (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for elections of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including such person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice, (A) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's books, of such stockholder and (B) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder ofrecord and by the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made; and (iii) as to the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, (A) the name and address of such person and (B) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by such person. At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a director shall furnish to the Secretary of the Corporation that information required to be set forth in a stockholder's notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee.

&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) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting (i) pursuant to the Corporation's Meeting Notice, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.05, who is entitled to vote at such meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 2.05(e).

&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) For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (d) of this Section 2.05, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive office of the Corporation no fewer than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the Meeting Notice for the preceding year's annual meeting; <u>provided, however,</u> that in the event that the date of the meeting is changed by more than 30 days from such anniversary date, to be timely, notice by the stockholder must be received no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made. A stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such business, and the name and address of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder of record and by the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (iv) any material interest of such stockholder of record and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made in such business.

&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) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.05. Additionally, no person shall be eligible to serve as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.05. The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that (i) the business was not properly brought before the meeting and in accordance with the procedures prescribed by this Section 2.05 or (ii) a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these Bylaws. If the chairman of the meeting should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting, and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or the defective nomination shall be disregarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.05, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.05.

**Section 2.06 CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.** All actual and special meetings of stockholders shall be conducted in accordance with such rules and procedures as the Board of Directors may determine subject to the requirements of applicable law and, as to matters not governed by such rules and procedures, as the chairman of such meeting shall determine. The Chairman of the Board shall be the chairman of any annual or special meeting of stockholders. The Secretary, or in the absence of the Secretary, a person designated by the Chairman of the Board, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

**Section 2.07 QUORUM**. At any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of record of thirty-four percent (34%) of the shares or other securities having voting power, as set forth in the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended or amended and restated, including any preferred stock certificate of designation (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), then issued and outstanding and entitled to be voted at the meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that this Section 2.07 shall not affect any different requirement which may exist under statute, pursuant to the rights of any authorized class or series of stock, or under the Certificate of Incorporation for the vote necessary for the adoption of any measure governed thereby. The stockholders present at a duly called and held meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum, if any action taken (other than adjournment) is approved by at least a majority of the shares or votes of other securities required to constitute a quorum.

In the absence of a quorum, the stockholders present in person or by proxy, by majority vote and without further notice, may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is attained, but in the absence of a quorum, no other business may be transacted at that meeting, except as provided in this section. At any reconvened meeting following such adjournment at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.

**Section 2.08 VOTES REQUIRED.** The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at a duly called meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, at which a quorum is present and entitled to vote on the subject matter, shall be sufficient to take or authorize action upon any matter which may properly come before the meeting, except that the election of directors shall be by plurality vote, unless the vote of a greater or different number thereof is required by statute, by the rights of any authorized class of stock or by the Certificate of Incorporation.

Unless the Certificate of Incorporation or a resolution of the Board of Directors adopted in connection with the issuance of shares of any class or series of stock provides for a greater or lesser number of votes per share, or limits or denies voting rights, each outstanding share of stock, regardless of class or series, shall be entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.

**Section 2.09 PROXIES.** Every person entitled to vote for directors or on any other matter shall have the right to do so either in person or by one or more agents authorized by a written proxy signed by the person and filed with the Secretary of the Corporation. A proxy shall be deemed signed if the stockholder's name is placed on the proxy (whether by manual signature, typewriting, telegraphic transmission, or otherwise) by the stockholder or the stockholder's attorney in fact. A validly executed proxy which does not state that it is irrevocable shall continue in full force and effect unless: (i) revoked by the person executing it, before the vote pursuant to that proxy, by a writing delivered to the Corporation stating that the proxy is revoked, or by a subsequent proxy executed by, or as to any meeting by attendance at such meeting and voting in person by, the person executing the proxy; or (ii) written notice of the death or incapacity of the maker of that proxy is received by the Corporation before the vote pursuant to that proxy is counted; <u>provided, however,</u> that no proxy shall be valid after the expiration of three (3) years from the date of the proxy, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient under applicable law to support an irrevocable power. A proxy may be made irrevocable regardless of whether the interest with which it is coupled is an interest in the stock itself or an interest in the Corporation generally.

**Section 2.10 STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT.** To the fullest extent permitted by law, whenever any action is required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of stockholders, by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, such action may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote of stockholders, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.

**Section 2.11 RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDER NOTICE AND VOTING.** For purposes of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting or to vote or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor fewer than ten (10) days before the date of any such meeting nor more than sixty (60) days before any such other action, and in this event only stockholders at the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice or to vote, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any shares on the books of the Corporation after the record date, except as otherwise provided in the Delaware General Corporation Law.

If the Board of Directors does not so fix a record 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;(a) The record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the day on which the meeting is held.

&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) The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

&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) A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; <u>provided, however,</u> that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

**Section 2.12 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS.** The Secretary of the Corporation shall prepare and make (or cause to be prepared and made), at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order and showing the address of, and the number of shares registered in the name of, each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the duration thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder present at such meeting.

**Section 2.13 VOTING.** The stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.12. The stockholders' vote may be by voice vote or by ballot. Any stockholder may vote any number of his or her shares entitled to vote in favor of the proposal and refrain from voting the remaining shares or vote them against the proposal, but, if the stockholder fails to specify the number of shares which the stockholder is voting affirmatively, it will be conclusively presumed that the stockholder's approving vote is with respect to all shares that the stockholder is entitled to vote.

**Section 2.14 WAIVER OF NOTICE OR CONSENT BY ABSENT STOCKHOLDERS.** The transactions of any meeting of stockholders, either annual or special, however called and noticed, and wherever held, shall be as valid as though effected at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum be present either in person or by proxy, and if, either before or after the meeting, each person entitled to vote, who was not present in person or by proxy, signs a written waiver of notice or a consent to a holding of the meeting, or an approval of the minutes. The waiver of notice, consent or approval need not specify either the business to be transacted or the purpose of any annual or special meeting of stockholders. All such waivers, consents or approvals shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting. Attendance by a person at a meeting shall also constitute a waiver of notice of that meeting, except when the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting and objects, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened, and except that attendance at a meeting is not a waiver of any right to object to the consideration of matters required by law to be included in the notice of the meeting but not so included if that objection is expressly made at the meeting.

**Section 2.15 INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.** In advance of any meeting of stockholders, the Board of Directors shall appoint Inspectors of Election to act at such meeting or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof. If such Inspectors are not so appointed or fail or refuse to act, the chairman of any such meeting may (and, upon the demand of any stockholder or stockholder's proxy, shall) make such an appointment.

The number of Inspectors of Election shall be one (1) or three (3). If there are three (3) Inspectors of Election, the decision, act or certificate of a majority shall be effective and shall represent the decision, act or certificate of all. No such Inspector need be a stockholder of the Corporation.

Subject to any provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Inspectors of Election shall determine the number of shares outstanding, the voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum and the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies; they shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes or consents, determine when the polls shall close and determine the result; and finally, they shall do such acts as may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request, the Inspectors of Election shall make a report in writing to the secretary of the meeting concerning any challenge, question or other matter as may have been determined by them and shall execute and deliver to such secretary a certificate of any fact found by them.

**ARTICLE III<br> DIRECTORS**

**Section 3.01 POWERS.** The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by and be under the direction of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers of the Corporation, except those that are conferred upon or reserved to the stockholders by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

**Section 3.02 NUMBER.** The number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors but shall not be less than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15).

**Section 3.03 ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE.** The directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders, except as provided in Section 3.06 of this Article III, and each director shall hold office for the term for which he is elected and until his successor is elected and qualified. Directors need not be residents of the State of Delaware, stockholders of the Corporation or citizens of the United States. Unless provided otherwise by applicable law, any director may be removed at any time, with or without cause, at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.

**Section 3.04 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.** At the organizational meeting immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders, the directors shall elect a Chairman of the Board from among the directors who shall hold office until the corresponding meeting of the Board of Directors in the next year and until his successor shall have been elected or until his earlier resignation, removal or death. Any vacancy in such office may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.

**Section 3.05** **REMOVAL.** Any director may be removed from office only as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation.

