# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001139685
**File Stem:** 0001213900-26-063543
**Filing Date:** 2026-6
**Character Count:** 230385
**Document Hash:** fa01bd7ae50ca395aea93ce32eb67586
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001213900-26-063543.hdr.sgml**: 20260601

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001213900-26-063543

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: PRE 14A

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 4

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260601

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260601

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260601

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** 20/20 Biolabs, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001139685
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** SERVICES-TESTING LABORATORIES [8734]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 08 Industrial Applications and Services
- **EIN:** 522272107
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** PRE 14A
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-43128
- **FILM NUMBER:** 261051707

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 9430 KEY WEST AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 100
- **CITY:** ROCKVILLE
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20850
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 2404536339

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 15810 GAITHER ROAD, SUITE 235
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 235
- **CITY:** GAITHERSBURG
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20877

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20150922

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** 20/20 GENE SYSTEMS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20010502

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**SCHEDULE 14A**

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Filed by the Registrant ☒ | Filed by the Registrant ☒ |
| Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐ | Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐ |
| Check the appropriate box: | Check the appropriate box: |
| ☒ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| ☐ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **20/20 Biolabs, Inc.** | **20/20 Biolabs, Inc.** |
| (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) | (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) |
| (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) | (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
| Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply): | Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply): |
| ☒ | No fee required |
| ☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
| ☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a–6(i)(1) and 0–11. |

---

![](ea029298101_img3.jpg)

**20/20 Biolabs, Inc.**

**15810 Gaither Road, Suite 235**

**Gaithersburg, MD 20877**

[ ], 2026

Dear Fellow Stockholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of 20/20 Biolabs, Inc. ("we," "us," "our" or the "Company") that will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and any postponement, adjournment or continuation thereof. We will hold the Annual Meeting in a virtual format via live webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/go/AIDX2026AGM.

On or about [ ], 2026, we expect to mail a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to our stockholders. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials contains instructions on how to access our proxy statement and annual report, how to vote, and how to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail. If you requested to receive printed proxy materials, you may submit your proxy or voting instructions by completing, signing, dating and returning your proxy card or voting instruction form in the envelope provided.

It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote as soon as possible. You may vote online, as well as by telephone or fax, or by mailing a proxy card or voting instruction form. Returning the proxy card or voting instruction form or voting online or by telephone or fax does not deprive you of your right to attend the Annual Meeting virtually and to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting. Voting now will not limit your right to change your vote or to attend the Annual Meeting.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

---

| |
|:---|
| Sincerely yours, |
| Jonathan Cohen |
| Chief Executive Officer |

---

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 2026 Proxy Statement

**20/20 Biolabs, Inc.**

**15810 Gaither Road, Suite 235**

**Gaithersburg, MD 20877**

**NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS**

**TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 18, 2026**

To the Stockholders of 20/20 Biolabs, Inc. –

**NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN** that the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of 20/20 Biolabs, Inc. ("we," "us," "our" or the "Company") will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be a virtual stockholder meeting conducted via live webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/go/AIDX2026AGM. The purpose of the Annual Meeting will be the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. To elect the six (6) nominees named in the accompanying proxy
statement to the board of directors, each to serve until our next annual meeting of stockholders or until such person shall resign, be
removed or otherwise leave office.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. To ratify the appointment of dbbmckennon as the Company's
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. To approve an amendment and restatement of our Second Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to, among other things, increase the number of shares of common stock that the Company is authorized
to issue from 50 million shares to 500 million shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. To approve our 2026 Equity Incentive Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. To approve the adjournment of the Annual Meeting to a later
date if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve any of the foregoing proposals at the time
of the Annual Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

In addition, stockholders may be asked to vote on such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying this notice or made available online. The proxy statement provides a detailed description of the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting and we urge you to read the proxy statement, including the appendices, carefully and in their entirety.

Only stockholders of the Company as of the close of business on June 22, 2026 (the "Record Date") and their proxies are entitled to notice of, to attend and/or to vote at the Annual Meeting and any postponements, adjournments or continuations thereof.

All stockholders as of the Record Date are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. You are urged to vote even if you sold your shares after the Record Date. You may vote online, as well as by telephone or fax, or by mailing a proxy card or voting instruction form. Further instructions regarding voting rights and the matters to be voted upon are presented in the accompanying proxy statement.

**IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. ACCORDINGLY, AFTER READING THE PROXY STATEMENT, PLEASE PROMPTLY SUBMIT YOUR PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED. PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL MEETING TO ENSURE THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE REPRESENTED.** 

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 2026 Proxy Statement

Regardless of the number of shares that you own, your vote will be important. Thank you for your continued support, interest and investment in the Company.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | By Order of the Board of Directors, |
| Gaithersburg, MD | Jonathan Cohen |
| [ ], 2026 | *Chief Executive Officer* |

---

**IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2026**

**ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 18, 2026.**

The proxy statement, the accompanying proxy card, and the annual report are available free of charge at www.iproxydirect.com/AIDX. Information on this website, other than this proxy statement, is not a part of this proxy statement.

Please sign, date and promptly return the proxy card or voting instruction form, or grant a proxy and give voting instructions online or by telephone or fax, so that you may be represented at the Annual Meeting. Instructions are on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, your proxy card or on the voting instruction form provided by your bank, broker, or other nominee.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 2026 Proxy Statement

**20/20 Biolabs, Inc.**

**15810 Gaither Road, Suite 235**

**Gaithersburg, MD 20877**

**PROXY STATEMENT**

The board of directors of 20/20 Biolabs, Inc. ("we," "us," "our" or the "Company"), is soliciting proxies to be used at our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held solely via live webcast on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time and for any postponement, adjournment or continuation thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). To access the live webcast, go to https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/go/AIDX2026AGM.

On or about [ ] 2026, we expect to mail a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice") to our stockholders of record as of June 22, 2026 (the "Record Date") containing instructions on how to access our proxy statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (the "Annual Report"), how to vote, and how to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail. The Annual Report is also available in the Investor Relations section of our website, located at https://ir.2020biolabs.com (our "IR site"), under the link for "Financials." Website references throughout this proxy statement are provided for convenience only, and the content on the referenced websites is not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement.

This proxy statement summarizes information about the proposals to be considered at the Annual Meeting and other information you may find useful in determining how to vote.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 2026 Proxy Statement

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **[INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROXY PROCESS AND VOTING](#a_001)** | **1** |
| **[PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS](#a_002)** | **5** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Overview](#a_003) | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Director Nominees](#a_004) | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Vote Required](#a_005) | 6 |
| **[PROPOSAL 2 – RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM](#a_006)** | **7** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[General](#a_007) | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Principal Accountant Fees and Services](#a_008) | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](#a_009) | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Vote Required](#a_010) | 7 |
| **[PROPOSAL 3 – CHARTER AMENDMENT](#a_011)** | **8** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Overview](#a_012) | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Reasons for the Share Increase](#a_013) | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Anti-Takeover Implications of the Proposed Share Increase](#a_014) | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[No Dissenters' Rights](#a_015) | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Vote Required](#a_016) | 8 |
| **[PROPOSAL 4 – 2026 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN](#a_017)** | **9** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Overview](#a_018) | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Significant Features of the Plan](#a_019) | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[New Plan Benefits](#a_020) | 11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[No Dissenters' Rights](#a_021) | 11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Vote Required](#a_022) | 11 |
| **[PROPOSAL 5 – ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL](#a_023)** | **12** |
| **[CORPORATE GOVERNANCE](#a_024)** | **13** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Corporate Governance Guidelines](#a_025) | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Independence of the Board](#a_026) | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Leadership Structure](#a_027) | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Role of Board in Risk Oversight](#a_028) | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Board Meetings and Committees](#a_029) | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Director Nomination Process](#a_030) | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Stockholder Communications with the Board](#a_031) | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings](#a_032) | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Code of Ethics](#a_050) | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Insider Trading Policy](#a_033) | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Audit Committee Report](#a_034) | 17 |
| **[EXECUTIVE OFFICERS](#a_035)** | **18** |
| **[EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION](#a_036)** | **19** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Summary Compensation Table – Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024](#a_037) | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End](#a_038) | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Director Compensation](#a_039) | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[2022 Stock Incentive Plan](#a_040) | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[2026 Equity Incentive Plan](#a_041) | 22 |
| **[CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS](#a_042)** | **23** |
| **[SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT](#a_043)** | **24** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Stock Ownership](#a_044) | 24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Section 16(a) Reports](#a_045) | 25 |
| **[ADDITIONAL INFORMATION](#a_046)** | **26** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Other Matters](#a_047) | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Stockholder Proposals for Next Annual Meeting](#a_048) | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Annual Report](#a_049) | 26 |

---

Annex A – Form of Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

Annex B – 2026 Equity Incentive Plan

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. i 2026 Proxy Statement

**INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROXY PROCESS AND VOTING**

**Why am I receiving these materials?**

We are providing this proxy statement in connection with the solicitation by our board of directors of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement contains important information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on the matters brought before the Annual Meeting. You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement. However, you do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may vote your shares using one of the other voting methods described below. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote your shares as soon as possible in order to ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting.

**Your vote is very important**. Please submit your vote online or by telephone, fax or mail as soon as possible by following the voting instructions on the proxy card or the Notice, even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares in an account at a bank, broker, dealer or other nominee, follow the instructions provided by your nominee on your voting instruction form or otherwise to vote your shares. Voting your shares by proxy ensures that if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting. Voting now will not limit your right to change your vote or to attend the Annual Meeting.

**What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?**

Five Proposals are scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting:

● Proposal 1 — to elect the six (6) nominees named in the accompanying proxy statement to the board of directors, each to serve until our next annual meeting of stockholders or until such person shall resign, be removed or otherwise leave office;

● Proposal 2 — to ratify the appointment of dbbmckennon as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026 ;

● Proposal 3 — to approve an amendment and restatement of our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to, among other things, increase the number of shares of common stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 50 million shares to 500 million shares;

● Proposal 4 — to approve our 2026 Equity Incentive Plan; and

● Proposal 5 — to approve the adjournment of the Annual Meeting to a later date if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve any of the foregoing proposals at the time of the Annual Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

In addition, you are entitled to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the Annual Meeting.

**What are the Board's recommendations?** 

Our board of directors recommends that you vote "**FOR**" each director nominee and "**FOR**" each other Proposal. We describe each Proposal and the board's reason for its recommendation below.

**Will there be any other items of business on the agenda?**

We do not expect any other items of business beyond those described in this proxy statement because the deadline for stockholder proposals and nominations has already passed. Nonetheless, in case there is an unforeseen need, the proxy card gives discretionary authority to the persons named on the proxy with respect to any other matters that might be properly brought before the Annual Meeting. The proxy holders intend to vote the proxy in accordance with their judgment. If for any reason any of the nominees named in this proxy statement is not available as a candidate for director, and our board of directors has not reduced the authorized number of directors on our board of directors, then the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the board of directors.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 1 2026 Proxy Statement

**How do I attend the Annual Meeting?**

You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online. To attend the Annual Meeting online, go to https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/go/AIDX2026AGM. To participate in the Annual Meeting, you will need the control number included on your Notice, proxy card or voting instruction form. The Annual Meeting webcast will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 18, 2026. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time.

Your vote is very important. Please submit your votes even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.

**Who is entitled to vote?**

Stockholders holding our common stock at the close of business on the Record Date may vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, there were [ ] shares of common stock outstanding, with each share being entitled to one (1) vote. You may vote all shares owned by you as of the Record Date, including (i) shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record and (ii) shares held for you as the beneficial owner in street name through a broker, bank or other nominee.

 ****

***Stockholder of Record***. If, on the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with the transfer agent for our common stock, VStock Transfer, LLC, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the "stockholder of record."

 ****

***Beneficial Owner***. If, on the Record Date, your shares were held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the "beneficial owner" of shares held in "street name." Your broker, bank or nominee is considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or nominee how to vote your shares.

**What is the quorum requirement?**

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid Annual Meeting. A quorum will be present if stockholders holding one-third of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote are present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy. If there is no quorum, the Chairman of the Board may adjourn the Annual Meeting to another time or place.

**How do I vote my shares?**

Registered stockholders may vote on matters that are properly presented at the Annual Meeting in the following ways:

● By submitting your vote online;

● By submitting your vote telephonically;

● By completing the proxy card (if you received a paper proxy card) and returning it by fax;

● By completing the proxy card (if you received a paper proxy card) and returning it to the address noted; or

● By attending and voting your shares at the Annual Meeting.

We are offering registered stockholders the opportunity to vote their shares by telephone, fax or online. Stockholders may vote by telephone, fax or online by following the procedures described on the Notice or proxy card. To vote via telephone or online, please have the Notice or proxy card in hand and call the number or go to the website listed on the Notice or proxy card and follow the instructions. The telephone and Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate stockholders' identities, to allow stockholders to give their voting instructions, and to confirm that stockholders' instructions have been recorded properly.

If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee for voting your shares prior to the Annual Meeting.

The instructions by which you may vote your shares at the Annual Meeting differ based on whether you hold shares in your name as the stockholder of record or beneficially in street name. Shares held beneficially in street name may be voted at the Annual Meeting only if you first obtain a legal proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares as of the Record Date. We are not involved in the provision of legal proxies from brokers to beneficial stockholders. If either you do not request a legal proxy prior to the Annual Meeting or your broker fails to provide you with a legal proxy, then you will not be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 2 2026 Proxy Statement

Even if you plan to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy or voting instructions online or by telephone, fax or mail so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.

**Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?**

If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting. If you submitted your proxy online or by telephone or fax, you may revoke your proxy with a later online, telephone or faxed proxy, as the case may be. If you submitted your proxy by mail, you must file with our Secretary a written notice of revocation or deliver, prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting, a valid, later-dated proxy. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not have the effect of revoking a proxy unless you give written notice of revocation to the Secretary before the proxy is exercised or you vote by ballot at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner, you may vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or nominee, or by obtaining a legal proxy prior to the Annual Meeting and attending the meeting and voting.

**How are votes counted?** 

For Proposal 1, you may vote "FOR" our nominees or your vote may be "WITHHELD" with respect to one or more of our nominees. With respect all other Proposals, you may vote "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN." Abstentions are included in the determination of the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting for determining a quorum.

**What vote is required to approve each item?**

Approval of Proposal 1 requires a plurality vote, meaning that the six (6) nominees receiving the highest number of "FOR" votes will be elected. Because the outcome of this Proposal will be determined by a plurality vote, any shares not voted "FOR" a particular nominee by choosing to "WITHHOLD" authority to vote will have no effect on the outcome of the election.

Approval of Proposal 3 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Accordingly, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" this Proposal.

Approval of each of the other Proposals requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. An abstention is not an "affirmative vote", but an abstaining stockholder is considered "entitled to vote" at the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, an abstention will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" each of these Proposals.

**What are broker non-votes and what effect do they have on the Proposals?**

If you hold your shares beneficially in street name and do not provide your broker, bank or nominee with voting instructions, your shares may constitute "broker non-votes." Generally, broker non-votes occur when a broker (i) has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner with respect to a particular proposal and (ii) lacks discretionary voting power to vote those shares with respect to that particular proposal.

