# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001833214
**File Stem:** 0001193125-25-192856
**Filing Date:** 2025-8
**Character Count:** 209512
**Document Hash:** da9706080582a1260c24d377b94295ae
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-25-192856.hdr.sgml**: 20250829

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-25-192856

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: DEF 14A

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 7

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20250926

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250829

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250829

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001833214
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS (NO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES) [2836]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 03 Life Sciences
- **EIN:** 853899721
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** DEF 14A
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-39871
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251282134

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 777 W 41ST ST
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 401
- **CITY:** MIAMI BEACH
- **STATE:** FL
- **ZIP:** 33140
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 305-845-2813

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 777 W 41ST ST
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 401
- **CITY:** MIAMI BEACH
- **STATE:** FL
- **ZIP:** 33140

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Big Cypress Acquisition Corp.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20201120

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

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**SCHEDULE 14A** 

**(Rule 14a-101)** 

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT** 

**SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION** 

**Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the** 

**Securities Exchange Act of 1934** 

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Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

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 Pursuant to §240.14a-12

**SAB BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.**

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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

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**August 29, 2025**

To our stockholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. special meeting of stockholders (the "Special Meeting"). The Special Meeting will be held virtually on September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)approve the potential issuance in excess of 19.99% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Common Stock"), upon the conversion of the Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), at less than the "minimum price" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), and which may deemed a "change of control" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635, pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock governing the Series B Preferred Stock;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)approve an amendment to the Company's 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Plan") to, among other things, (i) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available to Plan participants thereunder by 24,180,000 shares to an aggregate of 31,932,466 shares, and (ii) increase the maximum number of additional shares available for issuance pursuant to the annual evergreen increase from 10,000,000 shares to 73,750,000 shares; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Your vote is important. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the Special Meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Special Meeting, and we hope you will vote as soon as possible. You may vote by proxy over the Internet, by telephone or by mail by following the instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction card. Voting over the Internet, by telephone, or by mail will ensure your representation at the Special Meeting regardless of whether you attend the virtual Special Meeting.

Thank you for your ongoing support of, and continued interest in, SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Sincerely,

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| */s/ Samuel J. Reich* |
| Samuel J. Reich |
| *Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board* |

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![img237283619_0.jpg](img237283619_0.jpg)

**777 W 41**<sup>st</sup> **Street**

**Suite 401**

**Miami Beach, Florida 33140**

**NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS** 

**TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2025**

To the Stockholders of SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc.:

Notice is hereby given that the Special Meeting of Stockholders of SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be held virtually on September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time (the "Special Meeting"). There will not be an option to attend the Special Meeting at a physical location.

At the Special Meeting, the stockholders of the Company will be asked to consider and take action on the following proposals:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) to approve the potential issuance in excess of 19.99% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Common Stock"), upon the conversion of the Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), at less than the "minimum price" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), and which may deemed a "change of control" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635, pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock governing the Series B Preferred Stock;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) to approve an amendment to the Company's 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Plan") to, among other things, (i) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available to Plan participants thereunder by 24,180,000 shares to an aggregate of 31,932,466 shares, and (ii) increase the maximum number of additional shares available for issuance pursuant to the annual evergreen increase from 10,000,000 shares to 73,750,000 shares; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) to transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

The matters listed in this Notice are described in detail in the accompanying Proxy Statement. The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come before the Special Meeting.

Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on August 25, 2025 as the record date (the "Record Date") for determining those stockholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting or any adjournment of our Special Meeting. Stockholders on the Record Date will be able to attend the Special Meeting virtually and to vote and submit questions during the Special Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM and entering the control number on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.

**IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 AT 10:00 AM EASTERN TIME.**

This Notice, the accompany Proxy Statement, and any other materials concerning the Special Meeting, together with any amendments to any of these materials, are available on the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting virtually, please vote over the telephone or via the internet as instructed in Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or by completing, signing and returning the proxy card mailed to as promptly as possible to ensure your representation at the Special Meeting. To ensure that your vote will be counted, please cast your vote before 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on September 25, 2025. Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote online if you attend the Special Meeting. Stockholders who attend the Special Meeting should follow the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM to vote online at the Special Meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares

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are held of record by a bank, broker or other nominee and you wish to vote at the Special Meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record holder.

By order of the Board of Directors,

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| */s/ Samuel J. Reich* |
| Samuel J. Reich |
| *Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board* |

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**SAB BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.** 

**PROXY STATEMENT** 

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Page** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTING</u>](#informationaboutthespecialmeeting) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| [<u>PROPOSAL 1: TO APPROVE THE POTENTIAL ISSUANCE IN EXCESS OF 19.99% OF OUR OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK UPON THE CONVERSION OF THE SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK AT LESS THAN THE "MINIMUM PRICE" UNDER NASDAQ LISTING RULE 5635(D), AND WHICH MAY BE DEEMED A "CHANGE OF CONTROL" UNDER NASDAQ LISTING RULE 5635(B), PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF PREFERENCES, RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS OF SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK GOVERNING THE SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK</u>](#proposal1) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>PROPOSAL 2: TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO 2021 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN</u>](#proposal2) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT</u>](#securityownership) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS</u>](#householdingofproxymaterials) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>OTHER MATTERS</u>](#othermatters) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</u>](#whereyoucanfindadditionalinfo) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>APPENDIX A: AMENDMENT TO THE 2021 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN</u>](#appendixa) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22 |

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![img237283619_0.jpg](img237283619_0.jpg)

**777 W 41**<sup>st</sup> **Street**

**Suite 401**

**Miami Beach, Florida 33140**

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**PROXY STATEMENT** 

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# INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTING
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. ("SAB," "we," "our," "us" or "the Company") to be voted at our Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special Meeting") to be held on September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time in a virtual meeting format only at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM. The Board knows of no matters to come before the Special Meeting other than those described in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters properly come before the Special Meeting (or any adjournment thereof), the persons named in the proxy card as proxies will vote on such matters in their discretion in accordance with their best judgment.

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| **Matters to be Voted on at the Special Meeting.** | At the Special Meeting, the stockholders of the Company will be asked to consider and take action on the following proposals:<br>(1) to approve the potential issuance in excess of 19.99% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Common Stock") upon the conversion of the Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), at less than the "minimum price" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), and which may deemed a "change of control" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635, pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series B Certificate of Designation") governing the Series B Preferred Stock (the "Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal"); <br>(2) to approve an amendment (the "Plan Amendment") to the Company's 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Plan") to, among other things, (i) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available to Plan participants thereunder by 24,180,000 shares to an aggregate of 31,932,466 shares, and (ii) increase the maximum number of additional shares available for issuance pursuant to the annual evergreen increase from 10,000,000 shares to 73,750,000 shares (the "Plan Amendment Proposal"); and<br>(3) to transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. |

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| **Stockholders entitled to vote.** | Only stockholders of record of our Common Stock at the close of business on August 25, 2025 (the "Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. At the close of business on the Record Date, there were 10,411,061 shares of Common Stock outstanding.<br>*Common Stock*: Each share of our Common Stock outstanding as of the Record Date is entitled to one vote per share on all matters properly brought before the Special Meeting.<br>*Preferred Stock*: Each share our Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Series A-2 Preferred Stock") and each share of our Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A-3 Preferred Stock" and together with the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, the "Series A Preferred Stock") outstanding as of the Record Date has the right to vote on all matters presented to the stockholders for approval, together with the shares of Common Stock, voting together as a single class, on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, based on a conversion price of $6.30 per share  |