**Section 3.06 VACANCIES AND ADDITIONAL DIRECTORSHIPS.** Except as the Delaware General Corporation Law may otherwise require, and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to the filling of vacancies or new directorships in the Board of Directors, newly created directorships resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the new directorship was created or the vacancy occurred and until such director's successor shall have been elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

**Section 3.07 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS.** Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held: (i) immediately following the annual meeting of the stockholders; (ii) without call at such time as shall from time to time be fixed by the Board of Directors; and (iii) as called by the Chairman of the Board in accordance with applicable law.

Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held upon call by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, the President or any two (2) directors, except that when the Board of Directors consists of one (1) director, then the one director may call a special meeting. Except as otherwise required by law, notice of each special meeting shall be mailed to each director, addressed to him at his residence or usual place of business at least three (3) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held, or shall be sent to him at such place by telex, telegram, cable, facsimile transmission or telephoned or delivered to him personally, not later than the day before the day on which the meeting is to be held. Such notice shall state the time and place of such meeting, but need not state the purpose or purposes thereof, unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

Notice of any meeting need not be given to any director who attends such meeting in person (except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened) or who waives notice thereof in a signed writing before or after such meeting.

**Section 3.08 QUORUM.** At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the fixed number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except that when the Board of Directors consists of one (1) director, then the one director shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum, the directors present, by majority vote and without notice other than by announcement, may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present. At any reconvened meeting following such an adjournment at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.

**Section 3.09 VOTES REQUIRED.** Except as otherwise provided by applicable law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to pass any measure.

**Section 3.10 PLACE AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.** Each regular meeting and special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at a location determined as follows: the Board of Directors may designate any place, within or without the State of Delaware, for the holding of any meeting. Ifno such designation is made: (a) any meeting called by a majority of the directors shall be held at such location, within the county of the Corporation's principal executive office, as the directors calling the meeting shall designate; and (b) any other meeting shall be held at such location, within the county of the Corporation's principal executive office, as the Chairman of the Board may designate or, in the absence of such designation, at the Corporation's principal executive office. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, all regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be conducted in accordance with such rules and procedures as the Board of Directors may approve and, as to matters not governed by such rules and procedures, as the chairman of such meeting shall determine. The chairman of any regular or special meeting shall be the Chairman of the Board, or, in his absence, a person designated by the Board of Directors. The Secretary, or, in the absence of the Secretary, a person designated by the chairman of the meeting shall act as secretary of the meeting. Any meeting, regular or special, may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment, so long as all directors participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all such directors shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

**Section 3.11 FEES AND COMPENSATION.** Directors shall be paid such compensation as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors: (a) for their usual and contemplated services as directors; (b) for their services as members of committees appointed by the Board of Directors, including attendance at committee meetings as well as services which may be required when committee members must consult with management staff; and (c) for extraordinary services as directors or as members of committees appointed by the Board of Directors, over and above those services for which compensation is fixed pursuant to items (a) and (b) in this Section 3.11. Compensation may be in the form of an annual retainer fee or a fee for attendance at meetings, or both, or in such other form or on such basis as the resolutions of the Board of Directors shall fix. Directors shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred by them in attending meetings of the Board of Directors and committees appointed by the Board of Directors and in performing compensable extraordinary services. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity, such as an officer, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, and receiving compensation therefor.

**Section 3.12 COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.** To the full extent permitted by applicable law, the Board of Directors may from time to time establish committees, including, but not limited to, standing or special committees and an executive committee with authority and responsibility for bookkeeping, with authority to act as signatories on Corporation bank or similar accounts and with authority to choose attorneys for the Corporation and direct litigation strategy, which shall have such duties and powers as are authorized by these Bylaws or by the Board of Directors. Committee members, and the chairman of each committee, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board, in conjunction with the several committee chairmen, shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors for its final action concerning members to be appointed to the several committees of the Board of Directors. Any member of any committee may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Board of Directors. Vacancies which occur on any committee shall be filled by a resolution of the Board of the Directors. If any vacancy shall occur in any committee by reason of death, resignation, disqualification, removal or otherwise, the remaining members of such committee, so long as a quorum is present, may continue to act until such vacancy is filled by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, at any time deemed desirable, discontinue any standing or special committee. Members of standing committees, and their chairmen, shall be elected yearly at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors which is held immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders. The provisions of Sections 3.07, 3.08, 3.09 and 3.10 of these Bylaws shall apply, *MUTATIS MUTANDIS,* to any such Committee of the Board of Directors.

**Section 3.13 WAIVER OF NOTICE.** The transactions of any meeting of the Board of Directors, however called and noticed or wherever held, shall be as valid as though had at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice if a quorum is present and if, either before or after the meeting, each of the directors not present signs a written waiver of notice, a consent to holding the meeting or an approval of the minutes. The waiver of notice or consent need not specify the purpose of the meeting. All such waivers, consents, and approvals shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting. Notice of a meeting shall also be deemed given to any director who attends the meeting without protesting, before or at its commencement, the lack of notice to that director.

 **Section 3.14 ADJOURNMENT.** A majority of the directors present, whether or not constituting a quorum, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place.

**Section 3.15 NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT.** Notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting need not be given to absent directors if the time and place are fixed at the meeting adjourned.

**Section 3.16 ACTION WITHOUT MEETING.** Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors shall individually or collectively consent in writing to that action. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors.

**ARTICLE IV<br> OFFICERS**

**Section 4.01 DESIGNATION, ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE.** The Corporation shall have a Chairman of the Board, a President, a Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer, such senior vice presidents and vice presidents as the Board of Directors deems appropriate, a Secretary and such other officers as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate. These officers shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at the organizational meeting immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders, and each such officer shall hold office until the corresponding meeting of the Board of Directors in the next year and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, death or removal. Any vacancy in any of the above offices may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. Any number of offices may be held by the same person in accordance with Section 4.08 herein.

**Section 4.02 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.** The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the directors and shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

**Section 4.03 PRESIDENT.** The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the power of the Board of Directors, have general supervision, direction and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, at all meetings of the directors. He shall have the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of president of a corporation, and shall have such other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors.

**Section 4.04 TREASURER OR CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.** The Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct books and records of account of the properties and business transactions of the Corporation, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, retained earnings and shares. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by the directors. The Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer shall deposit all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. He shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, shall render to the President and directors, whenever they request it, an account of all of his transactions as the Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Bylaws.

**Section 4.05 SECRETARY.** The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and all committees. He shall be the custodian of the corporate seal and shall affix it to all documents which he is authorized by law or the Board of Directors to sign and seal. He also shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board or President.

**Section 4.06 ASSISTANT OFFICERS.** The President may appoint one or more assistant secretaries and such other assistant officers as the business of the Corporation may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority and perform such duties as may be specified from time to time by the President.

**Section 4.07 WHEN DUTIES OF AN OFFICER MAY BE DELEGATED.** In the case of absence or disability of an officer of the Corporation or for any other reason that may seem sufficient to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors or any officer designated by it, or the President, may, for the time of the absence or disability, delegate such officer's duties and powers to any other officer of the Corporation.

**Section 4.08 OFFICERS HOLDING TWO OR MORE OFFICES.** The same person may hold any two (2) or more of the above-mentioned offices.

**Section 4.09 COMPENSATION.** The Board of Directors shall have the power to fix the compensation of all officers and employees of the Corporation.

**Section 4.10 RESIGNATIONS.** Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors, to the President or to the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors. The acceptance of a resignation by the Corporation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

**Section 4.11 REMOVAL.** Any officer of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Any assistant officer of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the President or by the Board of Directors.

**ARTICLE V<br> INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND OTHER CORPORATE AGENTS**

**Section 5.01 ACTION, ETC., OTHER THAN BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION.** The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, trustee or agent of a subsidiary of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (all such persons being referred to hereinafter as an "<u>Agent</u>"), against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of *nolo contendere* or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that he had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

**Section 5.02 ACTION, ETC., BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION.** The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was an Agent against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

**Section 5.03 DETERMINATION OF RIGHT OF INDEMNIFICATION.** Any indemnification under Sections 5.01 or 5.02 (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the Agent is proper in the circumstances because the Agent has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections 5.01 and 5.02 hereof, which determination is made (a) by the Board of Directors, by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, if a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (c) by the stockholders.

**Section 5.04 INDEMNIFICATION AGAINST EXPENSES OF SUCCESSFUL PARTY.** Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article V, to the extent that an Agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise, including the dismissal of an action without prejudice or the settlement of an action without admission of liability, in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 5.01 or 5.02 hereof, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such Agent shall be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys' fees actually and reasonably incurred by such Agent in connection therewith.