A broker is entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial owner on "routine" matters, such as Proposals 2 and 3, without instructions from the beneficial owner of those shares. On the other hand, absent instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares, a broker is not entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial owner on "non-routine" matters, such as Proposals 1, 4 and 5.

Broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Delaware law provides that if broker non-votes occur in connection with the vote on a matter, the shares for which the broker non-votes occur are not deemed present and entitled to vote on such matter. Accordingly, broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on any of the Proposals except for Proposal 3 since all of the other Proposals require the affirmative vote of a plurality or majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 3 2026 Proxy Statement

**What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice or proxy card from the Company?**

You may receive more than one set of proxy materials, including multiple Notices or proxy cards, if you hold shares that are registered in more than one account. Please vote the Notice or proxy card for every account you own. The latest dated vote you submit will be counted.

**Why are you holding a virtual meeting instead of a physical meeting?** 

We believe a virtual meeting format helps to facilitate stockholder attendance and participation by enabling stockholders to participate fully, and equally, from any location around the world.

**I am a shareholder, and I only received a copy of the Notice in the mail. How may I obtain a full set of the proxy materials?**

In accordance with the "notice and access" rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), we may furnish proxy materials, including this proxy statement and the Annual Report, to our stockholders of record and beneficial owners of shares by providing access to such documents on the Internet instead of mailing printed copies. Stockholders will not receive printed copies of the proxy materials unless they request them. Instead, the Notice, which was mailed to our stockholders, will instruct you as to how you may access and review all of the proxy materials on the Internet. If you would like to receive a paper or electronic copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials in the Notice.

**I share an address with another stockholder, and we received only one printed copy of the proxy materials. How may I obtain an additional copy of the proxy materials?**

We have adopted a procedure called "householding," which the SEC has approved. Under this procedure, we deliver a single copy of the Notice and, if applicable, the proxy materials and the Annual Report to multiple stockholders who share the same address unless we received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. This procedure reduces our printing costs, mailing costs and fees. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards. Upon written or oral request, we will deliver promptly a separate copy of the Notice and, if applicable, the proxy materials and the Annual Report to any stockholder at a shared address to which we delivered a single copy of any of these documents. To receive a separate copy, or, if a stockholder is receiving multiple copies, to request that we only send a single copy of the Notice and, if applicable, the proxy materials and the Annual Report, stockholders may contact us at the following address and telephone number:

20/20 Biolabs, Inc.

15810 Gaither Road, Suite 235

Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Tel: 240-453-6339 ext. 115<br> Email: investors@2020biolabs.com

 ****

Stockholders who hold shares in street name (as described above) may contact their brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization to request information about householding.

**Who pays the cost of proxy solicitation?**

The costs and expenses of soliciting the proxy accompanying this proxy statement from stockholders will be borne by us. Our employees, officers, directors and director nominees may solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by electronic communication. None of these individuals will receive any additional or special compensation for doing this, but they may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. We may engage the services of proxy solicitors to assist us in the distribution of proxy materials and the solicitation of votes, for which we will pay customary fees plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, we may reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy and solicitation material to the beneficial owners of our shares.

**Who will tabulate the votes?**

Our officers are authorized to designate an inspector of elections for the meeting. All votes will be tabulated as required by Delaware law, the state of our incorporation, by an appropriate inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting.

**How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?**

Voting results will be announced by the filing of a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are unavailable at that time, we will file an amended Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days of the day the final results are available.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 4 2026 Proxy Statement

**PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS**

**Overview**

Our board of directors is currently comprised of six (6) individuals. The individuals below have been nominated to serve as directors and have each agreed to stand for re-election. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named. Each director elected will hold office from the date of their election by stockholders until the subsequent annual meeting of stockholders or until such person shall resign, be removed or otherwise leave office.

Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, unless withheld, for the election of the six (6) nominees named below. In the event that any nominee should be unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, such shares will be voted for the election of such substitute nominee as the board of directors may propose. Each person nominated for election has agreed to serve if elected, and management has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve. Except as set forth below, there is no arrangement or understanding between any director and any other person pursuant to which he or she was or is to be selected as a director. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

**Director Nominees**

The following table sets forth our directors, all of whom are currently standing for re-election, and their respective ages as of the Record Date:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Age** | **Position** |
| Jonathan Cohen | 63 | Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
| John G. Compton, Ph.D. | 77 | Chairman of the Board of Directors |
| Richard M. Cohen | 75 | Director |
| Prasanth Reddy | 51 | Director |
| John W. Rollins | 82 | Director |
| Michael A. Ross, M.D. | 76 | Director |

---

Set forth below is biographical information for each nominee. The following includes certain information regarding our directors' individual experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led our board of directors to conclude that they should serve as directors.

 ****

***Jonathan Cohen***. Mr. Cohen is the founder of the Company and has served as Chief Executive Officer, President, and a director since its inception. He is a co-inventor of two of our most successful products, OneTest and BioCheck, and has led the commercial launch and sales of both. He has also spearheaded license, research, technology transfer, investment, and sales and marketing agreements with Fortune 500 companies such as Eastman Kodak, Abbott Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, and Ping An, the largest health insurance company in China. Mr. Cohen has also been a leading advocate in Annapolis, MD and on Capitol Hill on behalf of small and emerging biotechnology and diagnostics companies. Before founding the Company, Mr. Cohen was patent and general counsel for two publicly traded companies, Ventana Medical Systems Inc. (acquired by Roche diagnostics in 2008), from 1999 to 2000, and Oncor Inc., from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Cohen is a registered patent attorney with more than 25 years of experience in biotechnology patents and licensing matters. Mr. Cohen has a Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from the American University. We believe that Mr. Cohen is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his experience in our industry and knowledge of the Company.

 ****

***John G. Compton, Ph.D***. Dr. Compton has served as Chairman of the Board since July 2016. He has over 30 years of experience in the development and application of molecular biological techniques to answer questions about genetics and epidermal differentiation and has authored more than 80 publications in the field. In 2000, Dr. Compton cofounded the clinical diagnostic genetic testing company GeneDx and served as scientific director and co-president. In 2006, he and his partner sold GeneDx to BioReference Laboratories, for whom he served as vice-president until 2013 when he left the company. Completing the story of the diagnostic company Dr. Compton founded, GeneDx's operations and assets passed to Opko Health in 2015 (who acquired BioReference Laboratories), were sold directly to Sema4 in 2022, and the name GeneDx was adopted by Sema4 in 2023. Dr. Compton also serves as Mayor of the Town of Washington Grove, MD (2000-2008, 2018-present), and is on the boards of the Pinkney Center for Science and Technology at Montgomery College - Germantown Campus, and the Gaithersburg Germantown Upcounty Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Compton holds B.S. degrees in Physics and Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in Biophysics, and was a Staff Scientist at the NIAMS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, from 1991-2000. In 2003, he was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Technology Council of Maryland. We believe that Dr. Compton is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive experience in our industry.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 5 2026 Proxy Statement

 ****

***Richard M. Cohen***. Mr. Cohen has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. He is an experienced CEO/CFO at public and private companies. His professional experience includes biotech, financial services and diversified media and he maintains excellent contacts with capital financing sources on and off Wall Street. He has been the president of Richard M Cohen Consultants since 1995, a company providing financial consulting services to both public and private companies. From March 2012 to July 2015, he was the founder and managing partner of Chord Advisors, a firm providing outsourced CFO services to both public and private companies. He was the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of CorMedix Inc., a publicly traded medical device/biotechnology company with an intrapericardial therapy product targeted to markets in the U.S. and Europe, from 2010 to 2013. He also serves on the board of directors and audit committees of Ondas Holdings Inc. (2018 to present), Helix BioMedix, Inc. (2006 to present), Great Elm Capital Corp (2022 to present) and Direct Digital Holdings (2021 to present). Mr. Cohen's academic credentials include an MBA from Stanford University and B.S. with honors from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. We believe that Mr. Cohen is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive management and board experience.

 ****

***Prasanth Reddy***. Dr. Reddy has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2023. He is triple board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology, and practiced medicine and served in leadership positions for more than 14 years in various clinical settings including academia, private practice, managed care, and life sciences. Dr. Reddy has served as the chief medical officer of Mercy BioAnalytics since July 2025. Prior to that, he was senior vice president, global enterprise oncology head of Labcorp from January 2021 to July 2023. Previously he served as vice president of medical affairs at Foundation Medicine from February 2018 to December 2020. He currently serves in the Air Force Reserve as a Lt Colonel. Dr. Reddy earned a bachelor's degree in microbiology and psychology from Kansas State University, and a medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he also completed his internal medicine residency and clinical hematology and oncology fellowship. Dr. Reddy has a Master's Degree in Public Health and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Additionally, he is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and is a Certified Physician Executive. We believe that Dr. Reddy is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive experience in our industry.

 ****

***John W. Rollins***. Mr. Rollins has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2017. He has served on multiple boards and chairs the board of directors of the MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (2014 to present). From 2001 to 2010, he taught Entrepreneurship at the George Washington University School of Business and founded the GW New Venture Competition and served as its director from 2007 to 2014. In 2003, Mr. Rollins founded StreamCenter, Inc., a firm that pioneered online education using video streaming, and served as chair of the board of directors from 2003 to 2008, and chief executive officer from 2008 to 2010. Prior to 2001, he founded and served for three decades as the chief executive officer and chairman of AZTECH Software Corporation, the nation's first specialized provider of information technology services to non-profit organizations. Mr. Rollins's board experience has included serving as Trustee of the National Park Trust (Vice Chair and Treasurer) (1990 to present), Director of the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Vice Chair) (2002 to 2013), the Washington Hospital Center (Vice Chair and Treasurer) (1977 to 2002), and the U.S. Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship (2004 to 2006). Mr. Rollins earned his A.B. in Mathematics from Dartmouth and his M.B.A. in Finance from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. We believe that Mr. Rollins is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive board experience.

 ****

***Michael A. Ross, M.D***. Dr. Ross has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. He served as the chairman and chief executive officer of Euclid Systems Corporation from 2015 to 2019 when the company was sold, where he led the growth of this ophthalmic medical device company from $3.1 million to over $35 million in five years. The bulk of Euclid's sales were in China and East Asia where Dr. Ross visits 4-5 times per year. Prior to joining Euclid, he was chief executive officer of E-P Therapeutics from 2010 to 2012, and was a medical and scientific advisor to StemCyte, Inc. from 2009 to 2010. He was also president of Cadila Pharmaceuticals US from 2006 to 2010. He is Board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a founding member of an OB-GYN-Infertility practice in Northern Virginia from 1980 to 2007. Dr. Ross was a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University Medical Center from 1979 to 2014, and has served on the boards of directors of several biotech and medical device companies. He has a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Dickinson College and an M.D. from George Washington University. We believe that Dr. Ross is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive experience in our industry.

Our directors currently have terms which will end at our next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualify, subject to their prior death, resignation or removal. There are no agreements or understandings for any of our directors to resign at the request of another person and no director is acting on behalf of, nor will any of them act at, the direction of any other person.

**Vote Required**

Directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes present or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. The six (6) nominees receiving the most "**FOR**" votes among votes properly cast in person or by proxy will be elected to the board as directors. You may vote "**FOR**" or "**WITHHOLD**" on each of the nominees for election as director.

**THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF EACH NAMED NOMINEE**

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 6 2026 Proxy Statement

**PROPOSAL 2 – RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

**General**

The audit committee of our board of directors has engaged dbbmckennon as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026 and is seeking ratification of such selection by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. dbbmckennon has audited our financial statements since 2018. Representatives of dbbmckennon are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Neither our governing documents nor Delaware law require stockholder ratification of the selection of dbbmckennon as our independent registered public accounting firm. However, the audit committee is submitting the selection of dbbmckennon to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If our stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the audit committee will reconsider whether or not to retain dbbmckennon. Even if the selection is ratified, the audit committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

**Principal Accountant Fees and Services**

The following is a summary of the fees billed to us for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Audit Fees | $89268 | $45975 |
| Audit-Related Fees |  |  |
| Tax Fees |  |  |
| All Other Fees | - | - |
| TOTAL | $89268 | $45975 |

---

"Audit Fees" consisted of fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of the financial statements included in our Form 10-K and 10-Q or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

"Audit-Related Fees" consisted of fees billed for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under the paragraph captioned "Audit Fees" above.

"Tax Fees" consisted of fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax returns preparation.

"All Other Fees" consisted of fees billed for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported above.

**Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Our audit committee charter provides that the audit committee must pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval would generally be requested annually, with any pre-approval detailed as to the particular service, which must be classified in one of the four categories of services listed above. The audit committee may also, on a case-by-case basis, pre-approve particular services that are not contained in the annual pre-approval request. In connection with this pre-approval policy, the audit committee also considers whether the categories of pre-approved services are consistent with the rules on accountant independence of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB"). The audit committee has pre-approved all services performed since our policy on pre-approval of audit and non-audit services was adopted.

**Vote Required**

In order for Proposal 2 to be approved, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock present or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote must vote "**FOR**" Proposal 2. You may vote "**FOR**", "**AGAINST**" or "**ABSTAIN**" on Proposal 2.

**THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL 2**

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 7 2026 Proxy Statement

**PROPOSAL 3 – CHARTER AMENDMENT**

**Overview**

On May 13, 2026, our board of directors approved an amendment and restatement of our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to, among other things, increase the number of shares of common stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 50 million shares to 500 million shares. A copy of the proposed Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Charter Amendment") is attached to this proxy statement as <u>Annex A</u>.

In addition to the authorized share increase, the Charter Amendment also removes provisions relating to the Company's series A preferred stock, series A-1 preferred stock, series A-2 preferred stock and series B preferred stock as all shares of such series of preferred stock have been converted into common stock.

**Reasons for the Share Increase**

The primary purpose of the increase in the authorized shares of common stock is to replenish the pool of available shares for our future issuance. Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Company to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock. As of the Record Date, we had approximately [ ] shares of common stock outstanding on a fully-diluted basis, including shares reserved under our equity incentive plans. In addition, we have issued 5,493 shares of series E convertible preferred stock pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated November 17, 2025 (the "Purchase Agreement"), and we may issue an additional 35,000 shares of series E preferred stock under the Purchase Agreement, subject to certain conditions and upon our request. Each share of series E convertible preferred stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into a number of shares of common stock determined by dividing the stated value of the shares being converted ($1,098.90 per share) by a conversion price equal to the lower of (i) $11.42 and (ii) a price equal to 89% of the lowest daily volume weighted average price of our common stock on its principal market during the ten (10) trading day period prior to the conversion date, but in no event lower than a floor price of 20% of the "Minimum Price" as defined in Nasdaq Rule 5635 (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations, recapitalizations or other similar events). Accordingly, it is possible that we would not have sufficient authorized shares of common stock to accommodate the conversion of all shares of series E convertible preferred stock that may be issued under the Purchase Agreement.

We also believe that the share increase will provide us with increased flexibility in meeting future needs and requirements by providing additional authorized shares, which will be available for issuance from time to time as determined by our board of directors for any proper corporate purpose, without the expense and delay associated with a special stockholders' meeting, except where required by applicable rules, regulations and laws. However, there are no present plans, understandings or agreements, and we are not engaged in any negotiations that will involve, the issuance of common stock, except in connection with the Purchase Agreement described above and future grants under our 2026 Equity Incentive Plan, if stockholders approve Proposal 4 at the Annual Meeting, or in connection with potential issuances of shares upon exercise of currently outstanding options, warrants and other convertible securities, including those described above.