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and stated value of $1,000 per share. The voting of the Series A Preferred Stock is limited by the SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series A Certificate of Designations"). Pursuant to the Series A Certificate of Designations, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote their shares of Series A Preferred Stock in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation (the "blocker") set forth in the Series A Certificate of Designations, as it relates to each holder of Series A Preferred Stock. As of the Record Date, the "blocker" for certain holders of Series A Preferred Stock had been reached, and as such, only 688 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. <br>Shares of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote on the matters to be voted upon at this Special Meeting. <br>A complete list of registered stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will be available for ten days prior to the Special Meeting for any purposes germane to the Special Meeting between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., at our principal executive offices at 777 W 41st Street, Suite 401, Miami Beach, Florida 33140, by contacting the Secretary of the Company. <br>As of the Record Date, the following shares of the Company are issued and outstanding:<br>•10,411,061 shares of Common Stock; and<br>•688 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are convertible into 688,000 shares of Common Stock.<br>Therefore, for purposes of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal and the Plan Amendment Proposal, there are 11,099,061 shares (on an as-converted to Common Stock basis) entitled to vote as of the Record Date, consisting of all shares of Common Stock outstanding and 688 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. <br>

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| **Attending the virtual meeting.** | Stockholders of record as of August 25, 2025 will be able to participate in the Special Meeting by visiting the Special Meeting website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM. To participate in the Special Meeting, you will need the control number included on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.<br>The Special Meeting will begin promptly on September 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.<br>Online check-in will begin on September 26, 2025 at 9:45 AM Eastern Time, and you should allow approximately 15 minutes for the online check-in procedures. |

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| **How to vote.** | Whether or not you plan to virtually attend the Special Meeting and regardless of the number of shares of Common Stock and/or Series A Preferred Stock that you own, please vote as soon as possible.<br>Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name<br>If, on the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote online during the Special Meeting, vote by proxy through the internet or telephone or vote by proxy using a proxy card that you may request or that was delivered to you. Whether or not you intend to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy through the internet or telephone as instructed below, or by completing a proxy card as soon as possible.<br>You may vote using the following methods: | Whether or not you plan to virtually attend the Special Meeting and regardless of the number of shares of Common Stock and/or Series A Preferred Stock that you own, please vote as soon as possible.<br>Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name<br>If, on the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote online during the Special Meeting, vote by proxy through the internet or telephone or vote by proxy using a proxy card that you may request or that was delivered to you. Whether or not you intend to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy through the internet or telephone as instructed below, or by completing a proxy card as soon as possible.<br>You may vote using the following methods: |
| **How to vote.** | ![img237283619_1.jpg](img237283619_1.jpg) | Go to http://www.proxyvote.com to complete an electronic proxy card. You will be asked to provide the control number included on your proxy card that was delivered to you. Your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on September 25, 2025 to be counted. |
| **How to vote.** | ![img237283619_2.jpg](img237283619_2.jpg) | To vote over the telephone, dial 1-800-690-6903 using a touch-tone telephone and follow the recorded instructions (have your proxy card in hand when you call). Telephone voting  |

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|  | is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 25, 2025. |
| ![img237283619_3.jpg](img237283619_3.jpg) | Complete, sign, date and return the proxy card that you may request or that was delivered to you and return it promptly in the envelope provided. If you return your signed proxy card to use before the Special Meeting, your shares will be voted as you direct. |
| In addition, you may vote online during the Special Meeting. To do so, during the Special Meeting, visit our Special Meeting website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM. You will be asked to provide the control number included on your proxy card that you request or that was delivered to you or the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. Once you have logged onto the Special Meeting, please follow the instructions to vote your shares. If you do not have your control number, you will be able to access and listen to the Special Meeting, but you will not be able to vote your shares or submit questions.<br>*Beneficial Ownership: Shares Registered in the Name of Bank, broker or other nominee*<br>If, on the Record Date, your shares were held not in your name, but rather in an account at a bank, broker or other nominee, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name." Your bank, broker or other nominee is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Special Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you should have received a notice containing voting instructions from your bank, broker or other nominee rather than from us. Simply follow the instructions in the notice to ensure that your vote is counted. Please also note that since you are not the stockholder of record, you may only vote your shares during the Special Meeting if you request and obtain a valid control number from your bank, broker or other nominee. Beneficial owners who attend the Special Meeting should follow the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM to vote during the Special Meeting.<br>If, on the Record Date, your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote online during the Special Meeting, vote by proxy through the internet or telephone or vote by proxy using a proxy card that you may request or that was delivered to you. Whether or not you intend to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy through the internet or telephone, or by completing a proxy card as soon as possible. | In addition, you may vote online during the Special Meeting. To do so, during the Special Meeting, visit our Special Meeting website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM. You will be asked to provide the control number included on your proxy card that you request or that was delivered to you or the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. Once you have logged onto the Special Meeting, please follow the instructions to vote your shares. If you do not have your control number, you will be able to access and listen to the Special Meeting, but you will not be able to vote your shares or submit questions.<br>*Beneficial Ownership: Shares Registered in the Name of Bank, broker or other nominee*<br>If, on the Record Date, your shares were held not in your name, but rather in an account at a bank, broker or other nominee, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name." Your bank, broker or other nominee is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Special Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you should have received a notice containing voting instructions from your bank, broker or other nominee rather than from us. Simply follow the instructions in the notice to ensure that your vote is counted. Please also note that since you are not the stockholder of record, you may only vote your shares during the Special Meeting if you request and obtain a valid control number from your bank, broker or other nominee. Beneficial owners who attend the Special Meeting should follow the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM to vote during the Special Meeting.<br>If, on the Record Date, your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote online during the Special Meeting, vote by proxy through the internet or telephone or vote by proxy using a proxy card that you may request or that was delivered to you. Whether or not you intend to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy through the internet or telephone, or by completing a proxy card as soon as possible. |

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| **Quorum.** | The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock (on an as-converted to Common Stock basis), subject to the Series A Certificate of Designations, entitled to vote at the Special Meeting as of the Record Date must be virtually present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting in order to hold the Special Meeting and conduct business. This presence is called a quorum. Your shares are counted as present at the Special Meeting if you are virtually present and vote at the Special Meeting or if you have properly submitted a proxy. <br>Abstentions are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. If there is no quorum, the Special Meeting may be adjourned to another date by the chairman of the meeting. <br>Pursuant to the Series A Certificate of Designations, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote their shares of Series A Preferred Stock in excess of the "blocker" set forth in the Series A Certificate of Designations, as it relates to each holder of Series A Preferred Stock. As of the Record Date, the "blocker" for certain holders of Series A Preferred Stock had been reached. As such, only 688 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting and will be counted toward the quorum.<br>Shares of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote on the matters to be voted upon at this Special Meeting and therefore are not counted toward the quorum.  |

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| **Broker non-votes.** | Banks and brokers acting as nominees are permitted to use discretionary voting authority to vote proxies for proposals that are deemed "routine" by the New York Stock Exchange, which means that  |

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they can submit a proxy or cast a ballot on behalf of stockholders who do not provide a specific voting instruction. Brokers and banks are not permitted to use discretionary voting authority to vote proxies for proposals that are deemed "non-routine" by the New York Stock Exchange. The determination of which proposals are deemed "routine" versus "non-routine" may not be made by the New York Stock Exchange until after the date on which this Proxy Statement has been mailed to you. As such, it is important that you provide voting instructions to your bank, broker or other nominee, if you wish to ensure that your shares are present and voted at the Special Meeting on all matters and if you wish to direct the voting of your shares on "routine" matters.<br>When there is at least one "routine" matter to be considered at a meeting, a broker "non-vote" occurs when a proposal is deemed "non-routine" and a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not have discretionary voting authority with respect to the "non-routine" matter being considered and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner.<br>The approval of each of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal and the Plan Amendment Proposal is generally not considered to be a "routine" matter and banks or brokers are not permitted to vote on these matters if the bank or broker has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Accordingly, it is particularly important that beneficial owners instruct their brokers how they wish to vote their shares for the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal and the Plan Amendment Proposal. <br>