**Section 5.05 ADVANCES OF EXPENSES.** Except as limited by Section 5.06 of this Article V, expenses incurred by an Agent in defending any civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding at the discretion of the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors authorizes advancement of expenses, then the Agent shall be entitled to receive such amount as the Board of Directors has authorized only upon the Agent entering into and delivering to the Board of Directors a written undertaking to repay such amount ifit shall ultimately be determined that such Agent is not entitled to indemnification as authorized in this Article V. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no advance shall be made by the Corporation if a determination is reasonably and promptly made by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors, or (if such a quorum is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested directors so directs) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that, based upon the facts known to the Board of Directors or counsel at the time such determination is made, such person acted in bad faith and in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal proceeding, that such person believed or had reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

**Section 5.06 RIGHT OF AGENT TO INDEMNIFICATION UPON APPLICATION; PROCEDURE UPON APPLICATION.** Any indemnification or advance under this Article V shall be made promptly, and in any event within ninety (90) days, upon the written request of the Agent, unless, in the case of advancement, the Board of Directors has in its discretion determined not to advance expenses as provided in Section 5.05. The right to indemnification or advances as granted by this Article V shall be enforceable by the Agent in any court of competent jurisdiction, if the Board of Directors or independent legal counsel denies the claim, in whole or in part, or if no disposition of such claim is made within ninety (90) days. The Agent's expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing his right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such proceeding shall also be indemnified by the Corporation.

**Section 5.07 OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.** The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article V shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an Agent seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be an Agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. All rights to indemnification under this Article V shall be deemed to be provided by a contract between the Corporation and the Agent who serves in such capacity at any time while these Bylaws and other relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and other applicable law, if any, are in effect. Any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing.

**Section 5.08 INSURANCE.** Upon resolution passed by the Board of Directors, the Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was an Agent against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Article V.

**Section 5.09 CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS.** For the purposes of this Article V, references to "the Corporation" shall include, in addition to the Corporation, all constituent corporations (including all constituents of constituents) absorbed in a consolidation or merger as well as the resulting or surviving corporation, which, if the separate existence of such constituent corporation had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its Agents, so that any Agent of such constituent corporation shall stand in the same position under the provisions of the Article V with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as that Agent would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

**Section 5.10 OTHER ENTERPRISES, FINES, AND SERVING AT CORPORATION'S REQUEST.** For purposes of this Article V: references to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request of the Corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to any employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation" as referred to in this Article V.

**Section 5.11 SAVINGS CLAUSE.** If this Article V or any portion thereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each Agent as to expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether internal or external, including a grand jury proceeding and an action or suit brought by or in the right of the Corporation, to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article V that shall not have been invalidated, or by any other applicable law.

**ARTICLE VI<br> STOCK**

**Section 6.01 SHARES OF STOCK.** The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, each of which shall represent and certify the number and class (and series, if appropriate) of shares of stock represented by such certificate in the Corporation; <u>provided,</u> that the Board of Directors may adopt a resolution permitting shares to be uncertificated. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the rights and obligations of the holders of uncertificated stock and the rights and obligations of the holders of certificates representing stock of the same class and series shall be identical. Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board or a Vice-Chairman of the Board or the President or a Vice President, together with the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Chief Financial Officer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary. Any or all of the signatures on any certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

**Section 6.02 TRANSFER OF SHARES.** Shares of stock shall be transferable on the books of the Corporation (i) in the case of certificated shares, only by the registered holder thereof, in person or by such person's duly authorized attorney lawfully constituted in writing, upon the surrender of the certificate representing the shares to be transferred, properly endorsed, to the Corporation's transfer agent, if the Corporation has a transfer agent, or to the Corporation's registrar, if the Corporation has a registrar, or to the Secretary, if the Corporation has neither a transfer agent nor a registrar or (ii) in the case of uncertificated shares, upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder thereof or by such person's duly authorized attorney lawfully constituted in writing, and upon payment of all necessary taxes and compliance with appropriate procedures for transferring shares of stock in uncertificated form; <u>provided, however,</u> that such surrender and endorsement, compliance or payment of taxes shall not be required in any case in which the Corporation shall determine to waive such requirement. The Board of Directors shall have power and authority to make such other rules and regulations concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates of the Corporation's stock as it may deem expedient. With respect to certificated shares of stock, every certificate exchanged, returned or surrendered to the Corporation shall be marked "Cancelled," with the date of cancellation, by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or the transfer agent thereof. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

**Section 6.03 TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS.** The Corporation may have one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars of its stock whose respective duties the Board of Directors or the Secretary may, from time to time, define. No certificate of stock shall be valid until countersigned by a transfer agent, if the Corporation has a transfer agent, or until registered by a registrar, if the Corporation has a registrar. The duties of transfer agent and registrar may be combined.

**Section 6.04 STOCK LEDGERS.** Original or duplicate stock ledgers, containing the names and addresses of the stockholders of the Corporation and the number of shares of each class of stock held by them, shall be kept at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at the office of its transfer agent or registrar.

**Section 6.05 LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.** In respect of any previously issued stock certificate that is alleged to have been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Corporation shall issue either a new stock certificate or uncertificated shares in place of such lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken certificate; <u>provided,</u> that the holder of record of the certificate (a) makes proof in affidavit form that it has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken; (b) requests the issuance of a new certificate or uncertificated shares before the Corporation has notice that the certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of any adverse claims; (c) gives bond in such form as the Corporation may direct, to indemnify the Corporation, the transfer agent and registrar against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of a certificate; and (d) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Board of Directors. When any certificate has been lost, apparently destroyed or wrongfully taken, if the owner of record of the certificate fails to notify this Corporation within a reasonable time after notice that the certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen, and if the proper officers or transfer agent of the Corporation register a transfer of the certificate before receiving such notification, such prior owner of record shall be precluded from asserting against the Corporation, any officer of the Corporation and the transfer agent of the Corporation, any claim for wrongful transfer of the certificate, any claim to a new certificate or any claim for rights normally accorded to stockholders of the Corporation.

**ARTICLE VII<br> MISCELLANEOUS**

**Section 7.01 RELATIONSIDP BETWEEN BYLAWS, CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AND** **DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW.** To the extent that the Certificate of Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law grant to any person any rights which are restricted under these Bylaws, and the Certificate of Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law preclude the Bylaws from imposing such restriction, then the extent of such rights shall be as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the case may be, and these Bylaws shall be so interpreted.

**Section 7.02 AMENDMENT.** These Bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1**

**CAPFORCE INC.**

**<u>2026 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN</u>**

**Effective as of: February 23, 2026**

**<u>CAPFORCE, INC</u>.**

**<u>2026 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN</u>**

1. Purpose 1

2. Definitions 1

3. Administration of the Plan 5

4. Shares Subject to Plan 6

5. Limitation on Awards to Non-Employee Directors 7

6. Specific Terms of Awards 7

7. Certain Provisions Applicable to Awards 11

8. Impact of Termination of Employment Events 12

9. Dissolution or Liquidation; Change in Control 13

10. General Provisions 16

i

**<u>CAPFORCE INC</u>.**<br>**2026 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1. <u>Purpose</u>**. The purpose of this 2026 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time (the "***Plan***"), is to assist CapForce Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "***Company***"), and its Subsidiaries (as hereinafter defined) to attract, motivate, retain and reward high-quality executives and other employees, officers, directors, consultants and other persons who provide services to the Company or its Subsidiaries by enabling such persons to acquire or increase an ownership interest in the Company in order to strengthen the mutuality of interests between such persons and the Company's stockholders, and providing such persons with incentives to expend their maximum efforts in the creation of stockholder value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2. <u>Definitions</u>**. For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below, in addition to such terms defined in Section 1 hereof and elsewhere herein.

&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) "***Affiliate***" means any entity that is, directly or indirectly, controlled by, under common control with or controlling the Company or any entity in which the Company has a significant ownership interest as determined by the Committee.