**Anti-Takeover Implications of the Proposed Share Increase**

The proposed increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock could have an anti-takeover effect, in that additional shares could be issued (within the limits imposed by applicable law) in one or more transactions that could make a change in control or takeover of us more difficult. For example, additional shares could be issued by us so as to dilute the share ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control of us, even if the persons seeking to obtain control offers an above-market premium that is favored by a majority of the independent stockholders. Similarly, the issuance of additional shares to certain persons allied with our management could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove our current management by diluting the share ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to cause such removal. We have no plans or proposals to adopt other provisions or enter into other arrangements that may have material anti-takeover consequences. This Proposal 3 is not being presented with the intent that it be utilized as a type of anti-takeover device.

Our stockholders should recognize that, as a result of this Proposal 3, they will own a fewer percentage of shares with respect to our total authorized shares than they presently own and will be diluted as a result of any issuance of shares by us in the future.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there are no present plans, understandings or agreements, and we are not engaged in any negotiations that will involve, the issuance of common stock, except in connection with the Purchase Agreement and future grants under our 2026 Equity Incentive Plan, if stockholders approve Proposal 4 at the Annual Meeting, or in connection with potential issuances of shares upon exercise of currently outstanding options, warrants and other convertible securities, including those described above.

**No Dissenters' Rights**

Under Delaware law, holders of our common stock are not entitled to dissenter's rights of appraisal with respect to the approval of this Proposal 3.

**Vote Required**

In order for Proposal 3 to be approved, holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the Record Date must vote "**FOR**" Proposal 3. You may vote "**FOR**", "**AGAINST**" or "**ABSTAIN**" on Proposal 3.

**THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL 3**

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 8 2026 Proxy Statement

**PROPOSAL 4 – 2026 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN**

**Overview**

We are asking our stockholders to approve the 20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2026 Plan"), which was approved by our board of directors on May 13, 2026. The purpose of the 2026 Plan is to grant restricted stock, stock options and other forms of incentive compensation to our employees, consultants, and directors. A copy of the proposed 2026 Plan is attached hereto as <u>Annex B</u>.

**Significant Features of the Plan**

The following is a summary of the 2026 Plan. The summary describes the principal features of the 2026 Plan, but it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2026 Plan.

 ****

***Purposes***: The purposes of the 2026 Plan are to advance our interests and the interests of our stockholders by providing an incentive to attract, retain and reward persons performing services for us and by motivating such persons to contribute to our growth and profitability.

 ****

***Types of Awards***: Awards that may be granted include: (a) incentive stock options, (b) non-qualified stock options, (c) stock appreciation rights, (d) restricted awards, (e) performance share awards, and (f) performance compensation awards. These awards offer our employees, consultants, and directors the possibility of future value, depending on the long-term price appreciation of our common stock and the award holder's continuing service with the Company.

 ****

***Administration of the Plan***: The 2026 Plan will be administered by our compensation committee. Among other things, the administrator has the authority to select persons who will receive awards, determine the types of awards and the number of shares to be covered by awards, and to establish the terms, conditions, performance criteria, restrictions and other provisions of awards. The administrator has authority to establish, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the 2026 Plan.

 ****

***Eligible Recipients***: Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2026 Plan will be those employees, consultants, and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries who are selected by the administrator.

 ****

***Shares Available Under the Plan***: The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered to participants under the 2026 Plan will be 5,000,000, subject to adjustment for certain corporate changes affecting the shares, such as stock splits. In addition, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2026 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each calendar year during the term of the 2026 Plan by an amount equal to seven percent (7%) of the total number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year. Shares subject to an award under the 2026 Plan for which the award is canceled, forfeited or expires again become available for grants under the 2026 Plan. Shares subject to an award that is settled in cash will not again be made available for grants under the 2026 Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued as incentive stock options is equal to the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the 2026 Plan without taking into account any automatic increases in the share reserve.

***Stock Options***:

 

*General.* Stock options give the option holder the right to acquire from us a designated number of shares at a purchase price that is fixed at the time of the grant of the option. Stock options granted may be tax-qualified stock options (so-called "incentive stock options") or non-qualified stock options. Subject to the provisions of the 2026 Plan, the administrator has the authority to determine all grants of stock options. That determination will include: (i) the number of shares subject to any option; (ii) the exercise price per share; (iii) the expiration date of the option; (iv) the manner, time and date of permitted exercise; (v) other restrictions, if any, on the option or the shares underlying the option; and (vi) any other terms and conditions as the administrator may determine.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 9 2026 Proxy Statement

 ****

*Option Price.* The exercise price for stock options will be determined at the time of grant. Normally, the exercise price will not be less than the fair market value on the date of the grant. As a matter of tax law, the exercise price for any incentive stock option awarded may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. However, incentive stock option grants to any person owning more than 10% of our voting stock must have an exercise price of not less than 110% of the fair market value on the grant date.

*Exercise of Options.* An option may be exercised only in accordance with the terms and conditions for the option agreement as established by the administrator at the time of the grant. The option must be exercised by notice to us, accompanied by payment of the exercise price. Payments may be made in cash or, at the option of the administrator, by actual or constructive delivery of shares of common stock to the holder of the option based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise.

 

*Expiration or Termination.* Options, if not previously exercised, will expire on the expiration date established by the administrator at the time of grant. In the case of incentive stock options, such term cannot exceed ten years provided that in the case of holders of more than 10% of our voting stock, such term cannot exceed five years. Options will terminate before their expiration date if the holder's service with the Company or a subsidiary terminates before the expiration date. The option may remain exercisable for specified periods after certain terminations of employment, including terminations as a result of death, disability or retirement, with the precise period during which the option may be exercised to be established by the administrator and reflected in the grant evidencing the award.

 

*Incentive and Non-Qualified Options.* An incentive stock option is an option that is intended to qualify under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for more favorable tax treatment than applies to non-qualified stock options. Any option that does not qualify as an incentive stock option will be a non-qualified stock option. Under the Code, certain restrictions apply to incentive stock options. For example, the exercise price for incentive stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the grant date and the term of the option may not exceed ten years. In addition, an incentive stock option may not be transferred, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and is exercisable during the holder's lifetime only by the holder. In addition, no incentive stock options may be granted to a holder that is first exercisable in a single year if that option, together with all incentive stock options previously granted to the holder that also first become exercisable in that year, relate to shares having an aggregate fair market value in excess of $100,000, measured at the grant date.

 ****

***Stock Appreciation Rights***: ****Stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), which may be granted alone or in tandem with options, have an economic value similar to that of options. When an SAR for a particular number of shares is exercised, the holder receives a payment equal to the difference between the market price of the shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the shares under the SAR. Again, the exercise price for SARs normally is the market price of the shares on the date the SAR is granted. Under the 2026 Plan, holders of SARs may receive this payment - the appreciation value - either in cash or shares valued at the fair market value on the date of exercise. The form of payment will be determined by us.

 ****

***Restricted Awards***: Restricted awards are shares awarded to participants at no cost. Restricted awards can take the form of awards of restricted stock, which represent issued and outstanding shares subject to vesting criteria, or restricted stock units, which represent the right to receive shares subject to satisfaction of the vesting criteria. Restricted stock awards are forfeitable and non-transferable until the shares vest. The vesting date or dates and other conditions for vesting are established when the shares are awarded. These awards will be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the administrator shall determine at the date of grant. Those may include requirements for continuous service and/or the achievement of specified performance goals.

 ****

***Performance Awards***: ****A performance award is an award that may be in the form of cash or shares or a combination, based on the attainment of pre-established performance goals and other conditions, restrictions and contingencies identified by the administrator.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 10 2026 Proxy Statement

 ****

***Performance Criteria***: ****Under the 2026 Plan, one or more performance criteria will be used by the administrator in establishing performance goals. Any one or more of the performance criteria may be used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of the Company, as the administrator may deem appropriate, or as compared to the performance of a group of comparable companies, or published or special index that the administrator deems appropriate. In determining the actual size of an individual performance compensation award, the administrator may reduce or eliminate the amount of the award through the use of negative discretion if, in its sole judgment, such reduction or elimination is appropriate. The administrator shall not have the discretion to (i) grant or provide payment in respect of performance compensation awards if the performance goals have not been attained or (ii) increase a performance compensation award above the maximum amount payable under the 2026 Plan.

***Other Material Provisions***: Awards will be evidenced by a written agreement, in such form as may be approved by the administrator. In the event of various changes to our capitalization, such as stock splits, stock dividends and similar re-capitalizations, an appropriate adjustment will be made by the administrator to the number of shares covered by outstanding awards or to the exercise price of such awards. The administrator is also permitted to include in the written agreement provisions that provide for certain changes in the award in the event of a change of control of the Company, including acceleration of vesting. Except as otherwise determined by the administrator at the date of grant, awards will not be transferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Prior to any award distribution, we are permitted to deduct or withhold amounts sufficient to satisfy any employee withholding tax requirements. Our board also has the authority, at any time, to discontinue the granting of awards. The board also has the authority to alter or amend the 2026 Plan or any outstanding award or may terminate the 2026 Plan as to further grants, provided that no amendment will, without the approval of our stockholders, to the extent that such approval is required by law or the rules of an applicable securities exchange, increase the number of shares available under the 2026 Plan, change the persons eligible for awards under the 2026 Plan, extend the time within which awards may be made, or amend the provisions of the 2026 Plan related to amendments. No amendment that would adversely affect any outstanding award made under the 2026 Plan can be made without the consent of the holder of such award.

**New Plan Benefits**

Future awards, if any, that will be made to eligible persons under the 2026 Plan are subject to the discretion of the administrator and, therefore, we cannot currently determine the benefits or number of shares subject to awards that may be granted in the future to our employees, consultants, and directors under the 2026 Plan.

**No Dissenters' Rights**

Under Delaware law, holders of our common stock are not entitled to dissenter's rights of appraisal with respect to the approval of this Proposal 4.

**Vote Required**

In order for Proposal 4 to be approved, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock present or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote must vote "**FOR**" Proposal 4. You may vote "**FOR**", "**AGAINST**" or "**ABSTAIN**" on Proposal 4.

**THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL 4**

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 11 2026 Proxy Statement

**PROPOSAL 5 – ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL**

Stockholders are being asked to grant authority to proxy holders to vote in favor of one or more adjournments of the Annual Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting to adopt any of the Proposals. If this Proposal 5 is approved, the Annual Meeting could be successively adjourned to any date. In accordance with our bylaws, a vote on adjournments of the Annual Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, may be taken in the absence of a quorum. If the Annual Meeting is adjourned to solicit additional proxies, stockholders who have already submitted their proxies will be able to revoke them at any time prior to their use.

In order for Proposal 5 to be approved, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock present or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote must vote "**FOR**" Proposal 5. You may vote "**FOR**", "**AGAINST**" or "**ABSTAIN**" on Proposal 5.

**THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL 5**

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 12 2026 Proxy Statement

**CORPORATE GOVERNANCE**

**Corporate Governance Guidelines**

Our board of directors adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to ensure that the board will have the necessary authority and practices in place to review and evaluate our business operations as needed and to make decisions that are independent of our management. The guidelines are also intended to align the interests of directors and management with those of the Company's stockholders. The Corporate Governance Guidelines set forth the practices the board of directors intends to follow with respect to board composition and selection, board meetings and involvement of senior management, succession planning, and board committees and compensation. A copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines may be found on our IR site under the link for "Corporate Governance."

**Independence of the Board**

Our board of directors has determined that all of our directors, other than Jonathan Cohen, qualify as "independent" directors in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq"). Mr. Cohen is not considered independent because he is an employee of the Company.

In making its independence determinations, the board considered, among other things, relevant transactions between the Company and entities associated with the independent directors, as described under the heading "*Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions*," and determined that none have any relationship with the Company or other relationships that would impair the directors' independence.

Further, the board of directors has determined that each member of each of the committees of the board is currently independent in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq and Rule 10a-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

**Leadership Structure**

We chose to appoint a separate Chairman of the Board who is not our Chief Executive Officer. Our board of directors has made this decision based on their belief that a separate Chairman of the Board can act as a balance to the Chief Executive Officer, who also serves as a non-independent director.

**Role of Board in Risk Oversight**

The board of directors oversees that the assets of the Company are properly safeguarded, that the appropriate financial and other controls are maintained, and that our business is conducted wisely and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and proper governance. Included in these responsibilities is the board's oversight of the various risks facing the Company. In this regard, our board seeks to understand and oversee critical business risks. Our board does not view risk in isolation. Risks are considered in virtually every business decision and as part of our business strategy. Our board recognizes that it is neither possible nor prudent to eliminate all risk. Indeed, purposeful and appropriate risk-taking is essential for the Company to be competitive on a global basis and to achieve its objectives.

While the board oversees risk management, company management is charged with managing risk. Management communicates routinely with the board and individual directors on the significant risks identified and how they are being managed. Directors are free to, and indeed often do, communicate directly with senior management.

Our board administers its risk oversight function as a whole by making risk oversight a matter of collective consideration; however, much of the work is delegated to committees, which meet regularly and report back to the full board. We have established a standing audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee of our board of directors. The audit committee oversees risks related to our financial statements, the financial reporting process, and accounting and legal matters, the compensation committee evaluates the risks and rewards associated with our compensation philosophy and programs, and the nominating and corporate governance committee evaluates risks associated with management decisions and strategic direction.

**Board Meetings and Committees**

Our board of directors meets on a regular basis during the year. During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, our board of directors met four times. Each of the incumbent directors attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the board and all committees of the board on which he or she served held during the period for which he or she was a director in fiscal 2025. We have encouraged all of our directors and nominees for director to attend our Annual Meeting; however, attendance is not mandatory.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 13 2026 Proxy Statement

Our board of directors has established three standing committees—audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance—each of which operates under a charter that has been approved by our board and that satisfies the applicable standards of the SEC and Nasdaq. The table below provides the committee composition following election of directors at the Annual Meeting.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br> **Directors** | **Audit <br> Committee** | **<br> Compensation Committee** | **Nominating and** <br> **Corporate<br> Governance** <br> **Committee** |
| Jonathan Cohen |  |  |  |
| John G. Compton, Ph.D.\* | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) |
| Richard M. Cohen\* | ![](ea029298101_img2.jpg) | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) |
| Prasanth Reddy\* |  |  | ![](ea029298101_img2.jpg) |
| John W. Rollins\* |  | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) |
| Michael A. Ross, M.D.\* | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) | ![](ea029298101_img2.jpg) | ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](ea029298101_img1.jpg) | Member |
| ![](ea029298101_img2.jpg) | Committee Chair |
| **\*** | Independent Director |

---

The functions performed by these committees are set forth in more detail in their charters, which may be found on our IR site under the link for "Corporate Governance," and are summarized below.