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| **Vote Required to Approve each Proposal.** | Assuming that a quorum is present, the following votes will be required:<br>**Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal**. With respect to the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is required to approve this proposal. Shares that are not represented at the Special Meeting, abstentions, if any, and, if this proposal is deemed to be "non-routine," broker non-votes with respect to this proposal will not affect the outcome of the vote on this proposal. If this proposal is deemed to be "routine," no broker non-votes will occur on this proposal.<br>**Plan Amendment Proposal**. With respect to Plan Amendment Proposal, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is required to approve this proposal. Shares that are not represented at the Special Meeting, abstentions, if any, and, if this proposal is deemed to be "non-routine," broker non-votes with respect to this proposal will not affect the outcome of the vote on this proposal. If this proposal is deemed to be "routine," no broker non-votes will occur on this proposal. |

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| **How to revoke your proxy.** | Your proxy is revocable. The procedure you must follow to revoke your proxy depends on how you hold your shares.<br>If you are a registered holder of our Common Stock and/or Series A Preferred Stock, you may revoke a previously submitted proxy by submitting another valid proxy (whether by telephone, the Internet or mail) or by providing a signed letter of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of the Company before the closing of the polls at the Special Meeting on September 26, 2025. Only the latest-dated validly executed proxy will count. You also may revoke any previously submitted proxy and vote your shares online during the virtual special meeting; however, simply attending the Special Meeting in virtual format without taking one of the above actions will not revoke your proxy.<br>If you hold shares in "street name," in general, you may revoke a previously submitted voting instruction by submitting to your bank, broker or other nominee another valid voting instruction (whether by telephone, the Internet or mail) or a signed letter of revocation. Please contact your bank, broker or other nominee for detailed instructions on how to revoke your voting instruction and the applicable deadlines. Please note that your attendance at the virtual special meeting in and of itself will not be sufficient to revoke your proxy. |

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| **Expenses and solicitation.** | We will bear the cost for the solicitation of proxies, including printing and mailing costs. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may also be solicited personally by directors, officers and employees of the Company, without additional compensation to these individuals. We will request that banks, brokers and other firms holding shares in their names that are beneficially owned by others forward proxy materials to and obtain proxies from such beneficial owners, and will, upon request, reimburse such banks, brokers and other firms for their reasonable out-of-pocket costs. |

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| **Other matters.** | We are not aware of any matters to be presented at the Special Meeting other than those described in this Proxy Statement. If any matters not described in this Proxy Statement are properly presented at the Special Meeting, the proxy holders will use their own judgment to determine how to vote your shares. If the Special Meeting is adjourned or postponed, the proxy holders can vote your shares at the new meeting as well unless you have subsequently revoked your proxy. |

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| **Vote results.** | The preliminary results of the voting on the proposals will be reported at the Special Meeting. The final certified results of the voting will be reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days after the Special Meeting. |

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| **Who should I call if I have additional questions?** | You may contact our transfer agent by writing Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 1 State Street, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10014. You may also contact our transfer agent via email at cstmail@continentalstock.com or by telephone at (212) 509-4000. |

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# PROPOSAL 1: TO APPROVE THE POTENTIAL ISSUANCE IN EXCESS OF 19.99% OF OUR OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK UPON THE CONVERSION OF UP TO 2,500,000 SHARES OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK AT LESS THAN THE "MINIMUM PRICE" UNDER NASDAQ LISTING RULE 5635(D), AND WHICH MAY BE DEEMED A "CHANGE OF CONTROL" UNDER NASDAQ LISTING RULE 5635(B), PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF PREFERENCES, RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS OF SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK GOVERNING THE SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
We are asking our stockholders to consider and vote upon a proposal that provides for the potential issuance of a number of shares of our Common Stock in excess of 19.99% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock upon the conversion of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, and shares of Series B Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise of Enrollment Date Warrants and Release Date Warrants (each as defined below), that we issued in a private placement in July 2025 at less than the "minimum price" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), and which may be deemed a "change of control" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(b), pursuant to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock.

On July 21, 2025, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with certain accredited investors (the "Investors"), pursuant to which we issued and sold, in a private placement (the "Offering"), (i) 1,000,000 shares (the "Shares") of Series B Preferred Stock, convertible into 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Conversion Shares"), (ii) release date purchase warrants (the "Release Date Warrants") to purchase up to 500,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the "Release Date Warrant Shares"), and (iii) enrollment date purchase warrants (the "Enrollment Date Warrants", and together with the Release Date Warrants, the "Warrants") to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the "Enrollment Warrant Shares" and together with the Release Date Warrant Shares, the "Warrant Shares"). Pursuant to the Series B Certificate of Designation, which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 21, 2025, each share of Series B Preferred Stock, subject to stockholder approval of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal at the Special Meeting, converts automatically into shares of Common Stock, at a conversion price of $1.75 per Conversion Share (the "Conversion Price"), subject to certain adjustments and subject to a conversion cap that limits the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock such that an Investor may not beneficially own more than 4.99% (the "Maximum Percentage") of the shares of Common Stock that would be issued and outstanding following such conversion. An Investor may decrease or increase the Maximum Percentage by written notice to the Company from time to time to any other percentage not in excess of 19.99%, provided that any increase in the Maximum Percentage will not be effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants of the Company and the Investors.

Each Enrollment Date Warrant is exercisable at a price of $175 per Enrollment Warrant Share beginning upon receipt of the stockholder approval of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal until the earlier of (x) five years from the date of issuance and (y) 30 trading days after notice of the Phase II Enrollment Date (as defined in the Enrollment Date Warrant). Each Release Date Warrant is exercisable at a price of $218.75 per Release Date Warrant Share beginning upon receipt of the stockholder approval of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal until the earlier of (x) five years from the date of issuance and (y) 30 trading days after notice of the Phase II Release Date (as defined in the Release Date Warrant).

Subject to the terms and limitations contained in the Series B Certificate of Designation, the Series B Preferred Stock issued in the Offering will not become convertible until the Company's stockholders approve the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal at this Special Meeting. On the first trading day following the announcement of the stockholder approval of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal, each outstanding share of Series B Preferred Stock that was issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement shall automatically convert into Common Stock, at the Conversion Price, subject to the terms and limitations contained in the Series B Certificate of Designation.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to voting rights on matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.

## Why We Need Stockholder Approval
Our Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, and as a result, we are subject to Nasdaq's Listing Rules, including Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635. Below is an overview of the relevant provisions of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635 as they relate to the issuance of Common Stock upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal.

<u>Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d)(2)</u> 

Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d)(2), stockholder approval is required prior to the issuance of securities in connection with a transaction (or a series of related transactions) other than a public offering involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance of Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Stock) equal to 20% or more of the Common Stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance at a price that is less than the lower of (i) the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement; or (ii) the average Nasdaq Official

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Closing Price of the Common Stock (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement (the "Minimum Price"). On July 18, 2025, the last trading date prior to the signing of the Purchase Agreement, the closing price of our Common Stock was $2.57 and the average closing price of our Common Stock for the five trading days immediately preceding July 18, 2025 was $2.686. As described above, upon stockholder approval of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal, each share of Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert into Common Stock, at the conversion price of $1.75 per Conversion Share, subject to the terms and limitations contained in the Series B Certificate of Designation. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Series B Certificate of Designation, at the option of the Investor thereof, each share of Series B Preferred Stock, and upon exercise of the Warrants, the Warrant Shares, shall be convertible into Common Stock at the Conversion Price following approval of Proposal 1.

In addition to the stated conversion price of $1.75 per Conversion Share described above, Nasdaq attributes a value of $0.125 to each warrant plus any amount that a warrant is currently in the money or could be in the money due to adjustments. Therefore, in order for the Offering to have been conducted at or above the Minimum Price, each purchaser would have been required to pay $0.125 per warrant, which amount was not paid by the purchasers in the Offering. Therefore, the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock may result in the issuance of Common Stock in excess of 19.99% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock at less than the Minimum Price. Accordingly, we are seeking stockholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d)(2). The stockholder approval requirement described above was included in the Purchase Agreement and Series B Certificate of Designation to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d)(2).