&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) "***Automatic Exercise Date***" shall mean, with respect to an Option, the last business day of the applicable term that was established by the Committee for such Option (e.g., the last business day prior to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant of such Option if the Option initially had a ten-year term); provided that with respect to an Option that has been amended pursuant to this Plan so as to alter the term, "Automatic Exercise Date" shall mean the last business day of the term that was established by the Committee for such Option 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;(c) "***Award***" means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Other Stock-Based Award or Performance Award, together with any other right or interest, granted to a Participant 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;(d) "***Award Agreement***" means any written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing any Award granted by the Committee hereunder.

&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) "***Beneficiary***" means the person, persons, trust or trusts that have been designated by a Participant in his or her most recent written beneficiary designation filed with the Company to receive the benefits specified under the Plan upon such Participant's death or to which Awards or other rights are transferred if and to the extent permitted under Section 10(b) hereof. If, upon a Participant's death, there is no designated Beneficiary or surviving designated Beneficiary, then the term Beneficiary means the person, persons, trust or trusts entitled by will or the laws of descent and distribution to receive such benefits.

&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) "***Beneficial Owner***" and "***Beneficial Ownership***" have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and any successor to such Rule.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) "***Board***" means the Company's Board of Directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) "***Cause***" with respect to any Participant, has the meaning specified in an employment or other agreement with, for the performance of services to, the Company or a Subsidiary. In the absence of any such agreement, "Cause" means (i) the failure by the Participant to perform, in a reasonable manner, his or her duties as assigned by the Company or a Subsidiary, (ii) any violation or breach by the Participant of his or her employment, consulting or other similar agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary, if any, (iii) any violation or breach by the Participant of any non-competition,

non-solicitation, non-disclosure and/or other similar agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary, (iv) any act by the Participant of dishonesty or bad faith with respect to the Company or a Subsidiary, (v) use of alcohol, drugs or other similar substances in a manner that adversely affects the Participant's work performance, or (vi) the commission by the Participant of any act, misdemeanor, or crime reflecting unfavorably upon the Participant or the Company or any Subsidiary. The good faith determination by the Committee of whether the Participant's Continuous Service was terminated by the Company for "Cause" shall be final and binding for all purposes hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) "***Change in Control***" has the meaning set forth in Section 9(c).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) "***Code***" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, including regulations thereunder and successor provisions and regulations thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) "***Committee***" means a committee designated by the Board to administer the Plan; provided, however, that if the Board fails to designate a committee or if there are no longer any members on the committee so designated by the Board, then the Board shall serve as the Committee. The Committee shall consist of at least two directors, and each member of the Committee shall be (i) a "non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 (or any successor rule) promulgated under the Exchange Act, unless administration of the Plan by "non-employee directors" is not then required in order for exemptions under Rule 16b-3 to apply to transactions under the Plan, (ii) an "outside director" that meets any applicable requirements of the Code, and (iii) Independent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) "***Common Stock***" means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 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;(m) "***Consultant***" means any person (other than an Employee or a Director) who is engaged by the Company or any Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services to the Company or such Subsidiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) "***Continuous Service***" means the uninterrupted provision of services to the Company or any Subsidiary in any capacity of Employee, Director, Consultant or other service provider. Continuous Service shall not be considered to be interrupted in the case of (i) any approved leave of absence, (ii) transfers among the Company, any Subsidiaries, or any successor entities, in any capacity of Employee, Director, Consultant or other service provider, or (iii) any change in status as long as the individual remains in the service of the Company or a Subsidiary in any capacity of Employee, Director, Consultant or other service provider (except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement). An approved leave of absence shall include sick leave, military leave, or any other authorized personal leave.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) "***Director***" means a member of the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) "***Disability***" means a permanent and total disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e) of the Code), as determined by a medical doctor satisfactory to the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) "***Dividend Equivalent***" means a dividend payable on a hypothetical Share of Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) "***Effective Date***" means [_______], which was the date of the Company's 2025 Annual Meeting on which this Plan was initially approved by stockholders 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;(s) "***Eligible Person***" means each officer, Director, Employee, Consultant and other person who provides services to the Company or any Subsidiary. The foregoing notwithstanding, only employees of the Company, or any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company (as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively), shall be Eligible Persons for purposes of receiving any Incentive Stock Options. An Employee on leave of absence may be considered as still in the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary for purposes of eligibility for participation in 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;(t) "***Employee***" means any person, including an officer or Director, who is an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(u) "***Exchange Act***" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, including rules promulgated thereunder and successor provisions and rules thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) "***Fair Market Value***" means, as of any given date, the closing sale price per share of the Common Stock reported on a consolidated basis on the principal stock exchange or market on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there is no sale on that date, then on the last previous day on which a sale was reported. If the Common Stock is not so listed on an exchange or market, Fair Market Value will be determined by the Committee, or under procedures established by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(w) "***Good Reason***" has the meaning of "good reason" or "for good reason" as set forth in any employment agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Subsidiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) "***Incentive Stock Option***" means any Option intended to be designated as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(y) "***Independent***", when referring to either the Board or members of the Committee, shall have the same meaning as used in the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market or any national securities exchange on which any securities of the Company are listed for trading, and if not listed for trading, by the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(z) "***Option***" means a right granted to a Participant under Section 6(b) hereof, to purchase Shares at a specified price during specified time periods.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(aa) "***Optionee***" means a person to whom an Option is granted under this Plan or any person who succeeds to the rights of such person under this 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;(bb) "***Other Stock-Based Awards***" means Awards granted to a Participant under Section 6(f) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(cc) "***Participant***" means a person who has been granted an Award under the Plan which remains outstanding, including a person who is no longer an Eligible Person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(dd) "***Performance Award***" means any Award of Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock Awards with Performance Goals granted pursuant to Section 6(g).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ee) "***Performance Goals***" means financial or operating, stock performance-related or individually-based goals established for an Award by the Committee, or, pursuant to delegated authority, by a delegate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ff) "***Performance Period***" means that period established by the Committee at the time any Performance Award is granted or at any time thereafter during which any Performance Goals specified by the Committee with respect to such Performance Award are to be measured.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(gg) "***Person***" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, and includes a "group" as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(hh) "***Repriced***" means (i) any transaction performed with the intent or effect of (A) reducing the exercise price of any outstanding Option, (B) cancelling or exchanging outstanding Options in exchange for cash, other Awards or replacement Options, including through a tender offer process, with exercise prices that are less than the exercise price of the cancelled or exchanged Options, or (C) any similar share exchange transaction involving outstanding Awards; or (ii) any transaction defined as repricing under the Nasdaq Stock Market rules for listed companies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) "***Restricted Stock***" means any Share issued with the restriction that the holder may not sell, transfer, pledge or assign such Share and with such risks of forfeiture and other restrictions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may impose (including any restriction on the right to vote such Share and the right to receive any dividends), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in installments or otherwise, as the Committee may deem appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(jj) "***Restricted Stock Award***" means an Award granted to a Participant under Section 6(d) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(kk) "***Restricted Stock Units***" or "***RSUs***" mean a unit or other right to receive one Share per unit, including Restricted Stock, cash measured based upon the value of Shares or a combination thereof, at the end of a specified restriction or forfeiture period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ll) "***Restricted Stock Unit Award***" means an Award of RSUs granted to a Participant under Section 6(e) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(mm) "***Rule 16b-3***" means Rule 16b-3, as from time to time in effect and applicable to the Plan and Participants, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 16 of the Exchange 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;(nn) "***Shares***" means the shares of Common Stock, and such other securities as may be substituted (or resubstituted) for Shares pursuant to Section 10(c) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(oo) "***Stock Appreciation Right***" means a right granted to a Participant under Section 6(c) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(pp) "***Subsidiary***" means any corporation or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect ownership interest of 50% or more of the total combined voting power of the then outstanding securities or interests of such corporation or other entity entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or in which the Company has the right to receive 50% or more of the distribution of profits or 50% or more of the assets on liquidation or dissolution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(qq) "***Termination of Employment***" means, with respect to any Employee, the Employee's ceasing to be an Employee; provided, however, that for Incentive Stock Option purposes, Termination of Employment will occur when the Participant ceases to be an employee (as determined in accordance with Code Section 3401(c) and the regulations promulgated thereunder) of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries; and provided further that for any Award subject to Section 409A, Termination of Employment means a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A. The Committee shall determine whether any corporate transaction, such as a sale or spin-off of a division or business unit, or a joint venture, shall be deemed to result in a Termination of Employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3. <u>Administration of the Plan</u>**. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, except to the extent the Board elects to administer the Plan, in which case the Plan shall be administered by only those directors who are Independent Directors, in which case references herein to the "Committee" shall be deemed to include references to the Independent members of the Board. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law (including applicable stock exchange rules), the Committee may delegate to one or more individuals the day-to-day administration of the Plan and any of the functions assigned to it in the Plan. Such delegation may be revoked at any 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;(a) ***Powers of the Committee***. Subject to the other provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority, in its discretion, to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) select the Eligible Persons to whom Awards are to be granted hereunder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) determine the type of Award to be granted to the selected Eligible 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) approve forms of Award Agreements for use 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) correct administrative errors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) adopt rules and procedures relating to the operation and administration of the Plan to accommodate the specific requirements of applicable laws and procedures;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) modify or amend each Award, including, but not limited to, the acceleration of vesting or exercisability; provided, however, that any such amendment is subject to Section 10(e);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax amounts by electing (in such form and under such conditions as the Committee may provide) to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option or vesting or lapse of forfeiture of a Restricted Stock Award, RSU Award, Performance Award or Other Stock Award that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the maximum that can be withheld in the applicable jurisdiction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xii) authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Committee;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiii) determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absences which may be granted to a Participant without constituting a Termination of Employment for purposes of the Plan, subject to the applicable requirements of Code Section 409A; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiv) make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan and any Award granted hereunder.