 ****

***Audit Committee***

The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things: (i) retaining and overseeing our independent accountants; (ii) assisting the board in its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditors and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) reviewing and approving the plan and scope of the internal and external audit; (iv) pre-approving any audit and non-audit services provided by our independent auditors; (v) approving the fees to be paid to our independent auditors; (vi) reviewing with our chief executive officer and chief financial officer and independent auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls; (vii) reviewing hedging transactions; (viii) reviewing and approving related party transactions; (ix) evaluating enterprise risk issues, including those related to cybersecurity; and (x) reviewing and assessing annually the audit committee's performance and the adequacy of its charter.

Our board of directors has determined that each member of the audit committee is an independent director under Nasdaq's rules and under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. All members of our audit committee meet the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. Our board of directors has determined that Richard M. Cohen is an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by applicable SEC rules and has the requisite financial sophistication as defined under the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations. The audit committee met one time in fiscal year 2025.

 ****

***Compensation Committee***

The compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things: (i) reviewing and approving the remuneration of our executive officers; (ii) determining the compensation of our independent directors; (iii) making recommendations to the board regarding equity-based and incentive compensation plans, policies and programs; and (iv) reviewing and assessing annually the compensation committee's performance and the adequacy of its charter.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 14 2026 Proxy Statement

Our board of directors has determined that each member of the compensation committee is independent under the applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq and is a "non-employee director" as defined under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. The compensation committee did not meet in fiscal year 2025.

 ****

***Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee***

The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things: (i) recommending the number of directors to comprise our board; (ii) identifying and evaluating individuals qualified to become members of the board; (iii) recommending to the board the director nominees for each annual stockholders' meeting; (iv) recommending to the board the candidates for filling vacancies that may occur between annual stockholders' meetings; (v) reviewing independent director compensation and board processes, self-evaluations and policies; (vi) overseeing compliance with our code of ethics; and (vii) monitoring developments in the law and practice of corporate governance.

Our board of directors has determined that each member of the nominating and corporate governance committee is an independent director under the applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq. The nominating and corporate governance committee did not meet in fiscal year 2025.

**Director Nomination Process**

The nominating and corporate governance committee's methods for identifying candidates for election to our board of directors (other than those proposed by our stockholders, as discussed below) will include the solicitation of ideas for possible candidates from a number of sources - members of our board of directors, our executives, individuals personally known to the members of our board of directors, and other research. The nominating and corporate governance committee may also, from time-to-time, retain one or more third-party search firms to identify suitable candidates.

In making director recommendations, the nominating and corporate governance committee may consider some or all of the following factors: (i) the candidate's judgment, skill, experience with other organizations of comparable purpose, complexity and size, and subject to similar legal restrictions and oversight; (ii) the interplay of the candidate's experience with the experience of other board members; (iii) the extent to which the candidate would be a desirable addition to the board and any committee thereof; (iv) whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his or her independence; and (v) the candidate's ability to contribute to the effective management of the Company, taking into account the needs of the Company and such factors as the individual's experience, perspective, skills and knowledge of the industry in which we operate.

A stockholder may nominate one or more persons for election as a director at an annual meeting of stockholders if the stockholder complies with the notice and information provisions contained in our bylaws. Such notice must be in writing to the Company not less than 90 days and not more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the preceding year's annual meeting of stockholders or as otherwise required by requirements of the Exchange Act. In addition, stockholders furnishing such notice must be a holder of record on both (i) the date of delivering such notice and (ii) the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting.

**Stockholder Communications with the Board**

Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with the board of directors, or any individual member of the board of directors, at the following address:

20/20 Biolabs, Inc.

15810 Gaither Road, Suite 235

Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Tel: 240-453-6339<br> Email: investors@2020biolabs.com

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 15 2026 Proxy Statement

Communications must state the number of shares owned by the person making the communication, if any. We will review and forward such communication to all of the members of the board of directors or to the individual director(s) to whom the communication is addressed unless the communication is unduly frivolous, hostile, threatening or similarly inappropriate, in which case, we may disregard the communication in our discretion.

**Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings**

To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years:

● been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offences);

● had any bankruptcy petition filed by or against the business or property of the person, or of any partnership, corporation or business association of which he was a general partner or executive officer, either at the time of the bankruptcy filing or within two years prior to that time;

● been subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction or federal or state authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting, his involvement in any type of business, securities, futures, commodities, investment, banking, savings and loan, or insurance activities, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;

● been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated;

● been the subject of, or a party to, any federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated (not including any settlement of a civil proceeding among private litigants), relating to an alleged violation of any federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or

● been the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(26))), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1(a)(29))), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.

**Code of Ethics**

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Such code of business conduct and ethics addresses, among other things, honesty and ethical conduct, conflicts of interest, compliance with laws, regulations and policies, including disclosure requirements under the federal securities laws, and reporting of violations of the code.

A copy of the code of business conduct and ethics may be found on our IR site under the link for "Corporate Governance". We intend to make all required disclosures regarding any amendments to, or waivers from, any provisions of the code at the same location of our website.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 16 2026 Proxy Statement

**Insider Trading Policy**

We have adopted an insider trading policy which prohibits our directors, officers and employees from engaging in transactions in our common stock while in the possession of material non-public information; engaging in transactions in the stock of other companies while in possession of material non-public information that they become aware of in performing their duties; and disclosing material non-public information to unauthorized persons outside the Company.

Our insider trading policy restricts trading by directors, officers and certain key employees during blackout periods, which generally begin 15 calendar days before the end of each fiscal quarter and end two business days after the issuance of our earnings release for the quarter. Additional blackout periods may be imposed with or without notice, as the circumstances require.

Our insider trading policy also prohibits our directors, officers and employees from purchasing financial instruments (such as prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds) designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of our common stock they hold, directly or indirectly. In addition, directors, officers and employees are expressly prohibited from pledging our common stock to secure personal loans or other obligations, including by holding their common stock in a margin account, unless such arrangement is specifically approved in advance by the administrator of our insider trading policy, or making short-sale transactions in our common stock.

A copy of the insider trading policy may be found on our IR site under the link for "Corporate Governance".

**Audit Committee Report**

 

*The material in this report is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Exchange Act.*

The primary purpose of the audit committee is to oversee our financial reporting processes on behalf of our board of directors. The audit committee's functions are more fully described in its charter, which is available on our IR site under the link for "Corporate Governance." Management has the primary responsibility for our financial statements and reporting processes, including our systems of internal controls. dbbmckennon, our independent registered public accounting firm, is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of our audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The audit committee is also responsible for appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent auditor, including pre-approving any audit and non-audit service provided to the Company by the independent auditor, periodically reviewing and evaluating the performance of the lead audit partner, as well as reviewing and considering the selection of the lead audit partner. The audit committee also periodically considers whether there should be a rotation of our independent registered public accounting firm. In addition to dbbmckennon's independence from the Company and management, the audit committee also considers several other factors in deciding whether to re-engage dbbmckennon, including: the quality of its staff, work and quality control; its policies related to independence; its global reach; and its capability and expertise to perform an audit of our financial statements, given the breadth and complexity of our business.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the audit committee reviewed with management and dbbmckennon the audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

The audit committee also discussed with dbbmckennon the matters that are required to be discussed by the PCAOB, as adopted in Auditing Standard No. 1301, *Communications with Audit Committees*. dbbmckennon has also provided the audit committee the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm's communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and the audit committee has discussed with dbbmckennon that firm's independence. The audit committee has concluded that dbbmckennon's provision of audit and non-audit services to the Company and its affiliates is compatible with dbbmckennon's independence. Finally, the audit committee discussed with dbbmckennon, with and without management present, the scope and results of dbbmckennon's audit of such financial statements.

Based on these reviews and discussions, the audit committee has recommended to our board of directors that such audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 for filing with the SEC. The audit committee also has engaged dbbmckennon as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026 and is seeking ratification of such selection by the stockholders.

Members of the audit committee at the time of the filing of the Annual Report who approved this report:

Richard M. Cohen (Chair)

John G. Compton

Michael A. Ross

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 17 2026 Proxy Statement

**EXECUTIVE OFFICERS**

The following table sets forth our executive officers and their respective ages and positions with us as of the Record Date.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Age** | **Position** |
| Jonathan Cohen | 63 | Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
| Alan B. Bergman | 57 | Chief Financial Officer |
| Jiming Zhou, Ph.D. | 59 | Chief Operating Officer |
| Ron Baker | 75 | Chief Business Officer |
| Michael Lebowitz, Ph.D. | 58 | Chief Scientific Officer |

---

Mr. Cohen also serves on our board of directors and his biographical information can be found above under the heading "*Proposal 1 - Election of Directors*." The biographical information for our other executive officers is set forth below.

 ****

***Alan B. Bergman***. Mr. Bergman has served as our Chief Financial Officer since February 2026 and was previously our Interim Chief Financial Officer from December 2025 to February 2026. Mr. Bergman's expertise includes corporate financial management, mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, cost reduction and avoidance, financial analysis and reporting, IPO management, contract negotiations, ISO 9000 Quality Systems and SEC reporting and compliance. Prior to joining us, he served as the chief financial officer of Plethy, Inc., a private musculoskeletal med-tech company, from December 2024 to December 2025. From January 2021 to December 2024, he served as the chief financial officer of Smart for Life, Inc., a publicly traded company engaged in the sale of a broad spectrum of nutritional and related products with an emphasis on health and wellness. He previously served as chief financial officer and vice president finance at Bright Mountain Media, Inc. from June 2019 to December 2020. Prior to that, he served as vice president finance at Greenlane Holdings, Inc., from December 2018 to May 2019. He previously served as controller for Woodfield Distribution from October 2013 to February 2018 and as vice president finance at Latitude Solutions from May 2011 to March 2013. Mr. Bergman commenced his career in 2000 with Deloitte as a senior auditor and subsequently as audit manager at Mallah Furman, P.A. and as senior auditor at Weinberg & Company, P.A. In addition, Mr. Bergman has been an Adjunct Professor of Accounting at Florida Atlantic University and Millennia Atlantic University. Mr. Bergman received his Master's Degree in Accounting from University of Miami.

 ****

***Jiming Zhou, PhD.*** Dr. Zhou has served as our Chief Operating Officer since August 2020. He is an expert in healthcare and biotech industries, with over 20 years of experience in both academia and industry. Dr. Zhou began his academic career as an associate professor at Sichuan University in China, where he received his PhD of Biology. Afterward, he moved to the United States to conduct research at the University of Iowa, where he spent 7 years publishing over 30 peer-reviewed research papers and receiving numerous grants and patents. In 2005, Dr. Zhou transitioned into industrial R&D, where he led a joint pharmaceutical project that reached significant milestones totaling $330 million. He then went on to manage multiple clinical labs and co-founded companies, collaborating with prominent healthcare institutes both in the US and China. Prior to joining us in July 2019, Dr. Zhou held various leadership roles, including serving as president and co-founder of Baltimore-based biotech firm Firefox Pharmaceuticals, LLC from April 2017 to July 2019, partner and co-founder of Virginia-based Fairfax Medical Consulting International, LLC from October 2013, and managing director of Diagnostic Operation and Strategic Alliance of the Genetics and IVF Institute, an international company based in Virginia, from September 2009 to September 2013. Dr. Zhou's extensive experience in the biotech industry, along with his research expertise, make him a valuable member of our team. He continues to play a crucial role in our success and growth.

 ****

***Ron Baker***. Mr. Baker has served as our Chief Business Officer since October 2019 and previously served as our Director of Sales from October 2019 to January 2023. Prior to joining us, he held executive management positions in clinical research, operations, technical, sales, marketing and business development with international, national and start-up companies, all related to specialized oncology laboratory services, including as executive director of U.S. sales for SGS Life Sciences (Belgium) from December 2006 to March 2018. He previously worked with Roche Diagnostics and Roche Clinical Labs, International Clinical Labs and Molecular Oncology (start-up sold to Dianon). Mr. Baker earned his BS in Biology from Loyola University.

 ****

***Michael Lebowitz, Ph.D***. Dr. Lebowitz has served as our Chief Scientific Officer since January 2020 and was previously our Director of Research & Development from 2009-2012. Dr. Lebowitz has more than 30 years of research experience, including 27 years in our industry and more than 25 years in research management. He has been directly involved in the commercial launch of six LDTs for the early detection of cancer and the establishment of two CLIA-certified labs. He has also spearheaded the R&D supporting an anti-cancer vaccine from discovery through phase I clinical development. He is concurrently chief scientific officer of Athanor Biosciences, Inc., a cancer therapeutics company he cofounded in 2020. Prior to his current positions, he was senior director and vice president of research at Sensei Biotherapeutics from 2014-2019. Dr. Lebowitz holds a Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in biochemistry, cellular, and molecular biology where he subsequently completed a three-year fellowship in immunology in the department of pathology, division of immunopathology. He is currently an adjunct faculty at both Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland, Baltimore County teaching in their respective Biotechnology programs.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 18 2026 Proxy Statement

**EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION**

**Summary Compensation Table – Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024**

The following table sets forth information concerning all cash and non-cash compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the named persons for services rendered in all capacities during the noted periods.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Name and Principal Position** | **Year** | **Salary**<br> **($)<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Option** <br> **Awards** <br> **($)<sup>(2)</sup>** | **All Other Compensation**<br> **($)<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Total**<br> **($)** |
| Jonathan Cohen, | 2025 | 250000 |  | 75499 | 325499 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer | 2024 | 250000 | 483883 | 62374 | 796257 |
| Jiming Zhou, | 2025 | 220000 |  | 5647 | 225647 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Operating Officer | 2024 | 220000 | 440496 | 6673 | 667169 |
| Michael Lebowitz, | 2025 | 89600 | 62000 |  | 151600 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Scientific Officer | 2024 | 76800 | 193553 |  | 270353 |

---

(1) The officers agreed to defer compensation in fiscal years
2024 and 2025. The accumulated deferred amounts are as follows: $49,994 for Jonathan Cohen and $73,327 for Jiming Zhou.

(2) The amount is equal
to the aggregate grant-date fair value with respect to the awards, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting
Standards Codification Topic 718.

(3) Other compensation
represents fringe benefits for insurance and employer 401(k) matches .