<u>Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(b)</u> 

Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(b), stockholder approval is required prior to an issuance of securities that could result in a "change of control" of a listed company, which for Nasdaq purposes, is generally deemed to occur when, as a result of an issuance, an investor or a group of investors acquires, or has the right to acquire, 20% or more of the outstanding equity or voting power of the company and such ownership or voting power would be the company's largest ownership position. As described above, upon stockholder approval of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal, each share of Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert into Common Stock, and upon exercise of the Warrants, the Warrant Shares shall be convertible into Common Stock, in each case subject to the terms and limitations contained in the Series B Certificate of Designation. As a result, the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement may result in the issuance of shares of Common Stock in excess of 19.99% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock as of the date of the Purchase Agreement. Accordingly, we are also seeking stockholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(b).

## Potential Effects of Approval of this Proposal
If the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal is approved, the issuance of shares of our Common Stock upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock would dilute, and thereby reduce, each existing stockholder's proportionate ownership in our Common Stock. For example, the Series B Certificate of Designation provides that on the 1st trading day following the Company's announcement of stockholder approval of the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal, the Series B Preferred Stock will automatically convert into Common Stock, at the conversion price of $1.75 per Conversion Share, subject to the terms and limitations contained in the Series B Certificate of Designation, resulting in the issuance of approximately 100 million shares of Common Stock, which would increase our Common Stock outstanding as of August 25, 2025 from 10,411,061 shares to 110,411,061 shares (an increase of 1,061%); provided that if the issuance of Common Stock upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock would result in a holder exceeding the Maximum Percentage, such excess shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall not be convertible. Furthermore, conversion of all Series B Preferred Stock (including shares of Series B Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Enrollment Date Warrants and Release Date Warrants), subject to the terms and limitations contained in the Series B Certificate of Designation, would result in the issuance of approximately 250 million shares of Common Stock which would increase our Common Stock Outstanding as of August 25, 2025 from 10,411,061 shares to 260,411,061 shares (an increase of 2,501%). Our stockholders do not have preemptive rights to subscribe to additional shares that may be issued by us upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock in order to maintain their proportionate ownership of the Common Stock. Such issuances could also dilute the voting power of a person seeking control of the Company, thereby deterring or rendering more difficult a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or an extraordinary corporate transaction opposed by the Company. In addition, upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock there would be a greater number of shares of our Common Stock eligible for sale in the public markets. Any such sales, or the anticipation of the possibility of such sales, represents an overhang on the market and could depress the market price of our Common Stock.

## Potential Effects of Non-Approval of this Proposal
If the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal is not approved by our stockholders at the Special Meeting, the Series B Preferred Stock will not become convertible into Common Stock and the Warrants will not become exercisable for Series B Preferred Stock. Accordingly, we will be unable to issue any shares of Common Stock underlying the Series B Preferred Stock. Additionally,

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pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement we are obligated to submit the Series B Nasdaq Conversion Proposal for approval of our stockholders at least semi-annually until such approval is obtained. Additionally, pursuant to the Series B Certificate of Designation, unless prohibited by (i) Delaware law governing distributions to stockholders or (ii) applicable stock exchange rule or regulation, at any time following the 13 month anniversary of the date of initial issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and ending on the three year anniversary of such date, the Series B Preferred Stock shall be redeemed by us at a price equal to the then-applicable Liquidation Preference (as defined in the Series B Certificate of Designation) not more than 60 days after receipt from the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock of written notice requesting redemption of all shares of Series B Preferred Stock (such date, the "Redemption Date"). Holders of Series B Preferred Stock may elect to be excluded from such redemption, in which case the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such holder shall not be redeemed and we shall pay interest on the Redemption Price (as defined in the Series B Certificate of Designation) applicable to such shares of Series B Preferred Stock at an aggregate per annum rate equal to 10% (increased by one percent (1%) each month following the Redemption Date until the Redemption Price, and any interest thereon, is paid in full), with such interest to accrue daily in arrears and be compounded annually, subject to the terms and limitations set forth in the Series B Certificate of Designation.

## Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is required to approve this proposal. Shares that are not represented at the Special Meeting, abstentions, if any, and, if this proposal is deemed to be "non-routine," broker non-votes with respect to this proposal will not affect the outcome of the vote on this proposal. If this proposal is deemed to be "routine," no broker non-votes will occur on this proposal.

**THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 1.**

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# PROPOSAL 2: TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO 2021 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
We are asking our stockholders to approve the Plan Amendment to the existing SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. Upon recommendation of the compensation committee, the Board approved the Plan Amendment, subject to receipt of stockholder approval, and has recommended that stockholders approve this Proposal 2 to approve the Plan Amendment. Equity-based compensation is an important component of our compensation philosophy because it provides employees with long-term exposure to the Company's performance and aligns employees' interests with those of our stockholders. Approval of the Plan Amendment will allow us to continue to grant equity compensation awards to our employees, officers, and directors in furtherance of this philosophy.

We are asking our stockholders to approve the Plan Amendment, which includes the following material amendments (along with certain other clarifying changes):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Increases the number of shares authorized for use in making awards under the Plan by 24,180,000 shares to 31,932,466 shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Increase the number of shares authorized for use in making awards under the Plan pursuant to the "evergreen" clause, from a maximum of 10,000,000 shares available to a maximum of 73,750,000 shares available.

The Company's officers and directors have an interest in this Proposal 2 due to their participation in the Plan. The reason for seeking stockholder approval of Proposal 2 is to (i) satisfy certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), related to incentive stock option plans, and (ii) satisfy certain requirements applicable Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. Additionally, the Board believes that to enable the Company to continue to attract and retain personnel of the highest caliber, provide incentive for officers, directors, employees and other key persons and to promote the well-being of the Company, it is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders to provide to officers, directors, employees, consultants and other independent contractors who perform services for the Company, through the granting of stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock or other stock-based awards, the opportunity to participate in the value and/or appreciation in value of the Company's Common Stock.

If our stockholders do not approve this Proposal 2, we will be unable to use equity compensation to the extent needed to provide competitive compensation to motivate our employees. If this Proposal 2 is not approved at the Special Meeting, we could be required to increase cash compensation to attract, retain and motivate our employees, which may compromise funding of our development programs. The Offering, though potentially transformative, involved substantial dilution to the Company's stockholders, including Plan participants. Following the Offering, we do not believe the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, prior to adoption of the Plan Amendment, is sufficient to motivate our employees in this manner. As a result, we are seeking approval of the Plan Amendment.

The Company's officers and directors strongly believe that equity awards are necessary to remain competitive in our industry and are essential to recruiting and retaining the highly qualified employees, directors and consultants who help the Company meet its goals. Equity awards align the interests of our employees and stockholders by giving directors, employees and consultants the perspective of an owner with an equity stake in the Company, and provide an effective means of recognizing their contributions to the success of the Company. If the Plan Amendment is not approved at the Special Meeting and we are then unable to offer equity awards as a component of compensation on agreeable terms, we will be at a disadvantage relative to other companies which will be able to offer more attractive and broad-based compensation packages to their executive officers, directors, and other key employees. The Company's officers and directors believe that the ability to grant equity awards is, now more than ever, critical to the future success of the Company and in the best interests of the Company's stockholders.

Equity awards form a core component of our compensation philosophies at it relates to our officers, other employees and non-employee directors. This Proposal 2 will give us flexibility as to any compensation packages we offer, which we believe is critical during times of extremely volatility and uncertainty. As a result, we believe our ability to hire, appoint, and retain key personnel would be negatively impacted by a failure to approve this Proposal 2.

The general description of the Plan Amendment set forth below is qualified in its entirety by and subject to the full text of the form of proposed amendment, which is attached as <u>Appendix A</u> hereto. If our stockholders fail to approve the Plan Amendment, the Plan Amendment will not be given effect and the current plan will continue as in effect prior to the Plan Amendment.