&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) ***Effect of Committee's Decisions***. All decisions, determinations and interpretations by the Committee regarding the Plan, any rules and regulations under the Plan and the terms and conditions of any Award granted hereunder, shall be final and binding on all Participants. The Committee shall consider such factors as it deems relevant, in its sole and absolute discretion, to making such decisions, determinations and interpretations including, without limitation, the recommendations or advice of any officer or other Employee of the Company and such attorneys, consultants and accountants as it may select.

&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) ***Limitation of Liability***. The Committee and the Board, and each member thereof, shall be entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to him or her by any officer or Employee, the Company's independent auditors, Consultants or any other agents assisting in the administration of the Plan. Members of the Committee and the Board, and any officer or Employee acting at the direction or on behalf of the Committee or the Board, shall not be personally liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and shall, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company with respect to any such action or determination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4. <u>Shares Subject to Plan</u>**.

&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) ***Aggregate Limits***. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10(c) hereof, the total number of Shares reserved and available for delivery under the Plan shall be 1,000,000 (the "***Share Limit***"). Any Shares subject to Awards that are cancelled, expire or are forfeited without the issuance of any Shares shall be available for re-grant under the Plan. In addition, the Share Limit will automatically increase on January 1<sup>st</sup> of each calendar year, for a period of not more than ten (10) years, beginning on January 1, 2027 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2036 in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) five percent (5%) of the total number of Shares outstanding on the December 31<sup>st</sup> immediately preceding calendar year and (ii) such number of Shares as determined by the Committee or the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee or Board may act prior to Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Shares subject to an Award under the Plan shall not again be made available for issuance or delivery under the Plan if such Shares are (i) Shares tendered or withheld in payment of the Option exercise price, or (ii) Shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation authorized by the Committee. Shares issued in payment of any Award may either be authorized and unissued Shares or treasury Shares. Any cash tendered to pay any exercise price or to meet tax withholding obligations will not be used by the Company to purchase additional Shares on the open market for use under this Plan. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 4 to the contrary but subject to adjustment as provided in this Section 4 and Section 10(c) hereof, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan as a result of the exercise of the Incentive Stock Options shall be 1,000,000 Shares, increasing on January 1<sup>st</sup> of each calendar year in an amount equal to the number of Shares by which the Share Limit of the Plan is increased..

&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) ***Award Vesting Limitations***. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, but subject to Section 9 of the Plan, Awards granted under the Plan shall vest no earlier than the six-month anniversary of the applicable date of grant; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Section 9(b), Awards that result in the issuance of up to five percent (5%) of the Shares available pursuant to Section 4(a) may be granted to any one or more Participants without respect to such minimum vesting provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5. <u>Limitation on Awards to Non-Employee Directors</u>**. Awards granted under the Plan during any calendar year to any non-employee Director shall not exceed $250,000 in value, except that in connection with his or her initial appointment to the Board, such non-employee Director may be granted an Award or Awards with a value of up to $500,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6. <u>Specific Terms of Awards</u>**.

&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) ***General***. Awards may be granted on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 6. In addition, the Committee may impose on any Award or the exercise thereof, at the date of grant or thereafter (subject to Section 10(e)), such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine, including terms requiring forfeiture of Awards in the event of termination of the Participant's Continuous Service and terms permitting a Participant to make elections relating to his or her Award. The Committee shall retain full power and discretion to accelerate, waive or modify, at any time, any term or condition of an Award that is not mandatory under the Plan. Except in cases in which the Committee is authorized to require other forms of consideration under the Plan, or to the extent other forms of consideration must be paid to satisfy the requirements of Delaware law, no consideration other than services may be required for the grant (as opposed to the exercise) of any 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;(b) ***Options***. The Committee is authorized to grant Options to any Eligible Person on the following terms and conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Exercise Price**. The exercise price per Share purchasable under an Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of the Option and shall not, in any event, be less than the par value of a Share on the date of grant of the Option. If an Employee owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules applicable under Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively) and an Incentive Stock Option is granted to such Employee, the exercise price of such Incentive Stock Option (to the extent required by the Code at the time of grant) shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Vesting Period, Performance Goals and Time and Method of Exercise**. Options granted under the Plan shall vest and be exercisable at such time, subject to achievement of designated Performance Goals, if any, and/or in such installments during the period prior to the expiration of the Option's term as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. The minimum vesting schedule for Options shall be six months after the date of grant. The Committee shall determine the methods by which the exercise price may be paid or deemed to be paid (including in the discretion of the Committee a cashless exercise procedure), the form of such payment, including, without limitation, cash, Shares (including without limitation the withholding of Shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the Award), other Awards or awards granted under other plans of the Company or a Subsidiary, and the methods by or forms in which Shares will be delivered to Participants.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) **Incentive Stock Options**. The terms of any Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan shall comply in all respects with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code. Anything in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no term of the Plan relating to Incentive Stock Options (including any Stock Appreciation Right issued in tandem therewith) shall be interpreted, amended or altered, nor shall any discretion or authority granted under the Plan be exercised, so as to disqualify either the Plan or any Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code, unless the Participant has first requested, or consents to, the change that will result in such disqualification. Thus, if and to the extent required to comply with Section 422 of the Code, Options granted as Incentive Stock Options shall be subject to the following special terms and conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Option shall not be exercisable for more than ten years after the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted; provided, however, that if a Participant owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively) and the Incentive Stock Option is granted to such Participant, the term of the Incentive Stock Option shall be (to the extent required by the Code at the time of the grant) for no more than five years after the date of grant; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan and all other option plans of the Company (and any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively) that become exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year shall not (to the extent required by the Code at the time of the grant) exceed $100,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) **No Option Repricings**. Other than in connection with a change in the Company's capitalization (as described in Section 10(c)), the exercise price of an Option may not be Repriced without stockholder approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) **Expiration of Option Term: Automatic Exercise of In-The-Money Options**. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee (in an Award Agreement or otherwise) or as otherwise directed in writing to the Company by a Participant holding an Option, each Option outstanding on the Automatic Exercise Date with an exercise price per share that is less than the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock as of such date shall automatically and without further action by the Participant or the Company be exercised on the Automatic Exercise Date. Payment of the exercise price of any such Option and related tax obligations shall be "net settled" to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, this Section 6(b)(v) shall not apply to an Option if the Participant incurs a Termination of Employment on or before the Automatic Exercise 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;(c) ***Stock Appreciation Rights***. The Committee may grant Stock Appreciation Rights to any Eligible Person in conjunction with all or part of any Option granted under the Plan or at any subsequent time during the term of such Option (a "Tandem Stock Appreciation Right"), or without regard to any Option (a "Freestanding Stock Appreciation Right"), in each case upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may establish in its sole discretion, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, including 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Right to Payment**. A Stock Appreciation Right shall confer on the Participant to whom it is granted a right to receive, upon exercise thereof, the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise over (B) for Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights, the exercise price per share of the related Option and for Freestanding Stock Appreciation Rights, the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Other Terms**. The Committee shall determine at the date of grant or thereafter, the time or times at which and the circumstances under which a Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised in whole or in part (including based on achievement of Performance Goals and/or future service requirements), the time or times at which Stock Appreciation Rights shall