 ****

***Employment Agreements***

On May 6, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Jonathan Cohen, our founder, Chief Executive Officer and President, with an initial term commencing as of January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2019, which automatically renews for additional one (1) year periods unless either party provides written notice at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal period. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Cohen is entitled to an annual base salary of $250,000. Mr. Cohen will also be entitled to a cash bonus for 2019 of up to 30% of the base salary at the discretion of the compensation committee and based on certain criteria set forth in the employment agreement, which shall be paid within 60 days after year end. Following sharp increases in revenues resulting from COVID-19 testing, the cash bonus cap was increased to 60% and 80% of base salary for 2021 and 2022. Mr. Cohen is also permitted during the term, if and to the extent eligible, to participate in all employee benefit plans, policies and practices maintained by or on behalf of the Company commensurate with Mr. Cohen's position. Either party may terminate the employment agreement at any time without cause (as defined in the employment agreement) upon sixty (60) days' written notice. In addition, we may terminate the employment agreement immediately for cause. If we terminate the employment agreement without cause, all compensation payable to Mr. Cohen under the employment agreement shall cease as of the date of termination, and we shall pay to Mr. Cohen the following sums: (i) the base salary on the termination date for twelve (12) months (the applicable period being referred to as the severance period), payable in equal installments in accordance with our normal payroll procedures beginning with the termination date; (ii) benefits under group health and life insurance plans in which Mr. Cohen participated prior to termination through the severance period; (iii) all previously earned, accrued, and unpaid benefits from us and our employee benefit plans, including any such benefits under our pension, disability, and life insurance plans, policies, and programs; and (iv) bonus, if any, at the discretion of the compensation committee; provided that if, prior to the date on which our foregoing obligations cease, Mr. Cohen violates certain covenants set forth in the employment agreement, then we shall have no obligation to make any of the payments that remain payable by us under clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) above on or after the date of such violation. The payment of severance may be conditioned by us on the delivery by Mr. Cohen of a release of any and all claims that he may have against the Company. In addition, if the employment agreement is terminated by us for cause, then Mr. Cohen is only entitled to receive the amounts specified in clause (iii), and if the employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Cohen or due to his death or disability, then Mr. Cohen (or his estate or representative as applicable) shall receive only the amounts specified in clauses (iii) and (iv). In the event that the term expires and is not renewed by us, then Mr. Cohen shall receive the amounts specified in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), provided however, that this shall not apply if we enter into a new employment agreement with Mr. Cohen. Finally, in the event that the employment agreement is terminated by us within one year following a change of control (as defined in the employment agreement), then Mr. Cohen shall receive, in addition to the amount of any accrued and unpaid salary then due Mr. Cohen, the amounts specified in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv). Mr. Cohen's employment agreement contains restrictive covenants prohibiting him from owning or operating a business that competes with the Company or soliciting our customers or employees for one year following the termination of his employment.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 19 2026 Proxy Statement

Commencing as of April 1, 2023, we have agreed to pay Jiming Zhou, our Chief Operating Officer, an annual salary of $220,000 and he is also eligible for (i) a bonus equal to 4% of our gross profit and (ii) a bonus equal to 20% of our revenues derived from China and Taiwan, each as determined by our independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with GAAP. He is also eligible for discretionary bonuses, as determined by our board of directors, for all investments or business endeavors in China and Taiwan, for all new products launched in 2023 and based on efficiency, execution, speed, and regulatory compliance of all clinical laboratory operations. Mr. Zhou is also permitted, if and to the extent eligible, to participate in all employee benefit plans, policies and practices maintained by or on behalf of the Company commensurate with his position.

 ****

***Retirement Benefits***

We have not maintained, and do not currently maintain, a defined benefit pension plan or nonqualified deferred compensation plan. We currently make available a retirement plan intended to provide benefits under Section 401(k) of the Code pursuant to which employees, including the executive officers named above, can make voluntary pre-tax contributions. We match 3.5% of the first 6% of employee contributions.

 ****

***Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control***

As described under "—*Employment Agreements*" above, Mr. Cohen is entitled to severance under certain circumstances described above.

**Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End**

The following table includes certain information with respect to the value of all unexercised options and unvested shares of restricted stock previously awarded to the executive officers named above at the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Option Awards** | **Option Awards** | **Option Awards** | **Option Awards** | **Option Awards** |
| <br>**Name** | **Number of<br> Securities<br> Underlying<br> Unexercised<br> Options (#)<br> Exercisable** | **Number of<br> Securities<br> Underlying<br> Unexercised<br> Options (#)<br> Unexercisable** | **Equity Incentive<br> Plan Awards:<br> Number of<br> Securities<br> Underlying<br> Unexercised<br> Unearned** <br>**Options (#)** | **Option<br> Exercise<br> Price ($)** | **Option<br> Expiration<br> Date** |
| Jonathan Cohen | 388000 |  |  | $1.74 | 01/01/2033 |
| Jonathan Cohen | 44271 | 80729 |  | $2.55 | 07/01/2034 |
| Jiming Zhou | 352000 |  |  | $1.74 | 01/01/2033 |
| Jiming Zhou | 17708 | 32292 |  | $2.55 | 07/01/2034 |
| Jiming Zhou | 120000 |  |  | $2.55 | 11/01/2034 |
| Michael Lebowitz | 50000 |  |  | $1.74 | 01/01/2033 |
| Michael Lebowitz | 17708 | 32292 |  | $2.55 | 07/01/2034 |

---

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 20 2026 Proxy Statement

**Director Compensation**

The table below sets forth the compensation paid to our independent directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Name** | **Fees Earned<br> or Paid in<br> Cash<br> ($)<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Total<br> ($)<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| John G. Compton | 20000 | 20000 |
| Richard M. Cohen | 17500 | 17500 |
| Prasanth Reddy | 15000 | 15000 |
| John W. Rollins | 17500 | 17500 |
| Michael A. Ross | 17500 | 17500 |

---

(1) All compensation described above was deferred during 2025.

Effective as of January 1, 2022, our independent directors are entitled to a cash fee of $15,000 per year, payable quarterly, with the chairman receiving an additional $5,000 per year and the committee chairs receiving an additional $2,500 per year.

Effective as of April 1, 2026, our independent directors will be entitled to a cash fee of $40,000 per year, payable quarterly, with the chairman receiving an additional $10,000 per year and the committee chairs receiving an additional $5,000 per year. We also agreed to pay each independent director $500 for each board meeting attended and also agreed to reimburse our independent directors for pre-approved reasonable business related expenses incurred in good faith in connection with the performance of their duties for the Company.

**2022 Stock Incentive Plan**

On January 26, 2022, our board of directors adopted our 2022 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2022 Plan"), which was approved by stockholders on June 15, 2022. Awards that may be granted include incentive stock options as described in section 422(b) of the Code, non-qualified stock options (i.e., options that are not incentive stock options) and awards of restricted stock. These awards offer our employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors the possibility of future value, depending on the long-term price appreciation of our common stock and the award holder's continuing service with the Company or one or more of its subsidiaries.

All of the permissible types of awards under the 2022 Plan are described in more detail as follows:

 ****

***Purposes of the Plan***: The purpose of the 2022 Plan is to offer selected employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors the opportunity to acquire equity in the Company.

 ****

***Administration of the Plan***: Administration of the 2022 Plan is entrusted to the compensation committee of the board of directors. Among other things, the committee has the authority to select persons who will receive awards, determine the types of awards and the number of shares to be covered by awards, and to establish the terms, conditions, restrictions and other provisions of awards.

 ****

***Eligible Recipients***: Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2022 Plan will be those employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors of the Company and its subsidiaries who are selected by the compensation committee.

 ****

***Shares Available Under the Plan***: The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be delivered to participants under the 2022 Plan is 3,000,000, subject to adjustment for certain corporate changes affecting the shares, such as stock splits. Shares subject to an award under the 2022 Plan for which the award is canceled, forfeited or expires again become available for grants under the 2022 Plan. Shares subject to an award that is settled in cash will not again be made available for grants under the 2022 Plan.

 ****

***Stock Options***:

 

*<u>General</u>*. Subject to the provisions of the 2022 Plan, the compensation committee has the authority to determine all grants of stock options. That determination will include: (i) the number of shares subject to any option; (ii) the exercise price per share; (iii) the expiration date of the option; (iv) the manner, time and date of permitted exercise; (v) other restrictions, if any, on the option or the shares underlying the option; and (vi) any other terms and conditions as the compensation committee may determine.

 

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 21 2026 Proxy Statement

 

*<u>Option Price</u>*. The exercise price for stock options will be determined at the time of grant. Normally, the exercise price will not be less than the fair market value on the date of grant, as determined in good faith by the compensation committee. As a matter of tax law, the exercise price for any incentive stock option awarded may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. However, incentive stock option grants to any person owning more than 10% of our voting stock must have an exercise price of not less than 110% of the fair market value on the grant date.

 

*<u>Exercise of Options</u>.* An option may be exercised only in accordance with the terms and conditions for the option agreement as established by the compensation committee at the time of the grant. The option must be exercised by notice to us, accompanied by payment of the exercise price. Payments may be made in cash or, at the option of the compensation committee, by actual or constructive delivery of shares of common stock to the holder of the option based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise.

*Expiration or Termination*. Options, if not previously exercised, will expire on the expiration date established by the compensation committee at the time of grant; provided that such term cannot exceed ten years and that such term of an incentive stock option granted to a holder of more than 10% of our voting stock cannot exceed five years. Options will terminate before their expiration date if the holder's service with us terminates before the expiration date. The option may remain exercisable for specified periods after certain terminations of service, including terminations as a result of death, disability or retirement, with the precise period during which the option may be exercised to be established by the compensation committee and reflected in the grant evidencing the award.

 ****

***Stock Awards***: Stock awards can also be granted under the 2022 Plan. A stock award is a grant of shares of common stock. These awards will be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the compensation committee shall determine at the date of grant. Those may include requirements for continuous service and/or the achievement of specified performance goals.

 ****

***Other Material Provisions***: Awards will be evidenced by a written agreement, in such form as may be approved by the compensation committee. In the event of various changes to the capitalization of the Company, such as stock splits, stock dividends and similar re-capitalizations, an appropriate adjustment will be made by the compensation committee to the number of shares covered by outstanding awards or to the exercise price of such awards. The compensation committee is also permitted to include in the written agreement provisions that provide for certain changes in the award in the event of a change of control of the Company, including acceleration of vesting. Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee at the date of grant, awards will not be transferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Prior to any award distribution, we are permitted to deduct or withhold amounts sufficient to satisfy any employee withholding tax requirements. The board also has the authority, at any time, to discontinue the granting of awards. The board also has the authority to alter or amend the 2022 Plan or any outstanding award or may terminate the 2022 Plan as to further grants, provided that no amendment will, without the approval of our stockholders, increase the number of shares available under the 2022 Plan or change the persons eligible for awards under the 2022 Plan. No amendment that would adversely affect any outstanding award made under the 2022 Plan can be made without the consent of the holder of such award.

**2026 Equity Incentive Plan**

See "*Proposal 4 – 2026 Equity Incentive Plan*" for a description of the 2026 Plan.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 22 2026 Proxy Statement

**CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS**

Since the beginning of our 2024 fiscal year, we have not entered into any transactions, nor is there any currently proposed transaction, in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than compensation described under "*Executive Compensation*" above).

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 23 2026 Proxy Statement

**SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT**

**Stock Ownership**

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of the Record Date for (i) each of our named executive officers and directors; (ii) all of our named executive officers and directors as a group; and (iii) each other stockholder known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o the Company, 15810 Gaither Road, Suite 235, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Name and Address of Beneficial Owner** | **Title of Class** | **Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Percent of Class<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| Jonathan Cohen, Chief Executive Officer and Director<sup>(3)</sup> | Common Stock | 1863621 | [ ]% |
| Alan B. Bergman, Chief Financial Officer | Common Stock |  |  |
| Jiming Zhou, Chief Operating Officer<sup>(4)</sup> | Common Stock | 648042 | [ ]% |
| Ron Baker, Chief Business Officer<sup>(5)</sup> | Common Stock | 58507 | \* |
| Michael Lebowitz, Chief Scientific Officer<sup>(6)</sup> | Common Stock | 76042 | \* |
| John G. Compton, Chairman<sup>(7)</sup> | Common Stock | 277252 | [ ]% |
| Richard M. Cohen, Director<sup>(8)</sup> | Common Stock | 270617 | [ ]% |
| Prasanth Reddy, Director<sup>(9)</sup> | Common Stock | 30000 | \* |
| John W. Rollins, Director<sup>(10)</sup> | Common Stock | 293192 | [ ]% |
| Michael A. Ross, Director<sup>(11)</sup> | Common Stock | 262948 | [ ]% |
| All executive officers and directors (10 persons above) | Common Stock | 3780221 | [ ]% |
| Streeterville Capital, LLC<sup>(12)</sup> | Common Stock | 4152627 | [ ]% |
| Full Succeed International Limited<sup>(13)</sup> | Common Stock | 651465 | [ ]% |

---

\* Less than 1%

(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC
rules and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. For purposes of this table, a person or group of
persons is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any shares that such person or any member of such group has the right
to acquire within sixty (60) days. For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding common stock held by each person or group
of persons named above, any shares that such person or persons has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days of the Record Date are
deemed to be outstanding for such person, but not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any
other person. The inclusion herein of any shares listed as beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership
by any person.

(2) Based on [ ] shares of common stock issued and outstanding
as of the Record Date.

(3) Includes 1,366,400 shares of common stock and 497,221 shares of common stock which Mr. Cohen has the right
to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

(4) Includes 648,042 shares of common stock which Mr. Zhou has
the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

(5) Includes 58,507 shares of common stock which Mr. Baker has
the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

(6) Includes 76,042 shares of common stock which Mr. Lebowitz
has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

(7) Includes 16,677 shares of common stock and 260,575 shares
of common stock which Mr. Compton has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

(8) Includes 10,042 shares of common stock and 260,575 shares
of common stock which Mr. Cohen has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 24 2026 Proxy Statement

(9) Includes 30,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Reddy has
the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

(10) Includes 32,617 shares of common stock and 260,575 shares
of common stock which Mr. Rollins has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

(11) Includes 2,373 shares of common stock and 260,575 shares
of common stock which Mr. Ross has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

(12) Includes 525,000 shares of common stock and 3,627,627 shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants but excludes shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of 5,493 shares
of series E convertible preferred stock due to the beneficial ownership limitations described below and the variable conversion price
of the shares of series E convertible preferred stock. John M. Fife, the President of Streeterville Capital, LLC, has voting and investment
control of the securities held by Streeterville Capital, LLC and is the beneficial owner of such securities. The warrants and series
E convertible preferred stock contain beneficial ownership limitations, which provide that we will not effect any exercise or conversion,
and the holder will not have the right to exercise or convert, any portion of the warrants or series E convertible preferred stock to
the extent that, after giving effect to the exercise or conversion, the holder (together with its affiliates) would beneficially own
in excess of 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common
stock upon such exercise or conversion. Accordingly, we have reduced the ownership percentage to 9.99%.

(13) Nengyuan Pan and Wei Lu are the Directors of Full Succeed
International Limited and have voting and investment power over the securities held by it. Mr. Pan and Ms. Lu disclaim beneficial ownership
of the shares held by Full Succeed International Limited except to the extent of their pecuniary interest, if any, in such shares. The
address of Full Succeed International Limited is 23F, 1333 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, People's Republic of
China.

We do not currently have any arrangements which if consummated may result in a change of control of the Company.

**Section 16(a) Reports**

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we did not become subject to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act until February 2026, so we were not subject to this requirement during our last completed fiscal year.

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 25 2026 Proxy Statement

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**Other Matters**

As of the date of this proxy statement, the board of directors does not intend to present any matters other than those described herein at the Annual Meeting and is unaware of any matters to be presented by other parties. If other matters are properly brought before the meeting for action by the stockholders, proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the board of directors or, in the absence of such a recommendation, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holder, to the extent permitted by Rule 14a-4(c)(3).

**Stockholder Proposals for Next Annual Meeting**

A stockholder who is entitled to vote for the election of directors and who desires to nominate a candidate for election to be voted on at an annual meeting of stockholders may do so only in accordance with Section 2.2 of our bylaws, which provides that a stockholder may nominate a director candidate by written notice to the Secretary of the Company not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting. To be considered timely for our next annual meeting of stockholders, a stockholder nomination, and all supporting information, must be submitted no earlier than April 27, 2027 and no later than May 20, 2027.