## Summary of the Proposed Amendment to the 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
Prior to the adoption of the Plan Amendment, up to a maximum of 5,500,000 shares of our Common Stock have been authorized for settlement of awards granted under the Plan without taking into account the annual evergreen increase. Additionally, prior to the adoption of the Plan Amendment, the number of shares authorized for issuance increased beginning in 2022, and through 2024, as of the first day of each fiscal year, by 2.0% of the number of our shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on a

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fully-diluted basis as of the last day of the preceding fiscal year (or such lesser number of shares as determined by our Board in its sole discretion). Beginning in 2025, the number of shares authorized for issuance increased beginning as of the first day of the fiscal year, by 5.0% of the number of our shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on a fully-diluted basis as of the last day of the preceding fiscal year (or such lesser number of shares as determined by our Board in its sole discretion), not to exceed 10,000,000 shares in total. Prior to the adoption of the Plan Amendment, 7,752,466 shares of our Common Stock have been authorized for settlement of awards granted under the Plan, which includes 2,252,466 shares reserved pursuant to the annual evergreen increases.

If the Plan Amendment is approved, (i) the number of shares of Common Stock that are available for delivery pursuant to awards granted under the Plan will increase from 7,752,466 shares to 31,932,466 shares, and (ii) the maximum number of additional shares available for issuance pursuant to the "evergreen" clause will increase from 10,000,000 shares to 73,750,000 shares.

## Summary of the Plan, as Amended by the Plan Amendment
The Plan covers the grant of awards to our employees (including officers), non-employee consultants and non-employee directors and those of our affiliates. As of June 30, 2025, 65 employees (including officers) and eight non-employee directors were eligible to participate in the Plan. For purposes of the Plan, our affiliates include any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity, with respect to which we, directly or indirectly, own either (i) stock possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total value of all shares of all classes of stock of such corporation, or (ii) an aggregate of more than fifty percent (50%) of the profits interest or capital interest of any non-corporate entity.

The compensation committee of the Board administers the Plan. The full Board must approve all decisions regarding awards to non-employee directors.

Up to a maximum of 31,932,466 shares of our Common Stock may be delivered in settlement of awards granted under the Plan. Beginning in 2025, the number of shares authorized for issuance increases, and occurring each year thereafter through 2031, by 5.0% of the number of our shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on a fully-diluted basis as of the last day of the preceding fiscal year (or such lesser number of shares as determined by our Board in its sole discretion). In no event, however, shall the aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to these annual increases under the Plan exceed 73,750,000 in total during the life of the Plan.

Up to a maximum of 31,932,466 shares of our Common Stock may be issued under the Plan pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options. The stock delivered to settle awards made under the Plan may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares, including shares repurchased by us for purposes of the Plan. If any shares subject to any award granted under the Plan (other than a substitute award as described below) is forfeited or otherwise terminated without delivery of such shares (or if such shares are returned to us due to a forfeiture restriction under such award), the shares subject to such awards will again be available for issuance under the Plan. However, any shares that are withheld or applied as payment for shares issued upon exercise of an award or for the withholding or payment of taxes due upon exercise of an award will continue to be treated as having been delivered under the Plan and will not again be available for grant under the Plan. Upon settlement of any stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), the number of shares underlying the portion of the SARs that is exercised will be treated as having been delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of shares available for grant under the Plan and shall not again be treated as available for issuance under the Plan.

If a dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, shares of Common Stock or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, subdivision, consolidation or reduction of capital, reorganization, merger, consolidation, scheme of arrangement, split-up, spin-off or combination involving us or repurchase or exchange of our shares or other securities, or other rights to purchase shares of our securities or other similar transaction or event affects our Common Stock such that the compensation committee determines that an adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits (or potential benefits) provided to grantees under the Plan, the compensation committee will make an equitable change or adjustment as it deems appropriate to the number of type of securities with respect to which awards may be granted, (ii) the number and type of securities subject to outstanding awards, (iii) the exercise price with respect to any option or SAR or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of such outstanding award, and (iv) the number and kind of outstanding restricted shares, or the shares underlying any other form of award.

***Types of Awards***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Plan permits the granting of any or all of the following types of awards to all grantees:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•stock options, including incentive stock options ("ISOs");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•stock appreciation rights ("SARs");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•restricted shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•deferred stock;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•restricted stock units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•performance units and performance shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•dividend equivalents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•bonus shares; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•other stock-based awards.

Generally, awards under the Plan are granted for no consideration other than prior and future services. Awards granted under the Plan may, in the discretion of the committee, be granted alone or in addition to, in tandem with or in substitution for, any other award under the Plan; provided, however, that if an SAR is granted in tandem with an ISO, the SAR and ISO must have the same grant date and term and the exercise price of the SAR may not be less than the exercise price of the ISO. The material terms of each award will be set forth in a written award agreement between the grantee and us.

***Stock Options and SARs***

The committee is authorized to grant SARs and stock options (including incentive stock options (ISOs) except that an ISO may only be granted to an employee of ours or one of our subsidiary corporations). A stock option allows a grantee to purchase a specified number of shares of our Common Stock at a predetermined price per share (the "exercise price") during a fixed period measured from the date of grant. An SAR entitles the grantee to receive the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of shares on the date of exercise over a predetermined exercise price per share. The exercise price of an option or an SAR will be determined by the committee and set forth in the applicable award agreement but the exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the grant date. The term of each option or SAR is determined by the committee and set forth in the applicable award agreement, except that the term may not exceed ten (10) years (or five (5) years if the grantee holds more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our capital stock).

Options may be exercised by payment of the purchase price through one or more of the following means: payment in cash (including personal check or wire transfer); delivering shares of our Common Stock previously owned by the grantee; or, with the approval of the compensation committee, (i) delivery of shares of our Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of such options, or (ii) the sale of shares acquired upon exercise of the options through a broker-dealer to whom the grantee has delivered irrevocable notice of exercise and instructions to deliver sales proceeds sufficient to pay us the exercise price.

Following shareholder approval of the Plan on October 20, 2021, ISOs may be granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

***Restricted Shares***

The committee may award restricted shares consisting of shares of our Common Stock which remain subject to a risk of forfeiture and may not be disposed of by grantees until certain restrictions established by the committee lapse. The vesting conditions may be service-based (i.e., requiring continuous service for a specified period) or performance-based (i.e., requiring achievement of certain specified performance objectives) or both. A grantee receiving restricted shares will have all of the rights of a stockholder, including the right to vote the shares and the right to receive any dividends, except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement. Upon termination of the grantee's affiliation with us during the restriction period (or, if applicable, upon the failure to satisfy the specified performance objectives during the restriction period), the restricted shares will be forfeited as provided in the applicable award agreement.

***Deferred Stock and Restricted Stock Units***

The committee may also grant deferred stock awards and/or restricted stock unit awards. A deferred stock award is the grant of a right to receive a specified number of shares of our Common Stock at the end of specified deferral periods or upon the occurrence of a specified event, which satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. A restricted stock unit award is the grant of a right to receive a specified number of shares of our Common Stock upon lapse of a specified forfeiture condition (such as completion of a specified period of service or achievement of certain specified performance objectives). If the service condition and/or specified performance objectives are not satisfied during the restriction period, the award will lapse without the issuance of the shares underlying such award.

Restricted stock units and deferred stock awards carry no voting or other rights associated with stock ownership until the shares underlying the award are delivered in settlement of the award. Unless otherwise determined by the compensation committee, grantees will have the rights to receive dividend equivalents in respect of deferred stock and/or restricted stock units, which dividend equivalents shall be deemed reinvested in additional shares of deferred stock or restricted stock units, as applicable, which shall remain subject to the same forfeiture conditions applicable to the deferred stock or restricted stock units to which such dividend equivalents relate.