cease to be or become exercisable following termination of Continuous Service or upon other conditions, the method of exercise, method of settlement, form of consideration payable in settlement, method by or forms in which Shares will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants, whether or not a Stock Appreciation Right shall be in tandem or in combination with any other Award, and any other terms and conditions of any Stock Appreciation Right.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) **Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights**. Any Tandem Stock Appreciation Right may be granted at the same time as the related Option is granted or, for Options that are not Incentive Stock Options, at any time thereafter before exercise or expiration of such Option. Any Tandem Stock Appreciation Right related to an Option may be exercised only when the related Option would be exercisable and the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the related Option exceeds the exercise price at which Shares can be acquired pursuant to the Option. In addition, if a Tandem Stock Appreciation Right exists with respect to less than the full number of Shares covered by a related Option, then an exercise or termination of such Option shall not reduce the number of Shares to which the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right applies until the number of Shares then exercisable under such Option equals the number of Shares to which the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right applies. Any Option related to a Tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall no longer be exercisable to the extent the Tandem Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised, and any Tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall no longer be exercisable to the extent the related Option has been 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;(d) ***Restricted Stock Awards***. The Committee is authorized to grant Restricted Stock Awards to any Eligible Person on the following terms and conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Grant and Restrictions**. Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to such restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions, if any, as the Committee may impose, or as otherwise provided in this Plan, covering a period of time specified by the Committee (the "***Restriction Period***"). The minimum Restriction Period is six months after the date of grant. The terms of any Restricted Stock Award granted under the Plan shall be set forth in a written Award Agreement which shall contain provisions determined by the Committee and not inconsistent with the Plan. The restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances (including based on achievement of Performance Goals and/or future service requirements), in such installments or otherwise, as the Committee may determine at the date of grant or thereafter. Except to the extent restricted under the terms of the Plan and any Award Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, a Participant granted Restricted Stock shall have all of the rights of a stockholder, including the right to vote the Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends thereon (subject to any mandatory reinvestment or other requirement imposed by the Committee). During the Restriction Period, subject to Section 10(b) below, the Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, margined or otherwise encumbered by the Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Forfeiture**. Upon termination of a Participant's Continuous Service during the applicable Restriction Period, the Participant's Restricted Stock that is at that time subject to a risk of forfeiture that has not lapsed or otherwise been satisfied shall be forfeited and reacquired by 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) **Certificates for Stock**. Restricted Stock granted under the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall determine. If certificates representing Restricted Stock are registered in the name of the Participant, the Committee may require that such certificates bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock, that the Company retain physical possession of the certificates, and that the Participant deliver a stock power to the Company, endorsed in blank, relating to the Restricted Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) **Dividends**. Dividends that are declared and paid on the outstanding shares of Common Stock during any period for which forfeiture restrictions apply to a Restricted Stock Award shall not be paid at the time dividends are paid to stockholders, but shall be accrued, without interest, and paid out when such forfeiture restrictions lapse; provided, that any accrued dividends are forfeited to the extent the underlying Shares under the Award are forfeited.

&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) ***Restricted Stock Unit Award***. The terms and conditions of a grant of a RSU Award shall be reflected in an Award Agreement. RSUs shall be earned, and forfeiture restrictions shall lapse, at such time, in such installments, and/or subject to such Performance Goal(s) and with such Performance Period as determined by the Committee or, if applicable, a delegate of the Committee. No Shares shall be issued at the time a RSU Award is granted, and the Company will not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of any such RSU Award. A Participant shall have no voting or dividend rights with respect to any RSUs granted hereunder until the Shares, if any, underlying the RSU Award are earned and issued.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Restrictions**. A RSU Award shall be subject to (A) forfeiture until the expiration of the Restricted Period by the Committee, and/or satisfaction of any applicable Performance Goals as established under Section 6(g) during a designated Performance Period, to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement, and to the extent such RSUs are forfeited, all rights of the Participant to such RSUs shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company, and (B) such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. The minimum Restriction Period or Performance Period for RSU Awards shall be six months after the date of grant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Settlement of Restricted Stock Units**. Upon the expiration of the Restriction Period, and/or satisfaction of the applicable Performance Goals for the Performance Period, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his or her Beneficiary, without charge, one Share for each such outstanding RSU for which forfeiture restrictions have lapsed, or which has been earned; provided, however, that, if explicitly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, elect to pay cash or part cash and part Shares in lieu of delivering only Shares for such RSUs. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering Shares, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date on which the Restriction Period lapsed, or, if applicable, the date on which the Committee or, if applicable, a delegate of the Committee, determines that the applicable Performance Goals have been met.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) **Dividend Equivalents**. Unless set forth in an Award Agreement, no Dividend Equivalents will be paid on any RSU Award. Dividend Equivalents, if added in an Award Agreement, shall only be paid to the extent the RSU Award is earned and paid.

&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) ***Other Stock-Based Awards***. The Committee is authorized, subject to limitations under applicable law, to grant to any Eligible Person such other Awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, Shares, as deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan. Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted to Participants either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan, and such Other Stock-Based Awards shall also be available as a form of payment in the settlement of other Awards granted under the Plan. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) ***Performance Awards***. The Committee is authorized to grant Performance Awards to any Eligible Person payable in cash, Shares, other Awards or a combination, on terms and conditions established by the Committee, if and to the extent that the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, determine that an Award shall be subject to those provisions. The performance criteria to be achieved during any Performance Period and the length of the Performance Period shall be determined by the Committee upon the grant of each Performance Award; provided, however, the minimum Performance Period shall be one year. Except as provided in Section 9, Performance Awards will be distributed only after the end of the relevant Performance Period.

The Committee will establish, in writing, the Performance Goals and the Performance Period for each applicable Performance Award; provided, however, that where the determination of the Performance Goals and Performance Period for any Award for which the Committee has delegated authority under Section 3, the authority to establish Performance Goals and a Performance Period is also delegated. Such Performance Goals may vary by Participant and by Award. The Committee, in its discretion, may adjust or modify the calculation of Performance Goals to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants. The amount of the Performance Award earned shall be conclusively determined by the Committee or, if applicable, its delegate. Performance Awards may be paid in a lump sum or in installments following the close of the Performance Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7. <u>Certain Provisions Applicable to Awards</u>**.

&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) ***Term of Awards***. The term of each Award shall be for such period as may be determined by the Committee; provided that in no event shall the term of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right exceed a period of ten years (or in the case of an Incentive Stock Option such shorter term as may be required under Section 422 of the Code).

&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) ***Form and Timing of Payment Under Awards***. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, payments to be made by the Company or a Subsidiary upon the exercise of an Option or other Award or settlement of an Award may be made in such forms as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares or other Awards.

&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) ***Exemptions from Section 16(b) Liability***. It is the intent of the Company that the grant of any Awards to or other transaction by a Participant who is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall be exempt from Section 16 pursuant to an applicable exemption (except for transactions acknowledged in writing to be non-exempt by such Participant). Accordingly, if any provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement does not comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 then applicable to any such transaction, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 so that such Participant shall avoid liability under Section 16(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;(d) ***Code Section 409A***. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with applicable laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. Without limiting the foregoing, the Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Committee shall make a good faith effort to interpret and administer the Plan in compliance therewith. Any payments described in the Plan that are due within the "short-term deferral period" as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable laws require otherwise. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each installment payment provided under this Plan shall be treated as a separate payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, (a) amounts that would otherwise be payable and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to the Plan during the six (6) month

period immediately following the Participant's termination of Continuous Service shall instead be paid on the first payroll date after the six-month anniversary of the Participant's separation from service (or the Participant's death, if earlier), and (b) amounts payable upon the termination of a Participant's Continuous Service shall only be payable if such termination constitutes a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company, any Subsidiary nor the Committee shall have any obligation to take any action to prevent the assessment of any excise tax or penalty on any Participant under Section 409A of the Code and neither the Company nor the Committee will have any liability to any Participant for such tax or penalty.