A stockholder who desires to present a proposal pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act to be included in the proxy statement for, and voted on by stockholders at, our next annual meeting of stockholders must submit such proposal in writing, including all supporting materials, to the Company at its principal office no later than March 2, 2027, or 120 days before the date of mailing based on this year's proxy statement date, and meet all other requirements for inclusion in the proxy statement. Additionally, pursuant to Rule 14a-4(c)(1) under the Exchange Act, if a stockholder intends to present a proposal for business to be considered at our next annual meeting of stockholders but does not seek inclusion of the proposal in our proxy statement for such meeting, then we must receive the proposal by May 14, 2027, or 45 days before the date of mailing based on this year's proxy statement date, for it to be considered timely received. If notice of a stockholder proposal is not timely received, then the proxies will be authorized to exercise discretionary authority with respect to the proposal.

Any proposals should be sent to us at 20/20 Biolabs, Inc., 15810 Gaither Road, Suite 235, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

**Annual Report**

We will furnish without charge, upon written request of any person who was a stockholder or beneficial owner at the close of business on the Record Date, a copy of the Annual Report, including the financial statements. The written request should be sent to 20/20 Biolabs, Inc., 15810 Gaither Road, Suite 235, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. The Annual Report is also available on our IR site under the link for "Financials."

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 26 2026 Proxy Statement

**Annex A**

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

20/20 BIOLABS, INC.

(Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the<br> General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)

20/20 Biolabs, Inc. (the "***Corporation***"), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "***DGCL***"), does hereby certify as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Corporation's original Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 7, 2000 under the name 20/20 BioSystems, Inc.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "*Board*") duly adopted resolutions proposing to amend and restate the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended, declaring said amendment and restatement to be advisable and in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders, and authorizing the appropriate officers of the Corporation to solicit the consent of the stockholders therefor, which resolution setting forth the proposed amendment and restatement is as follows:

RESOLVED, that the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

ARTICLE I

The name of the Corporation is 20/20 Biolabs, Inc.

ARTICLE II

The address of the Corporation's registered office in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, County of New Castle. The name of its registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.

ARTICLE III

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.

ARTICLE IV

The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is five hundred million (500,000,000) shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "***Common Stock***"), and twenty million (20,000,000) shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "***Preferred Stock***").

Each holder of Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL.

Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more classes or series, each of which class or series shall have such distinctive designation or title as shall be fixed by the Board or, to the extent permitted by the DGCL, any committee thereof established by resolution of the Board pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation prior to the issuance of any shares thereof. Each such class or series of Preferred Stock shall have such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated in such resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such class or series of Preferred Stock as may be adopted from time to time by the Board prior to the issuance of any shares thereof pursuant to the authority hereby expressly vested in it, all in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

ARTICLE V

In furtherance of and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board is expressly authorized to make, amend or repeal Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VII

Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between the Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of the Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under §291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under §279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of the Corporation as consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be, and also on the Corporation.

ARTICLE VIII

To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as it exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

The Corporation is authorized to indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by law any person made or threatened to be made a party to an action or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person was a director or officer of the Corporation or any predecessor of the Corporation, or serves or served at any other enterprise as a director or officer at the request of the Corporation or any predecessor to the Corporation.

Neither any amendment nor repeal of this Article VIII, nor the adoption of any provision inconsistent with this Article VIII, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article VIII in respect of any matter occurring, or any action or proceeding accruing or arising or that, but for this Article VIII, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

ARTICLE IX

The Corporation renounces, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any interest or expectancy of the Corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any Excluded Opportunity. An "***Excluded Opportunity***" is any matter, transaction or interest that is presented to, or acquired, created or developed by, or which otherwise comes into the possession of (i) any director of the Corporation who is not an employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or (ii) any holder of Preferred Stock or any partner, member, director, stockholder, employee or agent of any such holder, other than someone who is an employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (collectively, "***Covered Persons***"), unless such matter, transaction or interest is presented to, or acquired, created or developed by, or otherwise comes into the possession of, a Covered Person expressly and solely in such Covered Person's capacity as a director of the Corporation.

\* \* \*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Thereafter, pursuant to resolutions of the Board, a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation was duly called and held upon notice in accordance with Section 222 of the DGCL at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the foregoing amendments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. This Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which restates and integrates and further amends the provisions of the Corporation's Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, has been duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the DGCL.

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, this Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by a duly authorized officer of the Corporation on this ________ day of __________, _____.

By: <br> Jonathan Cohen <br> Chief Executive Officer

**Annex B**

**20/20 BIOLABS, INC.**

**2026 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN**

1. <u>Purpose; Eligibility</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1. <u>General Purpose</u>. The name of this plan is the 20/20 Biolabs, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (the "**Plan**"). The purposes of the Plan are to (a) enable 20/20 Biolabs, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**Company**"), and any Affiliate to attract and retain the types of Employees, Consultants and Directors who will contribute to the Company's long-term success; (b) provide incentives that align the interests of Employees, Consultants and Directors with those of the stockholders of the Company; and (c) promote the success of the Company's business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.2. <u>Eligible Award Recipients</u>. The persons eligible to receive Awards are the Employees, Consultants and Directors of the Company and its Affiliates and such other individuals designated by the Committee who are reasonably expected to become Employees, Consultants and Directors after the receipt of Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.3. <u>Available Awards</u>. Awards that may be granted under the Plan include: (a) Incentive Stock Options, (b) Non-qualified Stock Options, (c) Stock Appreciation Rights, (d) Restricted Awards, (e) Performance Share Awards, and (f) Performance Compensation Awards.

2. <u>Definitions</u>.

"**Affiliate**" means a corporation or other entity that, directly or through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Company, including, without limitation, any corporation that is a "parent corporation" or a "subsidiary corporation" with respect to the Company, and any other non-corporate entity that would be such a subsidiary corporation if such entity were a corporation.

"**Applicable Laws**" means the requirements related to or implicated by the administration of the Plan under applicable state corporate law, United States federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed or quoted, and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan.

"**Award**" means any right granted under the Plan, including an Incentive Stock Option, a Non-qualified Stock Option, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Restricted Award, a Performance Share Award or a Performance Compensation Award.

"**Award Agreement**" means a written agreement, contract, certificate or other instrument or document evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Award granted under the Plan which may, in the discretion of the Company, be transmitted electronically to any Participant. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

"**Beneficial Owner**" has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such "person" shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such "person" has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the passage of time. The terms "Beneficially Owns" and "Beneficially Owned" have a corresponding meaning.

"**Board**" means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted at any time.

"**Cause**" means:

With respect to any Employee or Consultant: (a) if the Employee or Consultant is a party to an employment or service agreement with the Company or its Affiliates and such agreement provides for a definition of Cause, the definition contained therein; or (b) if no such agreement exists, or if such agreement does not define Cause: (i) the commission of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or the commission of any other act involving willful malfeasance or material fiduciary breach with respect to the Company or an Affiliate; (ii) conduct that results in or is reasonably likely to result in harm to the reputation or business of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (iii) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or an Affiliate; or (iv) material violation of state or federal securities laws.

With respect to any Director, a determination by a majority of the disinterested Board members that the Director has engaged in any of the following: (a) malfeasance in office; (b) gross misconduct or neglect; (c) false or fraudulent misrepresentation inducing the director's appointment; (d) willful conversion of corporate funds; or (e) repeated failure to participate in Board meetings on a regular basis despite having received proper notice of the meetings in advance.

The Committee, in its absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to whether a Participant has been discharged for Cause.

"**Change in Control**" means (a) the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person that is not a subsidiary of the Company; (b) the Incumbent Directors cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; (c) the date which is 10 business days prior to the consummation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (d) the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% (on a fully diluted basis) of either (i) the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, taking into account as outstanding for this purpose such Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants, the conversion of convertible stock or debt, and the exercise of any similar right to acquire such Common Stock (the "**Outstanding Company Common Stock**") or (ii) 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 Plan, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company or any Affiliate, (B) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or any subsidiary, (C) any acquisition which complies with clauses, (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection (e) of this definition or (D) in respect of an Award held by a particular Participant, any acquisition by the Participant or any group of persons including the Participant (or any entity controlled by the Participant or any group of persons including the Participant); or (e) the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company that requires the approval of the Company's stockholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a "**Business Combination**"), unless immediately following such Business Combination: (i) more than 50% of the total voting power of (A) the entity resulting from such Business Combination (the "**Surviving Company**"), or (B) if applicable, the ultimate parent entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of sufficient voting securities eligible to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Surviving Company (the "**Parent Company**"), is represented by the Outstanding Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which the Outstanding Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business Combination; (ii) no Person (other than any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Company or the Parent Company) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect members of the board of directors of the Parent Company (or the analogous governing body) (or, if there is no Parent Company, the Surviving Company); and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Parent Company (or, if there is no Parent Company, the Surviving Company) following the consummation of the Business Combination were Board members at the time of the Board's approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Business Combination. The foregoing notwithstanding, if the Award constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, in no event shall a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred unless such change shall satisfy the definition of a change in control under Section 409A of the Code.

"**Code**" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time. Any reference to a section of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any regulations promulgated thereunder.

"**Committee**" means the Compensation Committee of the Board or another committee of one or more members appointed to administer the Plan in accordance with ***Section 3.3*** and ***Section 3.4***.

"**Common Stock**" means the common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company, or such other securities of the Company as may be designated by the Committee from time to time in substitution thereof.

"**Consultant**" means any individual who is engaged by the Company or any Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services.

"**Continuous Service**" means that the Participant's service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Consultant or Director, is not interrupted or terminated. The Participant's Continuous Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders such service, *provided that* there is no interruption or termination of the Participant's Continuous Service; *provided further that* if any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, this sentence shall only be given effect to the extent consistent with Section 409A of the Code. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Director of an Affiliate will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service unless otherwise required by Section 409A of the Code. The Committee or its delegate, in its sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal or family leave of absence.

"**Director**" means a member of the Board.

"**Disability**" means that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment; *provided, however,* for purposes of determining the term of an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to ***Section 6.10*** hereof, the term Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be determined under procedures established by the Committee. Except in situations where the Committee is determining Disability for purposes of the term of an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to ***Section 6.10*** hereof within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, the Committee may rely on any determination that a Participant is disabled for purposes of benefits under any long-term disability plan maintained by the Company or any Affiliate in which a Participant participates. The foregoing notwithstanding, if the Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, in no event shall a Disability be deemed to have occurred unless such disability satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

"**Effective Date**" shall mean ____________, 2026.

"**Employee**" means any person, including an Officer or Director, employed by the Company or an Affiliate; *provided, that,* for purposes of determining eligibility to receive Incentive Stock Options, an Employee shall mean an employee of the Company or a parent or subsidiary corporation within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code. Mere service as a Director or payment of a director's fee by the Company or an Affiliate shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company or an Affiliate.

"**Exchange Act**" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**Fair Market Value**" means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock as determined below. If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, the Fair Market Value shall be the closing price of a share of Common Stock (or if no sales were reported the closing price on the date immediately preceding such date) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in the *Wall Street Journal* or similar publication. In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Committee and such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons; *provided that* if an Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.

"**Grant Date**" means the date on which the Committee adopts a resolution, or takes other appropriate action, expressly granting an Award to a Participant that specifies the key terms and conditions of the Award or, if a later date is set forth in such resolution, then such date as is set forth in such resolution.

"**Incentive Stock Option**" means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

"**Incumbent Directors**" means individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board, *provided that* any individual becoming a Director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for Director without objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director. No individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to Directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of any person other than the Board shall be an Incumbent Director.

"**Non-qualified Stock Option**" means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

"**Officer**" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

"**Option**" means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan.

"**Optionholder**" means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

"**Option Exercise Price**" means the price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon the exercise of an Option.

"**Participant**" means an eligible person to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.

"**Performance Compensation Award**" means any Award designated by the Committee as a Performance Compensation Award pursuant to ***Section 7.4*** of the Plan.

"**Performance Criteria**" means the criterion or criteria that the Committee shall select for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal(s) for a Performance Period with respect to any Performance Compensation Award under the Plan. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s) shall be based on the attainment of specific levels of performance of the Company (or Affiliate, division, business unit or operational unit of the Company) and may include the following: (a) net earnings or net income (before or after taxes); (b) basic or diluted earnings per share (before or after taxes); (c) net revenue or net revenue growth; (d) gross revenue; (e) gross profit or gross profit growth; (f) net operating profit (before or after taxes); (g) return on assets, capital, invested capital, equity, or sales; (h) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, and cash flow return on capital); (i) earnings before or after taxes, interest, depreciation and/or amortization; (j) gross or operating margins; (k) improvements in capital structure; (l) budget and expense management; (m) productivity ratios; (n) economic value added or other value added measurements; (o) share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total stockholder return); (p) expense targets; (q) margins; (r) operating efficiency; (s) working capital targets; (t) enterprise value; (u) safety record; (v) completion of acquisitions or business expansion; (w) achieving research and development goals and milestones; (x) achieving product commercialization goals; and (y) other criteria as may be set by the Committee from time to time.

Any one or more of the Performance Criteria may be used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of the Company and/or an Affiliate as a whole or any division, business unit or operational unit of the Company and/or an Affiliate or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or as compared to the performance of a group of comparable companies, or published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or the Committee may select Performance Criterion (o) above as compared to various stock market indices. The Committee also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of any Award based on the achievement of Performance Goals pursuant to the Performance Criteria specified in this paragraph, provided that if the Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, such accelerated vesting does not violate the rules of Code Section 409A. The Committee shall, within the first 90 days of a Performance Period (or, such longer or shorter time period as the Committee shall determine) define in an objective fashion the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period. In the event that applicable tax and/or securities laws change to permit the Committee discretion to alter the governing Performance Criteria without obtaining stockholder approval of such changes, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such changes without obtaining stockholder approval.

"**Performance Formula**" means, for a Performance Period, the one or more objective formulas applied against the relevant Performance Goal to determine, with regard to the Performance Compensation Award of a particular Participant, whether all, some portion but less than all, or none of the Performance Compensation Award has been earned for the Performance Period.

"**Performance Goals**" means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. The Committee is authorized at any time during the first 90 days of a Performance Period (or such longer or shorter time period as the Committee shall determine) or at any time thereafter, in its sole and absolute discretion, to adjust or modify the calculation of a Performance Goal for such Performance Period in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants based on the following events: (a) asset write-downs; (b) litigation or claim judgments or settlements; (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or regulatory rules affecting reported results; (d) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (e) extraordinary nonrecurring items as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 (or any successor or pronouncement thereto) and/or in management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company's annual report to stockholders for the applicable year; (f) acquisitions or divestitures; (g) any other specific unusual or nonrecurring events, or objectively determinable category thereof; (h) foreign exchange gains and losses; and (i) a change in the Company's fiscal year.

"**Performance Period**" means the one or more periods of time not less than one fiscal quarter in duration, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant's right to and the payment of a Performance Compensation Award.

"**Performance Share**" means the grant of a right to receive a number of actual shares of Common Stock or share units based upon the performance of the Company during a Performance Period, as determined by the Committee.