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***Performance Units***

The committee may grant performance units, which entitle a grantee to cash or shares conditioned upon the fulfillment of certain performance conditions and other restrictions as specified by the committee and reflected in the applicable award agreement. The initial value of a performance unit will be determined by the committee at the time of grant. The committee will determine the terms and conditions of such awards, including performance and other restrictions placed on these awards, which will be reflected in the applicable award agreement.

***Performance Shares***

The committee may grant performance shares, which entitle a grantee to a certain number of shares of Common Stock, conditioned upon the fulfillment of certain performance conditions and other restrictions as specified by the committee and reflected in the applicable award agreement. The committee will determine the terms and conditions of such awards, including performance and other restrictions placed on these awards, which will be reflected in the applicable award agreement.

***Bonus Shares***

The committee may grant fully vested shares of our Common Stock as bonus shares on such terms and conditions as specified in the applicable award agreement.

***Dividend Equivalents***

The committee is authorized to grant dividend equivalents, which provide a grantee the right to receive payment equal to the dividends paid on a specified number of shares of our Common Stock. Dividend equivalents may be paid directly to grantees or may be deferred for later delivery under the Plan. If deferred, such dividend equivalents may be credited with interest or may be deemed to be invested in shares of our Common Stock, other awards under the Plan or in other property.

***Other Stock-Based Awards***

The Plan authorizes the committee to grant awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based on certain other securities. The committee determines the terms and conditions of such awards, including whether awards are paid in shares or cash.

***Business Combination, Consolidation or Similar Corporate Transaction***

If there is a merger or consolidation of us with or into another corporation or a sale of substantially all of our stock (a "Corporate Transaction"), and the outstanding awards are not assumed by surviving company (or its parent company) or replaced with equivalent awards granted by the surviving company (or its parent company), the committee will cancel any outstanding awards that are not vested and nonforfeitable as of the consummation of such Corporate Transaction (unless the committee accelerates the vesting of any such awards) and with respect to any vested and nonforfeitable awards, the committee may either (i) allow all grantees to exercise options and SARs within a reasonable period prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction and cancel any outstanding options or SARs that remain unexercised upon consummation of the Corporate Transaction, or (ii) cancel any or all of such outstanding awards (including options and SARs) in exchange for a payment (in cash, or in securities or other property) in an amount equal to the amount that the grantee would have received (net of the exercise price with respect to any options or SARs) if the vested awards were settled or distributed or such vested options and SARs were exercised immediately prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction. If an exercise price of an option or SAR exceeds the fair market value of our Common Stock and the option or SAR is not assumed or replaced by the surviving company (or its parent company), such options and SARs will be cancelled without any payment to the grantee.

***Amendment to and Termination of the Plan***

The Plan may be amended, altered, suspended, discontinued or terminated by our Board without further stockholder approval, unless such approval is required by law or regulation or under the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our Common Stock is then listed or quoted. Thus, stockholder approval will not necessarily be required for amendments which might increase the cost of the Plan or broaden eligibility. Stockholder approval will not be deemed to be required under laws or regulations that condition favorable treatment of grantees on such approval, although our Board may, in its discretion, seek stockholder approval in any circumstance in which it deems such approval advisable.

In addition, subject to the terms of the Plan, no amendment or termination of the Plan may materially and adversely affect the right of a grantee under any award granted under the Plan.

Unless earlier terminated by our Board, the Plan will terminate when no shares remain reserved and available for issuance or, if earlier, on the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the Plan.

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***Federal Income Tax Consequences***

The following discussion summarizes the certain Federal income tax consequences of the Plan based on current provisions of the Code, which are subject to change. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and does not address all matters which may be relevant to a particular grantee based on his or her specific circumstances. The summary expressly does not discuss the income tax laws of any state, municipality, or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction, or the gift, estate, excise (including the rules applicable to deferred compensation under Code Section 409A or golden parachute excise taxes under Code Section 4999), or other tax laws other than federal income tax law. The following is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purposes of avoiding taxpayer penalties. Because individual circumstances may vary, the Company advises all grantees to consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax implications of awards granted under the Plan.

*Options*. A recipient of a stock option will not have taxable income upon the grant of the stock option. For stock options that are not incentive stock options, the grantee will recognize ordinary income upon exercise in an amount equal to the value of any cash received, plus the difference between the fair market value of the freely transferable and non-forfeitable shares received by the grantee on the date of exercise and the exercise price. The grantee's tax basis in such shares will be the fair market value of such shares on the date the option is exercised. Any gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares generally will be a long-term or short-term capital gain or loss. The acquisition of shares upon exercise of an incentive stock option will not result in any taxable income to the grantee, except, possibly, for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. The gain or loss recognized by the grantee on a later sale or other disposition of such shares will either be long-term capital gain or loss or ordinary income, depending upon whether the grantee holds the shares for the legally-required period (currently two years from the date of grant and one year from the date of exercise). If the shares are not held for the legally-required period, the grantee will recognize ordinary income equal to the lesser of (i) the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price, or (ii) the difference between the sales price and the exercise price. If the grantee holds the shares for the legally required holding period, the grantee's tax basis in such shares will be the exercise price paid for the shares.

Generally, a company can claim a federal income tax deduction equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by a grantee in connection with the exercise of a stock option, but not relating to a grantee's capital gains. Accordingly, the Company will not be entitled to any tax deduction with respect to an incentive stock option if the grantee holds the shares for the legally-required period.

*Restricted Shares.* Unless a grantee makes the election described below, a grant of restricted shares will not result in taxable income to the grantee or a deduction for the Company in the year of grant. The value of such restricted shares will be taxable to a grantee as ordinary income in the year in which the restrictions lapse. Alternatively, a grantee may elect to treat as income in the year of grant the fair market value of the restricted stock on the date of grant, provided the grantee makes the election within 30 days after the date of such grant. If such an election were made, the grantee would not be allowed to deduct at a later date the amount included as taxable income if the grantee should forfeit the shares of restricted stock. The amount of ordinary income recognized by a grantee is deductible by the Company in the year such income is recognized by the grantee, provided such amount constitutes reasonable compensation to the grantee. If the election described above is not made, then prior to the lapse of restrictions, dividends paid on the shares subject to such restrictions will be taxable to the grantee as additional compensation in the year received, and the Company will be allowed a corresponding deduction.

*Other Awards.* Generally, when a grantee receives payment in settlement of any other award granted under the Plan, the amount of cash and the fair market value of the shares received will be ordinary income to such grantee, and the Company will be allowed a corresponding deduction for federal income tax purposes.

Generally, when a grantee receives payment with respect to dividend equivalents, the amount of cash and the fair market value of any shares or other property received will be ordinary income to such grantee. The Company will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the amount the grantee includes in income.

If the grantee is an employee or former employee, the amount the grantee recognizes as ordinary income in connection with an award (other than an incentive stock option) is subject to tax withholding.

*Limitations on Deductions.* Code Section 162(m) as amended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, limits the Federal income tax deductibility of compensation paid to any covered employee to $1 million per fiscal year. A "covered employee" is any individual who (i) is the Company's principal executive officer or principal financial officer at any time during the then current fiscal year, (ii) is one of the three highest paid named executive officers (other than the principal executive officer or principal financial officer) during the then current fiscal year or (iii) was a covered employee in any prior fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2016.

*Deferred Compensation.* Under Section 409A of the Code. Any award that is deemed to be a deferral arrangement (excluding certain exempted short-term deferrals) will be subject to Code Section 409A. Generally, Code Section 409A imposes accelerated inclusion in income and tax penalties on the recipient of deferred compensation that does not satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A. Options and restricted shares granted under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Plan will typically be exempt from Code Section 409A. Other awards may result in the deferral of compensation. Awards under the Plan that may result in the deferral of

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compensation are intended to be structured to meet applicable requirements under Code Section 409A. Certain grantee elections and the timing of distributions relating to such awards must also meet requirements under Code Section 409A in order for income taxation to be deferred and tax penalties avoided by the grantee upon vesting of the award.

## Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is required to approve this proposal. Shares that are not represented at the Special Meeting, abstentions, if any, and, if this proposal is deemed to be "non-routine," broker non-votes with respect to this proposal will not affect the outcome of the vote on this proposal. If this proposal is deemed to be "routine," no broker non-votes will occur on this proposal.

**OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 2.**

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# SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock as of August 1, 2025, by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•each person known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding Common Stock on an as-converted to Common Stock basis;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•each of our executive officers and directors; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security. Under those rules, beneficial ownership includes securities that the individual or entity has the right to acquire, such as through the exercise of stock options, within 60 days. Shares subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are considered outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding such options for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the directors and executive officers of the Company is 777 W 41st Street, Suite 401, Miami Beach, Florida 33140.

The percentage of beneficial ownership of the Company is calculated based on 10,411,061 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August 1, 2025. Shares of Common Stock subject to warrants, options or rights currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025 are counted as beneficially owned by the holder.

# Shares Beneficially Owned <sup>(1)</sup>

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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Beneficial Owner** | **Common Stock** | **Percent** | **Percent** | **Series A-2<br>Preferred<br>Stock** | **Percent** | **Percent** | **Series B<br>Preferred<br>Stock** | **Percent** | **Percent** | **Percent<br>of<br>Total<br>Voting<br>Power** | **Percent<br>of<br>Total<br>Voting<br>Power** |
| **Executive Officers and Directors** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Christine Hamilton (2) | 895894 |  | 8.53% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Eddie J. Sullivan, PhD (3) | 686147 |  | 6.49% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Samuel J. Reich (4) | 367755 |  | 3.44% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Jeffrey G. Spragens (5) | 59789 | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| William Polvino, MD (6) | 30937 | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| David Link, MBA (7) | 35046 | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Scott Giberson (8) | 12500 | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Erick Lucera (9) | 12013 | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Andrew Moin (10) | 458457 |  | 4.40% | 28380 | 81.16 | 81.16% | 228500 | 22.85 | 22.85% | 14.56 | 14.56% |
| Katie Ellias |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Jay S. Skyler, MD (11) | 21666 | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Alexandra Kropotova (12) | 88107 | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Lucy To (13) | 33854 | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| Christoph Bausch (14) | 130998 | 1.24 | 1.24% |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | \* | \*% |
| **All directors and executive officers<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; as a group (14 persons)** | **2833163** |  | **25.06%** | **28380** |  | **81.16%** | **228500** |  | **22.85%** |  | **15.73%** |
| **Other 5% Stockholders** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| RA Capital Healthcare Fund, L.P. (15) |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | 171400 | 17.14 | 17.14% | 8.98 | 8.98% |
| Entities affiliated with Vivo<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Opportunities L.P. (16) |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | 114200 | 11.42 | 11.42% | 5.98 | 5.98% |
| Commodore Capital Master L.P. (17) |  | \* | \*% |  | \* | \*% | 114200 | 11.42 | 11.42% | 5.98 | 5.98% |

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\* Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent (1%).

(1)Except as indicated in these footnotes: (i) each person named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock beneficially owned by such person; (ii) the number of shares beneficially owned by each person includes any restricted shares of Common Stock, shares of Common Stock that may be acquired through the exercise of options and warrants that such person has the right to acquire as of, or within 60 days of August 1, 2025, and after giving effect to any applicable limitations on beneficial ownership described in the footnotes below; and (iii) the beneficial ownership percentages shown above are based on a total of 127,413,435 eligible voting shares outstanding as of

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August 1, 2025, being comprised of (a) 10,411,061 shares of Common Stock, (b) 17,002,374 shares of Common Stock assuming conversion of 34,967 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and (c) 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock assuming conversion of 1,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock.

(2)Consists of (i) 499,308 shares of Common Stock held by Ms. Hamilton; (ii) 17,424 shares of Common Stock held as a co-owner by Ms. Hamilton with her spouse, Dr. Edward Hamilton; (iii) 290,901 shares of Common Stock held by Ms. Hamilton's spouse, Dr. Edward Hamilton; (iv) 2,500 shares held by Christiansen Investments; (v) 8,298 shares of Common Stock underlying warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025; (vi) 32,098 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Ms. Hamilton exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025; and (vii) 45,365 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by her spouse, Dr. Edward Hamilton, exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025. Ms. Hamilton is a control person with voting and dispositive power over shares of Christiansen Investments and is deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares held by Christiansen Investments. Ms. Hamilton disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of her pecuniary interest therein, directly or indirectly.

(3)Consists of (i) 523,230 shares of Common Stock held by Dr. Sullivan; and (ii) 162,917 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Dr. Sullivan exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

(4)Consists of (i) 21,800 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Reich; (ii) 100 shares of Common Stock held jointly by Mr. Reich and Mr. Reich's spouse; (iii) 54,769 of shares of Common Stock held by Big Cypress Holdings, LLC that are subject to vesting during a period of up to five years after October 22, 2021, which is the Business Combination Closing Date; (iv) 996 shares of Common Stock underlying warrants that are currently exercisable; and (v) 290,090 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Mr. Reich exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025. Mr. Reich is a managing member with voting and dispositive power over shares of Big Cypress Holdings, LLC and is deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares held by Big Cypress Holdings, LLC. Mr. Reich disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein, directly or indirectly.

(5)Consists of (i) 39,498 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Spragens; (ii) 10,291 shares of Common Stock underlying warrants that are currently exercisable; and (iii) 10,000 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Mr. Spragens exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

(6)Consists of 30,937 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Dr. Polvino exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

(7)Consists of (i) 5,731 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Link; (ii) 1,209 of shares of Common Stock held by Iron Horse Investments, LLC; (iii) 4,149 shares of Common Stock underlying warrants that are currently exercisable; and (iv) 23,957 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Mr. Link exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025. Mr. Link is a control person with voting and dispositive power over shares of Iron Horse Investments, LLC and is deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares held by Iron Horse Investments, LLC. Mr. Link disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein, directly or indirectly.

(8)Consists of 12,500 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Mr. Giberson exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

(9)Consists of 12,013 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Mr. Lucera exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

(10)These securities are beneficially owned by (i) Sessa Capital (Master) L.P. ("Sessa Capital"), directly, (ii) Sessa Capital GP, LLC, indirectly as a result of being the sole general partner of Sessa Capital, (iii) Sessa Capital IM, L.P., indirectly as a result of being the investment adviser for Sessa Capital, (iv) Sessa Capital IM GP, LLC, indirectly as a result of being the sole general partner of Sessa Capital IM, L.P., and (v) John Petry, indirectly as a result of being the manager of Sessa Capital GP, LLC and Sessa Capital IM GP, LLC. Andrew Moin, an Analyst and Partner with Sessa Capital, is a member of the Board of the Company. Mr. Moin disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities reported by any person except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Sessa Capital is subject to a 4.99% blocker on all shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock held by Sessa Capital. The principal business address of the persons and entities listed above is 888 Seventh Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

(11)Consists of 21,666 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Dr. Skyler exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

(12)Consists of (i) 24,128 shares of Common Stock held by Ms. Kropotova; (ii) 56,790 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Ms. Kropotova exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025; and (iii) 7,189 shares of Common Stock underlying restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

(13)Consists of 33,854 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Ms. To exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

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(14)Consists of 130,998 shares of Common Stock underlying stock options held by Mr. Bausch exercisable within 60 days of August 1, 2025.