&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) ***Clawbacks***. The Company shall have the right to recoup or "claw back" any payment made with respect to an Award under the Plan to the extent necessary to comply with applicable federal securities laws or the provisions of any applicable clawback policy of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8. <u>Impact of Termination of Employment Events</u>**. The following Termination of Employment events shall have the following consequences for outstanding Awards; provided, however, the limitation set forth in Section 4(b) shall apply.

&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) ***General Rule***. Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 8, upon a Termination of Employment, unless an employment or other agreement with the Participant provides for different consequences:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Options**. All outstanding vested and exercisable Options granted to such Participant shall remain exercisable for 90 days after Termination of Employment; provided, that the Option will expire at the expiration of the stated term if earlier.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Other Awards**. All outstanding and unvested Awards other than Options shall be forfeited.

&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) ***For Cause***. In the event of a Termination of Employment for Cause, all outstanding Awards, whether vested or not, shall be forfeited.

&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) ***Disability of a Participant***.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Options**. Upon a Participant's Termination of Employment as a result of the Participant's Disability, all outstanding vested and exercisable Options granted to such Participant shall remain exercisable for one year after Termination of Employment as a result of a Disability; provided, that the Option will expire at the expiration of the stated term if earlier.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Other Awards**. If a Participant's Termination of Employment is due to the Participant's Disability:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) all outstanding and unvested Awards not described in subsection (c)(ii)(2) that would have vested prior to the first anniversary of the date of Termination of Employment will accelerate, all forfeiture restrictions will lapse, and the Shares will be issued within thirty (30) days after the date of Termination of Employment; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) all outstanding Awards that are conditioned upon achievement of one or more Performance Goals and granted to such Participant with a Performance Period ending prior to the first anniversary of the Date of Termination shall continue to be subject to the applicable Performance Goals and paid out, if earned and vested, after the end of the Performance Period when it is determined whether the Award is earned, but in no event later than March 15 in the year following the end of the Performance Period.

&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) ***Death of Participant***.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Options**. Upon a Participant's Termination of Employment as a result of the Participant's death, all outstanding vested and exercisable Options granted to such Participant shall remain exercisable for one year after Termination of Employment as a result of a death; provided, that the Option will expire at the expiration of the stated term if earlier. If an Option is held by the Participant when he or she dies, the Option may be exercised by the Beneficiary designated by the Participant, the executor or administrator of the Participant's estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Option under the Participant's will or the laws of descent or distribution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Other Awards**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) all outstanding and unvested Awards not described in subsection (d)(ii)(2) that would have vested prior to the first anniversary of the date of Termination of Employment will accelerate, all forfeiture restrictions will lapse, and the Shares will be issued within thirty (30) days after the date of Termination of Employment; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) all outstanding Awards that are conditioned upon achievement of one or more Performance Goals and granted to such Participant with a Performance Period ending prior to the first anniversary of the Date of Termination shall continue to be subject to the applicable Performance Goals and paid out, if earned and vested, after the end of the Performance Period when it is determined whether the Award is earned, but in no event later than March 15 in the year following the end of the Performance Period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9. <u>Dissolution or Liquidation; Change in Control</u>**.

&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) ***Dissolution or Liquidation***. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, other than a dissolution or liquidation that is defined as a Change of Control, the Committee shall notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Committee in its discretion may provide for an Option to be fully vested and exercisable until ten days prior to such transaction. In addition, the Committee may provide that any restrictions on any Award shall lapse prior to the transaction, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed 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;(b) ***Change in Control***. The provisions of this Section 9(b) shall apply in the case of a Change in Control. If more specific terms are set forth in any separate plan document or agreement between the Company and any Participant, such separate plan or agreement shall govern the treatment of Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Awards Not Assumed or Substituted by the Surviving Entity**. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, and except with respect to any Awards assumed by the surviving entity or otherwise equitably converted or substituted in connection with the Change in Control in a manner approved by the Committee or the Board, any outstanding Awards shall be dealt with in accordance with any of the following approaches, as determined by the agreement effectuating the transaction or, if and to the extent not so determined, as determined by the Committee: (A) the continuation of the outstanding Awards by the Company, if the Company is a surviving entity, (B) the assumption or substitution for the outstanding Awards by the surviving entity or its parent or subsidiary, (C) full exercisability or vesting and accelerated expiration of the outstanding Awards, or (D) settlement of the value of the outstanding Awards in cash or cash

equivalents or other property followed by cancellation of such Awards (which value, in the case of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, shall be measured by the amount, if any, by which the Fair Market Value of a Share exceeds the exercise or grant price of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right as of the effective date of the transaction). The Committee shall give written notice of any proposed transaction referred to in this Section 9(b)(i) a reasonable period of time prior to the closing date for such transaction (which notice may be given either before or after the approval of such transaction), in order that Participants may have a reasonable period of time prior to the closing date of such transaction within which to exercise any Awards that are then exercisable (including any Awards that may become exercisable upon the closing date of such transaction). A Participant may condition his or her exercise of any Awards upon the consummation of the transaction. To the extent that this provision causes Incentive Stock Options to exceed the dollar limitation set forth in Code Section 422(d), the excess Options shall be deemed to be non-statutory Options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Awards Assumed or Substituted by Surviving Entity**. With respect to Awards assumed by the surviving entity or otherwise equitably converted or substituted in connection with a Change in Control, if within two years after the effective date of the Change in Control, a Participant's employment is terminated without Cause or the Participant terminates his or her employment for Good Reason in connection with a Change in Control, if applicable, then (A) all of that Participant's outstanding Awards shall become fully vested and exercisable, (B) all time-based vesting restrictions on the Participant's outstanding Awards shall lapse, and (C) the payout opportunities attainable under all of such Participant's outstanding Performance Awards shall be deemed to have been earned as of the date of such employment termination at the target level, and (subject to Section 9(b)(iv) and Section 10(a)) there shall be a pro rata payout to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary within 30 days following the date of the employment termination (unless a later date is required by Section 10(a) hereof) based upon the length of time within the Performance Period that has elapsed prior to the date of the employment termination; provided, however, if a severance plan or agreement or employment agreement in place at the time of the Change in Control provides for additional acceleration, the terms of such severance plan or agreement or employment agreement shall control. To the extent that this provision causes Incentive Stock Options to exceed the dollar limitation set forth in Code Section 422(d), the excess Options shall be deemed to be non-statutory Options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) **Equitable Adjustments**. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may include such further provisions and limitations in any Award Agreement or certificate, as it may deem equitable and in the best interests of the Company that are not inconsistent with the provisions of 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) **Code Section 409A**. No action shall be taken under this Section 9(b) which shall cause an Award to fail to be exempt from or comply with 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) **Consent**. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement, the provisions of this Section 9(b) may not be terminated, amended, or modified upon or after a Change of Control in a manner that would adversely affect a Participant's rights with respect to an outstanding Award without the prior written consent of the Participant.

&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) ***Definition of Change in Control***. A "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any of 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of 50% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that, for purposes of this definition, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate or (iv) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with (iii)(A), (iii)(B) and (iii)(C) of this definition;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board of Directors (the "***Incumbent Board***") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual was a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs in connection with or as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board of Directors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a "***Business Combination***"), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board of Directors providing for such Business Combination; 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10. <u>General Provisions</u>**.

&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) ***Compliance With Legal and Other Requirements***. The Company may, to the extent deemed necessary or advisable by the Committee, postpone the issuance or delivery of Shares or payment of other benefits under any Award until completion of such registration or qualification of such Shares or other required action under any federal or state law, rule or regulation, listing or other required action with respect to any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares or other Company securities are listed or quoted, or compliance with any other obligation of the Company, as the Committee, may consider appropriate, and may require any Participant to make such representations, furnish such information and comply with or be subject to such other conditions as it may consider appropriate in connection with the issuance or delivery of Shares or payment of other benefits in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, listing requirements, or other obligations.

&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) ***Limits on Transferability; Beneficiaries***. No Award or other right or interest granted under the Plan shall be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or subject to any lien, obligation or liability of such Participant to any party, or assigned or transferred by such Participant otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or to a Beneficiary upon the death of a Participant, and such Awards or rights that may be exercisable shall be exercised during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant or his or her guardian or legal representative, except that Awards and other rights (other than Incentive Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights in tandem therewith) may be transferred to one or more Beneficiaries or other transferees during the lifetime of the Participant, and may be exercised by such transferees in accordance with the terms of such Award, but only if and to the extent such transfers are permitted by the Committee pursuant to the express terms of an Award Agreement (subject to any terms and conditions which the Committee may impose thereon). A Beneficiary, transferee, or other person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Participant shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Award Agreement applicable to such Participant, except as otherwise determined by the Committee, and to any additional terms and conditions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee.