"**Permitted Transferee**" means: (a) a member of the Optionholder's immediate family (child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships), any person sharing the Optionholder's household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Optionholder) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Optionholder) own more than 50% of the voting interests; (b) third parties designated by the Committee in connection with a program established and approved by the Committee pursuant to which Participants may receive a cash payment or other consideration in consideration for the transfer of a Non-qualified Stock Option; and (c) such other transferees as may be permitted by the Committee in its sole discretion.

"**Restricted Award**" means any Award granted pursuant to ***Section 7.2(a)***.

"**Rule 16b-3**" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.

"**Securities Act**" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

"**Stock Appreciation Right**" means the right pursuant to an Award granted under ***Section 7.1*** to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable in cash or shares equal to the number of shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Right that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of (a) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (b) the exercise price specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement.

"**Ten Percent Stockholder**" means a person who owns (or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates.

3. <u>Administration</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1. <u>Authority of Committee</u>. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee or, in the Board's sole discretion, by the Board. Subject to the terms of the Plan and the provisions of Section 409A of the Code (if applicable), the Committee's charter and Applicable Laws, and in addition to other express powers and authorization conferred by the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority:

&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) to construe and interpret the Plan and apply its provisions;

&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) to promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration 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;(c) to authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any instrument required to carry out the purposes 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;(d) to delegate its authority to one or more Officers of the Company with respect to Awards that do not involve "insiders" within the meaning of 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;(e) to determine when Awards are to be granted under the Plan and the applicable Grant 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;(f) from time to time to select, subject to the limitations set forth in this Plan, those Participants to whom Awards shall be 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;(g) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be made subject to each 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;(h) to determine whether each Option is to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) to prescribe the terms and conditions of each Award, including, without limitation, the exercise price and medium of payment and vesting provisions, and to specify the provisions of the Award Agreement relating to such 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;(j) to determine the target number of Performance Shares to be granted pursuant to a Performance Share Award, the performance measures that will be used to establish the performance goals, the performance period(s) and the number of Performance Shares earned by 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;(k) to designate an Award (including a cash bonus) as a Performance Compensation Award and to select the Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goals;

&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) to amend any outstanding Awards, including for the purpose of modifying the time or manner of vesting, or the term of any outstanding Award; *provided, however*, that if any such amendment impairs a Participant's rights or increases a Participant's obligations under his or her Award or creates or increases a Participant's federal income tax liability with respect to an Award, such amendment shall also be subject to the Participant's consent;

&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) to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absences which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of their employment for purposes of the Plan, which periods shall be no shorter than the periods generally applicable to Employees under the Company's employment policies;

&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) to make decisions with respect to outstanding Awards that may become necessary upon a change in corporate control or an event that triggers anti-dilution 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;(o) to interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, the Plan; 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;(p) to exercise discretion to make any and all other determinations which it determines to be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

The Committee also may modify the purchase price or the exercise price of any outstanding Award, *provided that* if the modification effects a repricing, stockholder approval shall be required before the repricing is effective.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2. <u>Committee Decisions Final</u>. All decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final and binding on the Company and the Participants, unless such decisions are determined by a court having jurisdiction to be arbitrary and capricious.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3. <u>Delegation</u>. The Committee may delegate administration of the Plan to a subcommittee or subcommittees of one or more members of the Committee, and the term "Committee" shall apply to any person or persons to whom such authority has been delegated. The Committee shall have the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board or the Committee shall thereafter be to the committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and re-vest in the Board the administration of the Plan. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board. From time to time, the Board may increase or decrease the size of the Committee, add additional members to, remove members (with or without cause) from, appoint new members in substitution therefor, and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee. The Committee shall act pursuant to a vote of the majority of its members or, in the case of a Committee comprised of only two members, the unanimous consent of its members, whether present or not, or by the written consent of the majority of its members and minutes shall be kept of all of its meetings and copies thereof shall be provided to the Board. Subject to the limitations prescribed by the Plan and the Board, the Committee may establish and follow such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it may determine to be advisable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.4. <u>Committee Composition</u>. Except as otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. The Board shall have discretion to determine whether or not it intends to comply with the exemption requirements of Rule 16b-3. However, if the Board intends to satisfy such exemption requirements, with respect to Awards to any insider subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Committee shall be a compensation committee of the Board that at all times consists solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. Within the scope of such authority, the Board or the Committee may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not Non-Employee Directors the authority to grant Awards to eligible persons who are not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Nothing herein shall create an inference that an Award is not validly granted under the Plan in the event Awards are granted under the Plan by a compensation committee of the Board that does not at all times consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5. <u>Indemnification</u>. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as Directors or members of the Committee, and to the extent allowed by Applicable Laws, the Committee shall be indemnified by the Company against the reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, actually incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding or in connection with any appeal therein, to which the Committee may be party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan, and against all amounts paid by the Committee in settlement thereof (*provided, however*, that the settlement has been approved by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) or paid by the Committee in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Committee did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company, or in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reason to believe that the conduct complained of was unlawful; *provided, however*, that within 60 days after institution of any such action, suit or proceeding, such Committee shall, in writing, offer the Company the opportunity at its own expense to handle and defend such action, suit or proceeding.

4. <u>Shares Subject to the Plan</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1. Subject to adjustment in accordance with ***Section 11***, a total of 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock shall be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan. In addition, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each calendar year during the term of the Plan by an amount equal to seven percent (7%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year. Shares of Common Stock granted in connection with all Awards under the Plan shall be counted against this limit as one (1) share of Common Stock for every one (1) share of Common Stock granted in connection with such Award. During the terms of the Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued as Incentive Stock Options is equal to the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the plan without taking into account any automatic increases in the share reserve according to this ***Section 4.1***.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2. Shares of Common Stock available for distribution under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares reacquired by the Company in any manner.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3. Any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award that is canceled, forfeited or expires prior to exercise or realization, either in full or in part, shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock that again become available for future grants pursuant to this ***Section 4.3*** shall be added back as one (1) share. 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 (a) shares tendered in payment of an Option, (b) shares delivered or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, or (c) shares covered by a stock-settled Stock Appreciation Right or other Awards that were not issued upon the settlement of the Award.

5. <u>Eligibility</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1. <u>Eligibility for Specific Awards</u>. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Consultants and Directors and those individuals whom the Committee determines are reasonably expected to become Employees, Consultants and Directors following the Grant Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2. <u>Ten Percent Stockholders</u>. A Ten Percent Stockholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the Option Exercise Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the Grant Date and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the Grant Date.

6. <u>Option Provisions</u>. Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this ***Section 6***, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Non-qualified Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to any Participant or any other person if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as such at any time or if an Option is determined to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the terms of such Option do not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1. <u>Term</u>. Subject to the provisions of ***Section 5.2*** regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the Grant Date. The term of a Non-qualified Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee; *provided, however*, no Non-qualified Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the Grant Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.2. <u>Exercise Price of An Incentive Stock Option</u>. Subject to the provisions of ***Section 5.2*** regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, the Option Exercise Price of each Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option may be granted with an Option Exercise Price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.3. <u>Exercise Price of a Non-qualified Stock Option</u>. The Option Exercise Price of each Non-qualified Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Non-qualified Stock Option may be granted with an Option Exercise Price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 409A of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.4. <u>Consideration</u>. The Option Exercise Price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable statutes and regulations, either (a) in cash or by certified or bank check at the time the Option is exercised or (b) in the discretion of the Committee, upon such terms as the Committee shall approve, the Option Exercise Price may be paid: (i) by delivery to the Company of other Common Stock, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company, with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the Option Exercise Price (or portion thereof) due for the number of shares being acquired, or by means of attestation whereby the Participant identifies for delivery specific shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of attestation equal to the Option Exercise Price (or portion thereof) and receives a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the difference between the number of shares thereby purchased and the number of identified attestation shares of Common Stock (a "**Stock for Stock Exchange**"); (ii) a "cashless" exercise program established with a broker; (iii) by reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of such Option with a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Option Exercise Price at the time of exercise; (iv) any combination of the foregoing methods; or (v) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Committee. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, the exercise price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option that is paid by delivery (or attestation) to the Company of other Common Stock acquired, directly or indirectly from the Company, shall be paid only by shares of the Common Stock of the Company that have been held for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes). Notwithstanding the foregoing, during any period for which the Common Stock is publicly traded (i.e., the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system) an exercise by a Director or Officer that involves or may involve a direct or indirect extension of credit or arrangement of an extension of credit by the Company, directly or indirectly, in violation of Section 402(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 shall be prohibited with respect to any Award under this Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.5. <u>Transferability of An Incentive Stock Option</u>. An Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.6. <u>Transferability of a Non-qualified Stock Option</u>. A Non-qualified Stock Option may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be transferable to a Permitted Transferee, upon written approval by the Committee to the extent provided in the Award Agreement. If the Non-qualified Stock Option does not provide for transferability, then the Non-qualified Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.7. <u>Vesting of Options</u>. Each Option may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary. No Option may be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability in the terms of any Award Agreement upon the occurrence of a specified event, provided that if such Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, such acceleration of vesting and exercisability complies with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.8. <u>Termination of Continuous Service</u>. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or in an employment agreement the terms of which have been approved by the Committee, in the event an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Optionholder's death or Disability), the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date three months following the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement; *provided that*, if the termination of Continuous Service is by the Company for Cause, all outstanding Options (whether or not vested) shall immediately terminate and cease to be exercisable. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.9. <u>Extension of Termination Date</u>. An Optionholder's Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Optionholder's Continuous Service for any reason would be prohibited at any time because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act or any other state or federal securities law or the rules of any securities exchange or interdealer quotation system, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the term of the Option in accordance with ***Section 6.1*** or (b) the expiration of a period after termination of the Participant's Continuous Service that is three months after the end of the period during which the exercise of the Option would be in violation of such registration or other securities law requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.10. <u>Disability of Optionholder</u>. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event that an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's Disability, the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date 12 months following such termination or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.11. <u>Death of Optionholder</u>. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event an Optionholder's Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder's death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death) by the Optionholder's estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option upon the Optionholder's death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (a) the date 12 months following the date of death or (b) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after the Optionholder's death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.12. <u>Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation</u>. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds $100,000, the Options or portions thereof which exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Non-qualified Stock Options.

7. <u>Provisions of Awards Other Than Options</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1. <u>Stock Appreciation Rights</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) <u>General</u>. Each Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this ***Section 7.1***, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone ("**Free Standing Rights**") or in tandem with an Option granted under the Plan ("**Related Rights**"). All such grants shall be exempt from, or comply with, the provisions of Section 409A 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) <u>Grant Requirements</u>. Any Related Right that relates to a Non-qualified Stock Option may be granted at the same time the Option is granted or at any time thereafter but before the exercise or expiration of the Option. Any Related Right that relates to an Incentive Stock Option must be granted at the same time the 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;(c) <u>Term of Stock Appreciation Rights</u>. The term of a Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee; *provided, however*, no Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable later than the tenth anniversary of the Grant 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;(d) <u>Vesting of Stock Appreciation Rights</u>. Each Stock Appreciation Right may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Stock Appreciation Right may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Stock Appreciation Rights may vary. No Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability in the terms of any Stock Appreciation Right upon the occurrence of a specified event, provided that if such Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, such acceleration of vesting and exercisability complies with the provisions of Section 409A 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;(e) <u>Exercise and Payment</u>. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the holder shall be entitled to receive from the Company an amount equal to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (ii) the exercise price specified in the Stock Appreciation Right or related Option. Payment with respect to the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be made on the date of exercise. Payment shall be made in the form of shares of Common Stock (with or without restrictions as to substantial risk of forfeiture and transferability, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion), cash or a combination thereof, 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;(f) <u>Exercise Price</u>. The exercise price of a Free Standing Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the Grant Date of such Stock Appreciation Right. A Related Right granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the grant of an Option and in conjunction therewith or in the alternative thereto shall have the same exercise price as the related Option, shall be transferable only upon the same terms and conditions as the related Option, and shall be exercisable only to the same extent as the related Option; *provided, however*, that a Stock Appreciation Right, by its terms, shall be exercisable only when the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right and related Option exceeds the exercise price per share thereof and no Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in tandem with an Option unless the Committee determines that the requirements of ***Section 7.1(b)*** are satisfied.

&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) <u>Reduction in the Underlying Option Shares</u>. Upon any exercise of a Related Right, the number of shares of Common Stock for which any related Option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number of shares for which the Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised. The number of shares of Common Stock for which a Related Right shall be exercisable shall be reduced upon any exercise of any related Option by the number of shares of Common Stock for which such Option has been exercised.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2. <u>Restricted 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) <u>General</u>. A Restricted Award is an Award of actual shares of Common Stock ("**Restricted Stock**") or hypothetical Common Stock units ("**Restricted Stock Units**") having a value equal to the Fair Market Value of an identical number of shares of Common Stock, which may, but need not, provide that such Restricted Award may not be sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of, pledged or hypothecated as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of any obligation or for any other purpose for such period (the "**Restricted Period**") as the Committee shall determine. Each Restricted Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Restricted Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this ***Section 7.2***, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable 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;(b) <u>Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units</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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Each Participant granted Restricted Stock shall execute and deliver to the Company an Award Agreement with respect to the Restricted Stock setting forth the restrictions and other terms and conditions applicable to such Restricted Stock. If the Committee determines that the Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than delivered to the Participant pending the release of the applicable restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (A) an escrow agreement satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable and (B) the appropriate blank stock power with respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreement. If a Participant fails to execute an agreement evidencing an Award of Restricted Stock and, if applicable, an escrow agreement and stock power, the Award shall be null and void. Subject to the restrictions set forth in the Award, the Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder as to such Restricted Stock, including the right to vote such Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends; *provided that*, any cash dividends and stock dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock shall similarly be held in escrow by the Company for the Participant's account, and interest may be credited on the amount of the cash dividends so placed in escrow at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee. The cash dividends or stock dividends so placed in escrow by the Committee and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed to the Participant in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, if applicable, upon the release of restrictions on such share and, if such share is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividends.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) The terms and conditions of a grant of Restricted Stock Units shall be reflected in an Award Agreement. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued at the time a Restricted Stock Unit is granted, and the Company will not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of any such Award. A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder. The Committee may also grant Restricted Stock Units with a deferral feature, if permitted in Section 409A of the Code, whereby settlement is deferred beyond the vesting date until the occurrence of a future payment date or event set forth in an Award Agreement ("**Deferred Stock Units**"). At the discretion of the Committee, each Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit (representing one share of Common Stock) may be credited with cash and stock dividends paid by the Company in respect of one share of Common Stock ("**Dividend Equivalents**"). Dividend Equivalents shall not be paid but shall be credited to the Participant's account, and interest may be credited on the amount of cash Dividend Equivalents credited to the Participant's account at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee. Dividend Equivalents credited to a Participant's account and attributable to any particular Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such Dividend Equivalents and earnings, if applicable, to the Participant upon settlement of such Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit and, if such Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such Dividend Equivalents.