&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) ***Adjustments***.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **Adjustments to Awards**. In the event that any extraordinary dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares and/or such other securities of the Company or any other issuer such that a substitution, exchange, or adjustment is determined by the Committee to be appropriate, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, substitute, exchange or adjust any or all of (A) the number and kind of Shares which may be delivered in connection with Awards granted thereafter, (B) the number and kind of Shares by which per-Director Award limitations are measured under Section 5 hereof, (C) the number and kind of Shares subject to or deliverable in respect of outstanding Awards, (D) the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any Award and/or make provision for payment of cash or other property in respect of any outstanding Award, and (E) any other aspect of any Award that the Committee determines to be appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) **Other Adjustments**. The Committee (and the Board if and only to the extent such authority is not required to be exercised by the Committee to comply with relevant provisions of the Code) is authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards (including Performance Awards, or Performance Goals relating thereto) in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, acquisitions and dispositions of businesses and assets) affecting the Company, any Subsidiary or any business unit, or the financial statements of the Company or any Subsidiary, or in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, accounting principles, tax rates and regulations or business conditions or in view of the Committee's assessment of the business strategy of the Company, any Subsidiary or business unit thereof, performance of comparable organizations, economic and business conditions, personal performance of a Participant, and any other circumstances deemed relevant.

&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) ***Taxes***. The Company and any Subsidiary are authorized to withhold from any Award granted, any payment relating to an Award under the Plan, including from a distribution of Shares, or any payroll or other payment to a Participant, amounts of withholding and other taxes due or potentially payable in connection with any transaction involving an Award, and to take such other action as the Committee may deem advisable to enable the Company or any Subsidiary and Participants to satisfy obligations for the payment of withholding taxes and other tax obligations relating to any Award. This authority shall include authority to withhold or receive Shares and to make cash payments in respect thereof in satisfaction of a Participant's tax obligations, either on a mandatory or elective basis in the discretion of the Committee, subject to compliance with applicable law.

&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) ***Amendment and Termination of the Plan or Awards***. The Board or the Committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan, or the Committee's authority to grant Awards under the Plan, or any Award Agreement, without the consent of stockholders or Participants, except that any such amendment shall be subject to approval of the stockholders of the Company in the manner and to the extent required by applicable law (including applicable stock exchange requirements). In addition, without limiting the foregoing, unless approved by the stockholders of the Company, no such amendment shall be made that would:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) materially increase the maximum number of Shares for which Awards may be granted under the Plan, other than an increase pursuant to Section 10(c);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) reduce the minimum exercise price for Options 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Reprice any outstanding Awards, other than in connection with a change in the Company's capitalization (as described in Section 10(c)); 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) change the class of persons eligible to receive Awards under the Plan.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of an affected Participant, no such Board or Committee action may materially and adversely affect the rights of such Participant under any previously granted and outstanding Award. No amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Participant under an outstanding Award, unless agreed to in a writing signed by the Participant and the Company. The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate any Award theretofore granted and any Award Agreement relating thereto, except as otherwise provided in the Plan; provided that, without the consent of an affected Participant, no such Committee or the Board action may materially and adversely affect the rights of such Participant under such 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;(f) ***Limitation on Rights Conferred Under Plan***. Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder or under any Award shall be construed as (i) giving any Eligible Person or Participant the right to continue as an Eligible Person or Participant or in the employ or service of the Company or a Subsidiary; (ii) interfering in any way with the right of the Company or a Subsidiary to terminate any Eligible Person's or Participant's Continuous Service at any time, (iii) giving an Eligible Person or Participant any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan or to be treated uniformly with other Participants and Employees, or (iv) conferring on a Participant any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company including, without limitation, any right to receive dividends or distributions, any right to vote

or act by written consent or any right to attend meetings of stockholders unless and until such time as the Participant is duly issued Shares on the stock books of the Company in accordance with the terms of an Award. Neither the Company nor any of the Company's officers, directors, representatives or agents are granting any rights under the Plan to the Participant whatsoever, oral or written, express or implied, other than those rights expressly set forth in this Plan or the Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) ***Unfunded Status of Awards; Creation of Trusts***. The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant or obligation to deliver Shares pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company; provided that the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts and deposit therein cash or Shares, or make other arrangements to meet the Company's obligations under the Plan. Such trusts or other arrangements shall be consistent with the "unfunded" status of the Plan unless the Committee otherwise determines with the consent of each affected Participant. The trustee of such trusts may be authorized to dispose of trust assets and reinvest the proceeds in alternative investments, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify and in accordance with applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) ***Non-exclusivity of the Plan***. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor its submission to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board or a committee thereof to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) ***Fractional Shares***. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award. The Committee shall determine whether cash, other Awards or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) ***Governing Law***. The validity, construction and effect of the Plan, any rules and regulations under the Plan, and any Award Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws, and applicable federal law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) ***Non-U.S. Laws***. The Committee shall have the authority to adopt such modifications, procedures, and subplans as may be necessary or desirable to comply with provisions of the laws of foreign countries in which the Company or its Subsidiaries may operate to assure the viability of the benefits from Awards granted to Participants performing services in such countries and to meet the objectives of 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;(l) ***Plan Effective Date and Shareholder Approval; Termination of Plan***. The Plan became effective on the Effective Date. The Plan shall terminate at the earliest of (a) such time as no Shares remain available for issuance under the Plan, (b) termination of this Plan by the Board or the Committee, or (c) the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Awards outstanding upon expiration of the Plan shall remain in effect until they have been exercised or terminated, or have expired.

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

![](capforce_logo.jpg)

**OpGen, Inc. (OTC: OPGN) Announces Name Change to CapForce Inc.**

CLARKSBURG, Md., February 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – OpGen, Inc. (OTC: OPGN) today announced that it is changing its name to CapForce Inc., effective today. OpGen changed its name to CapForce Inc. in order to reflect the repositioning of the Company's business to the digital investment banking and financial technology sectors. The name "CapForce" represents the "Force of Capital," symbolizing the Company's conviction as a next-generation category-defining fintech-powered investment bank that harnesses the intrinsic force of capital, through capital markets as the empowerment medium, to empower global mid-sized high growth companies to grow beyond the small-cap universe and punch above their weight to enter the mid-cap or even large-cap universe. In connection with the name change, the Company expects to change its ticker symbol to "CFOR."

**About CapForce Inc.**

CapForce Inc. (Clarksburg, Md., U.S.A.), along with its subsidiaries CapForce International Holdings Ltd. and iCapX Sdn. Bhd., provides fintech-enabled digital investment banking services for global high-growth mid-sized private companies seeking public market listings and other capital markets advisory services, of listing market capitalization value in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion, with its key focus on small-cap and mid-cap listing stocks underserved by bulge bracket investment banks. In furtherance of such core strategy, CapForce Inc. is pursuing fintech-enabled and AI-powered asset and wealth management services for its core investment banking clients across the world with the development of a digital investment banking platform designed to facilitate cross-border securities activities, AI-powered robo-advisory services, and technology-driven capitalization table management solutions. The timing and implementation of these initiatives are subject to market conditions, regulatory approvals, and other relevant factors. CapForce Inc.'s controlling shareholder, AEI Capital Group, is an Asia-based alternative asset management group with groupwide AUM exceeding $7 billion, focused on global growth equity (private and public markets) as its core strategies, along with other satellite strategies in furtherance of its core strategies including private credit, hedge funds, funds-of-funds and real estate, having its footprints in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, London and Washington D.C.

For more information, please visit <u>https://capforce.opgen.com/</u>.

**Forward-Looking Statements**

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established thereunder. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond the Company's control, and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations, including risks regarding the implementation and execution of operational, legal, and administrative changes associated with the name change, the effectiveness of the Company's rebranding efforts, potential confusion among customers, partners, or investors, and costs associated with the rebranding process. For further discussion of factors that could materially affect the outcome of the Company's forward-looking statements and its future results and financial condition, see "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A, of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and its other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

**CapForce Inc.:**

Christian-Laurent Benoit Bonte

Chief Executive Officer

<u>InvestorRelations@opgen.com</u><br>