&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) <u>Restrictions</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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Restricted Stock awarded to a Participant shall be subject to the following restrictions until the expiration of the Restricted Period, and to such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement: (A) if an escrow arrangement is used, the Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate; (B) the shares shall be subject to the restrictions on transferability set forth in the Award Agreement; (C) the shares shall be subject to forfeiture to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement; and (D) to the extent such shares are forfeited, the stock certificates shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant to such shares and as a stockholder with respect to such shares shall terminate without further obligation on the part 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Stock Units awarded to any Participant shall be subject to (A) forfeiture until the expiration of the Restricted Period, and satisfaction of any applicable Performance Goals during such period, to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement, and to the extent such Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units are forfeited, all rights of the Participant to such Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) The Committee shall have the authority to remove any or all of the restrictions on the Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Stock Units whenever it may determine that, by reason of changes in Applicable Laws or other changes in circumstances arising after the date the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units are granted, such action is 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;(d) <u>Restricted Period</u>. With respect to Restricted Awards, the Restricted Period shall commence on the Grant Date and end at the time or times set forth on a schedule established by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement. No Restricted Award may be granted or settled for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting in the terms of any Award Agreement upon the occurrence of a specified event, provided that if such Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, such acceleration is consistent with the provisions of Section 409A 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;(e) <u>Delivery of Restricted Stock and Settlement of Restricted Stock Units</u>. Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in ***Section* 7.2(c)** and the applicable Award Agreement shall be of no further force or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon such expiration, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his or her beneficiary, without charge, the stock certificate evidencing the shares of Restricted Stock which have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (to the nearest full share) and any cash dividends or stock dividends credited to the Participant's account with respect to such Restricted Stock and the interest thereon, if any. Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding Restricted Stock Units, or at the expiration of the deferral period with respect to any outstanding Deferred Stock Units, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his or her beneficiary, without charge, one share of Common Stock for each such outstanding vested Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit ("**Vested Unit**") and cash equal to any Dividend Equivalents credited with respect to each such Vested Unit in accordance with ***Section 7.2(b)(ii)*** hereof and the interest thereon or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to such Dividend Equivalents and the interest thereon, if any; *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 Common Stock in lieu of delivering only shares of Common Stock for Vested Units. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering shares of Common Stock, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock as of the date on which the Restricted Period lapsed in the case of Restricted Stock Units, or the delivery date in the case of Deferred Stock Units, with respect to each Vested Unit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Stock Restrictions</u>. Each certificate representing Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan shall bear a legend in such form as the Company deems appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.3. <u>Performance Share 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) <u>Grant of Performance Share Awards</u>. Each Performance Share Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Performance Share Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this ***Section 7.3****,* and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock or stock-denominated units subject to a Performance Share Award granted to any Participant; (ii) the performance period applicable to any Award; (iii) the conditions that must be satisfied for a Participant to earn an Award; and (iv) the other terms, conditions and restrictions of the 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) <u>Earning Performance Share Awards</u>. The number of Performance Shares earned by a Participant will depend on the extent to which the performance goals established by the Committee are attained within the applicable Performance Period, as determined by the Committee. No payout shall be made with respect to any Performance Share Award except upon written certification by the Committee that the minimum threshold performance goal(s) have been achieved.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.4. <u>Performance Compensation 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) <u>General</u>. The Committee shall have the authority, at the time of grant of any Award described in this Plan (other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the Grant Date), to designate such Award as a Performance Compensation Award. In addition, the Committee shall have the authority to make an Award of a cash bonus to any Participant and designate such Award as a Performance Compensation 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) <u>Eligibility</u>. The Committee will, in its sole discretion, designate within the first 90 days of a Performance Period (or such shorter or longer time period as the Committee shall determine) which Participants will be eligible to receive Performance Compensation Awards in respect of such Performance Period. However, designation of a Participant eligible to receive an Award hereunder for a Performance Period shall not in any manner entitle the Participant to receive payment in respect of any Performance Compensation Award for such Performance Period. The determination as to whether or not such Participant becomes entitled to payment in respect of any Performance Compensation Award shall be decided solely in accordance with the provisions of this ***Section 7.4****.* Moreover, designation of a Participant eligible to receive an Award hereunder for a particular Performance Period shall not require designation of such Participant eligible to receive an Award hereunder in any subsequent Performance Period and designation of one person as a Participant eligible to receive an Award hereunder shall not require designation of any other person as a Participant eligible to receive an Award hereunder in such period or in any other 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;(c) <u>Discretion of Committee with Respect to Performance Compensation Awards</u>. With regard to a particular Performance Period, the Committee shall have full discretion to select the length of such Performance Period (provided any such Performance Period shall be not less than one fiscal quarter in duration), the type(s) of Performance Compensation Awards to be issued, the Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s), the kind(s) and/or level(s) of the Performance Goal(s) that is (are) to apply to the Company and the Performance Formula. Within the first 90 days of a Performance Period (or such shorter or longer time period as the Committee shall determine), the Committee shall, with regard to the Performance Compensation Awards to be issued for such Performance Period, exercise its discretion with respect to each of the matters enumerated in the immediately preceding sentence of this ***Section 7.4(c)*** and record the same in writing.

&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) <u>Payment of Performance Compensation 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Condition to Receipt of Payment</u>. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant must be employed by the Company on the last day of a Performance Period to be eligible for payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award for such 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Limitation</u>. A Participant shall be eligible to receive payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award only to the extent that: (A) the Performance Goals for such period are achieved; and (B) the Performance Formula as applied against such Performance Goals determines that all or some portion of such Participant's Performance Compensation Award has been earned for 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) <u>Certification</u>. Following the completion of a Performance Period, the Committee shall review and certify in writing whether, and to what extent, the Performance Goals for the Performance Period have been achieved and, if so, calculate and certify in writing the amount of the Performance Compensation Awards earned for the period based upon the Performance Formula. The Committee shall then determine the actual size of each Participant's Performance Compensation Award for 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) <u>Use of Discretion</u>. The Committee shall not have the discretion to grant or provide payment in respect of Performance Compensation Awards for a Performance Period if the Performance Goals for such Performance Period have not been attained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) <u>Timing of Award Payments</u>. Performance Compensation Awards granted for a Performance Period shall be paid to Participants as soon as administratively practicable following completion of the certifications required by this ***Section 7.4*** but in no event later than 2 1/2 months following the end of the fiscal year during which the Performance Period is completed.

8. <u>Securities Law Compliance</u>. Each Award Agreement shall provide that no shares of Common Stock shall be purchased or sold thereunder unless and until (a) any then applicable requirements of state or federal laws and regulatory agencies have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel and (b) if required to do so by the Company, the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company a letter of investment intent in such form and containing such provisions as the Committee may require. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Awards; *provided, however*, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained.

9. <u>Use of Proceeds from Stock</u>. Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Awards, or upon exercise thereof, shall constitute the general funds of the Company.

10. <u>Miscellaneous</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.1. <u>Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting</u>. The Committee shall have the power to accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest, provided that if such Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, any such acceleration or exercisability or vesting is in compliance with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.2. <u>Stockholder Rights</u>. Except as provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, no Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Award pursuant to its terms and no adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distributions of other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such Common Stock certificate is issued, except as provided in ***Section 11*** hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.3. <u>No Employment or Other Service Rights</u>. Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (a) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without Cause or (b) the service of a Director pursuant to the By-laws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.4. <u>Transfer; Approved Leave of Absence</u>. For purposes of the Plan, no termination of employment by an Employee shall be deemed to result from either (a) a transfer of employment to the Company from an Affiliate or from the Company to an Affiliate, or from one Affiliate to another, or (b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the Employee's right to reemployment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee otherwise so provides in writing, in either case, except to the extent inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code if the applicable Award is subject thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.5. <u>Withholding Obligations</u>. To the extent provided by the terms of an Award Agreement and subject to the discretion of the Committee, the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under an Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company's right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (a) tendering a cash payment; (b) authorizing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Award, *provided, however*, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law; or (c) delivering to the Company previously owned and unencumbered shares of Common Stock of the Company.

11. <u>Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock</u>. In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in the capital structure of the Company by reason of any stock or extraordinary cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, an extraordinary corporate transaction such as any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange, or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the Grant Date of any Award, Awards granted under the Plan and any Award Agreements, the exercise price of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to all Awards stated in ***Section 4*** and the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which any one person may be granted Awards during any period stated in ***Section 4*** will be equitably adjusted or substituted, as to the number, price or kind of a share of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Awards to the extent necessary to preserve the economic intent of such Award. In the case of adjustments made pursuant to this ***Section 11***, unless the Committee specifically determines that such adjustment is in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates, the Committee shall, in the case of Incentive Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this ***Section 11*** will not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of the Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code and in the case of Non-qualified Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this ***Section 11*** will not constitute a modification of such Non-qualified Stock Options within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any adjustments made under this ***Section 11*** shall be made in a manner which does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.

12. <u>Effect of Change in Control</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.1. In the discretion of the Board and the Committee, any Award Agreement may provide, or the Board or the Committee may provide by amendment of any Award Agreement or otherwise, notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, that in the event of a Change in Control, Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights shall become immediately exercisable with respect to all or a specified portion of the shares subject to such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, and/or the Restricted Period shall expire immediately with respect to all or a specified portion of the shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.2. In addition, in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion and upon at least 10 days' advance notice to the affected persons, cancel any outstanding Awards and pay to the holders thereof, in cash or stock, or any combination thereof, the value of such Awards based upon the price per share of Common Stock received or to be received by other stockholders of the Company in the event. In the case of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right with an exercise price that equals or exceeds the price paid for a share of Common Stock in connection with the Change in Control, the Committee may cancel the Option or Stock Appreciation Right without the payment of consideration therefor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.3. The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

13. <u>Amendment of the Plan and Awards</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.1. <u>Amendment of Plan</u>. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate this Plan or any portion thereof at any time; *provided that* (a) no amendment to the persons eligible to receive Awards set forth in ***Section 1.2*** or to the maximum number of shares as to which Awards may be granted set forth in ***Section 4.1*** (except for adjustments pursuant to ***Section 11***), shall be made without stockholder approval, and (b) no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without stockholder approval if such approval is necessary to comply with any Applicable Laws (including, without limitation, as necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to this Plan or to prevent the Company from being denied a tax deduction under Section 162(m) of the Code); *and provided further*, that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant or any holder or beneficiary of any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the prior written consent of the affected Participant, holder or beneficiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.2. <u>Contemplated Amendments</u>. It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible Employees, Consultants and Directors with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options or to the nonqualified deferred compensation provisions of Section 409A of the Code and/or to bring the Plan and/or Awards granted under it into compliance therewith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.3. <u>No Impairment of Rights</u>. Rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (a) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (b) the Participant consents in writing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.4. <u>Amendment of Awards</u>. The Committee may, to the extent consistent with the terms of any applicable Award Agreement, waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Award theretofore granted or the associated Award Agreement, prospectively or retroactively; *provided, however* that any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant with respect to any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant.

14. <u>General Provisions</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.1. <u>Forfeiture Events</u>. The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant's rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain events, in addition to applicable vesting conditions of an Award. Such events may include, without limitation, breach of non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that are contained in the Award Agreement or otherwise applicable to the Participant, a termination of the Participant's Continuous Service for Cause, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company and/or its Affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.2. <u>Clawback</u>. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, any Award which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.3. <u>Other Compensation Arrangements</u>. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to stockholder approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.4. <u>Sub-plans</u>. The Committee may from time to time establish sub-plans under the Plan for purposes of satisfying blue sky, securities, tax or other laws of various jurisdictions in which the Company intends to grant Awards. Any sub-plans shall contain such limitations and other terms and conditions as the Committee determines are necessary or desirable. All sub-plans shall be deemed a part of the Plan, but each sub-plan shall apply only to the Participants in the jurisdiction for which the sub-plan was designed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.5. <u>Deferral of Awards</u>. The Committee may establish one or more programs under the Plan to permit selected Participants the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of consideration upon exercise of an Award, satisfaction of performance criteria, or other event that absent the election would entitle the Participant to payment or receipt of shares of Common Stock or other consideration under an Award. The Committee may establish the election procedures, the timing of such elections, the mechanisms for payments of, and accrual of interest or other earnings, if any, on amounts, shares or other consideration so deferred, and such other terms, conditions, rules and procedures that the Committee deems advisable for the administration of any such deferral program. All of such programs and procedures shall be consistent with the rules of Section 409A of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.6. <u>Unfunded Plan</u>. The Plan shall be unfunded. Neither the Company, the Board nor the Committee shall be required to establish any special or separate fund or to segregate any assets to assure the performance of its obligations under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.7. <u>Recapitalizations</u>. Each Award Agreement shall contain provisions required to reflect the provisions of ***Section 11****.*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.8. <u>Delivery</u>. Upon exercise of a right granted under this Plan, the Company shall issue Common Stock or pay any amounts due within a reasonable period of time thereafter. Subject to any statutory or regulatory obligations the Company may otherwise have, for purposes of this Plan, thirty (30) days shall be considered a reasonable period of time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.9. <u>No Fractional Shares</u>. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, additional Awards or other securities or property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.10. <u>Other Provisions</u>. The Award Agreements authorized under the Plan may contain such other provisions not inconsistent with this Plan, including, without limitation, restrictions upon the exercise of the Awards, as the Committee may deem advisable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.11. <u>Section 409A</u>. The Plan and all Awards granted under the Plan are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan and all Awards Agreements shall be interpreted and administered to be 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. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or any Award Agreement, to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, amounts that would otherwise be payable and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to the Plan or Award Agreement 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). Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company 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;14.12. <u>Disqualifying Dispositions</u>. Any Participant who shall make a "disposition" (as defined in Section 424 of the Code) of all or any portion of shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option within two years from the Grant Date of such Incentive Stock Option or within one year after the issuance of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of such Incentive Stock Option (a "**Disqualifying Disposition**") shall be required to immediately advise the Company in writing as to the occurrence of the sale and the price realized upon the sale of such shares of Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.13. <u>Section 16</u>. It is the intent of the Company that the Plan satisfy, and be interpreted in a manner that satisfies, the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act so that Participants will be entitled to the benefit of Rule 16b-3, or any other rule promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and will not be subject to short-swing liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, if the operation of any provision of the Plan would conflict with the intent expressed in this ***Section 14.13****,* such provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted and/or deemed amended so as to avoid such conflict.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.14. <u>Beneficiary Designation</u>. Each Participant under the Plan may from time to time name any beneficiary or beneficiaries by whom any right under the Plan is to be exercised in case of such Participant's death. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form reasonably prescribed by the Committee and shall be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant's lifetime.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.15. <u>Expenses</u>. The costs of administering the Plan shall be paid by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.16. <u>Severability</u>. If any of the provisions of the Plan or any Award Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, whether in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.17. <u>Plan Headings</u>. The headings in the Plan are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the provisions hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.18. <u>Non-Uniform Treatment</u>. The Committee's determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who are eligible to receive, or actually receive, Awards. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled to make non-uniform and selective determinations, amendments and adjustments, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements.

15. <u>Effective Date of Plan</u>. The Plan shall become effective as of the Effective Date.

16. <u>Termination or Suspension of the Plan</u>. The Plan shall terminate automatically on _________, 2036. No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any earlier date pursuant to ***Section 13.1*** hereof, provided any such suspension or termination is consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

17. <u>Choice of Law</u>. Except to the extent governed by Federal law, the law of the State of Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state's conflict of law rules.