(15)Represents 17,140,000 shares of Common Stock underlying 171,400 shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by RA Capital Healthcare Fund, L.P. ("RACHF") as of August 1, 2025. RACHF is subject to a 9.99% blocker on all shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by RACHF. RA Capital Management, L.P. is the investment manager for RACHF. The general partner of RA Capital Management, L.P. is RA Capital Management GP, LLC, of which Peter Kolchinsky and Rajeev Shah are the managing members. Each of RA Capital Management, L.P., RA Capital Management GP, LLC, Mr. Kolchinsky and Mr. Shah may be deemed to have voting and investment power over the securities held by RACHF. RA Capital Management, L.P., RA Capital Management GP, LLC, Mr. Kolchinsky and Mr. Shah disclaim beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. The principal business address of the persons and entities listed above is 200 Berkeley Street, 18th Floor, Boston, MA 02116.

(16)Represents 11,420,000 shares of Common Stock underlying 114,200 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, as of August 1, 2025, held by Vivo Opportunity Fund Holdings, L.P. and Vivo Opportunity Cayman Fund, L.P. (collectively, the "Vivo Opportunity Funds"). Vivo Opportunity, LLC is the general partner of Vivo Opportunity Fund Holdings, L.P. Vivo Opportunity Cayman, LLC is the general partner of Vivo Opportunity Cayman Fund, L.P. The voting members of each of Vivo Opportunity, LLC and Vivo Opportunity Cayman, LLC are Kevin Dai, Gaurav Aggarwal, Frank Kung and Shan Fu, none of whom has individual voting or investment power with respect to the shares held by Vivo Opportunity Fund Holdings, L.P. or Vivo Opportunity Cayman Fund, L.P. The address of the individuals and entities referenced in this footnote is 192 Lytton Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94301. These entities are subject to a 9.99% blocker.

(17)Represents 11,420,000 shares of Common Stock underlying 114,200 shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by Commodore Capital Master, L.P. as of August 1, 2025. Commodore Capital LP is the investment manager to Commodore Capital Master LP and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by Commodore Capital Master LP. Michael Kramarz and Robert Egen Atkinson are the managing partners of Commodore Capital LP and exercise investment discretion with respect to these shares. Commodore Capital LP and Commodore Capital Master LP have shared voting and dispositive power with respect to these Shares. The address of Commodore Capital LP and Commodore Capital Master LP is 444 Madison Avenue, 35th Floor, New York, NY 10022. These entities are subject to a 9.99% blocker.

# HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other Special Meeting materials with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other Special Meeting materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as "householding," potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.

This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are our stockholders will be "householding" our proxy materials. A single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be "householding" communications to your address, "householding" will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in "householding" and would prefer to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, please notify your broker or notify us by sending a written request to: the Corporate Secretary, 777 41<sup>st</sup> Street, Suite 401, Miami Beach, Florida 33140. You will be removed from the householding program, after which you will receive an individual copy of the proxy materials promptly.

Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials at their addresses and would like to request "householding" of their communications should contact their brokers.

# OTHER MATTERS
We know of no other matters to be brought before the Special Meeting. However, if any other matters do properly come before the Special Meeting, it is intended that the proxy holders will vote the shares represented by the proxies in the accompanying form as recommended by the Board or, if no recommendation is given, in accordance with the best judgment of the person voting the proxies.

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# WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We file annual and quarterly reports and other reports and information with the SEC. We distribute to our stockholders annual reports containing financial statements audited by our independent registered public accounting firm and, upon request, quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited financial information. In addition, the reports and other information are filed through Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (known as "EDGAR") system and are publicly available on the SEC's site on the Internet, located at *<u>www.sec.gov</u>.* 

We will provide, without charge, to each person to whom this Proxy Statement is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person and by first class mail or other equally prompt means within one business day of receipt of such request, a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement (not including exhibits to the information that is incorporated by reference unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the information that the Proxy Statement incorporates). Please direct such request in writing or by telephone at the following address:

**SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc.**

777 W 41st St.; Suite 401

Miami Beach, FL 33140

Attn: Corporate Secretary

You may also access such documents free of charge at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our website and the information contained on that site, or connected to that site, are not incorporated into and are not a part of this Proxy Statement.

Your cooperation in giving these matters your immediate attention and in returning your proxy promptly will be appreciated.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

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| |
|:---|
| */s/ Samuel J. Reich* |
| Samuel J. Reich |
| *Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board* |
| Miami Beach, Florida |
| August 29, 2025 |

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SCAN TO

VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE

VOTE BY INTERNET

Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information

up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SABS2025SM

You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information

that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m.

Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand

when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we

have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way,

Edgewood, NY 11717.

SAB BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.

777 W 41ST STREET

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33140

V78920-S20865

SAB BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.

For

Against

Abstain

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposals:

1. Approve the potential issuance in excess of 19.99% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Common Stock"),

upon the conversion of the Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock") including shares

of Series B Preferred Stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants, at less than the "minimum price" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), and which

may deemed a "change of control" under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635, pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and

Limitations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock governing the Series B Preferred Stock.

2. Approve an amendment to the Company's 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Plan") to, among other things, (i) increase the

maximum number of shares of Common Stock available to Plan participants thereunder by 24,180,000 shares to an aggregate of 31,932,466 shares,

and (ii) increase the maximum number of additional shares available for issuance pursuant to the annual evergreen increase from 10,000,000 shares to

73,750,000 shares.

3. Transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor,

administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign

personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate

or partnership name by authorized officer.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement is available at www.proxyvote.com.

V78921-S20865

SAB BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.

Special Meeting of Stockholders

September 26, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Time

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors

The undersigned appoints Samuel J. Reich and Eddie J. Sullivan, and each of them, agents and proxies of the undersigned,

with full power of substitution to each of them, to represent and to vote on behalf of the undersigned, all of the shares of

common stock of SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of

SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. to be held on September 26, 2025, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this

proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side

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![img237283619_4.jpg](img237283619_4.jpg)

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![img237283619_5.jpg](img237283619_5.jpg)

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**Appendix A**

**SAB BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.**

**2021 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED**

**(Amended [_], 2025)**

**ARTICLE 1**

**EFFECTIVE DATE, OBJECTIVES AND DURATION**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 <u>Effective Date of the Plan</u>. The Board of Directors of SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") originally adopted the SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") effective as of October 22, 2021. The most recent amendment of the Plan was adopted by the Board on August 14, 2025 (the "Effective Date"), subject to and conditioned upon approval by the Company's stockholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.2 <u>Objectives of the Plan</u>. The Plan is intended (a) to allow Service Providers to acquire or increase equity ownership in the Company, thereby strengthening their commitment to the success of the Company and stimulating their efforts on behalf of the Company, and to assist the Company and its Affiliates in attracting new Service Providers and retaining existing Service Providers, (b) to optimize the profitability and growth of the Company and its Affiliates through incentives which are consistent with the Company's goals, (d) to provide Grantees with an incentive for excellence in individual performance, (e) to promote teamwork among Service Providers, and (f) to attract and retain highly qualified persons to serve as Non-Employee Directors and to promote ownership by such Non-Employee Directors of a greater proprietary interest in the Company, thereby aligning such Non-Employee Directors' interests more closely with the interests of the Company's stockholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.3 <u>Duration of the Plan</u>. The Plan shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect, subject to the right of the Board to amend or terminate the Plan at any time pursuant to <u>ARTICLE 15</u> hereof, until the earlier of the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, or the date all Shares subject to the Plan shall have been purchased or acquired and the restrictions on all Restricted Shares granted under the Plan shall have lapsed, according to the Plan's provisions.

**ARTICLE 2**

**DEFINITIONS**

Whenever used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 "<u>$100,000 Limit</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(d).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2 "<u>Acquired Entity</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(b).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3 "<u>Acquired Entity Awards</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(b).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4 "<u>Affiliate</u>" means any corporation or other entity, including but not limited to partnerships, limited liability companies and joint ventures, with respect to which the Company, directly or indirectly, owns as applicable (a) stock possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total value of all shares of all classes of stock of such corporation, or (b) an aggregate of more than fifty percent (50%) of the profits interest or capital interest of a non-corporate entity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5 "<u>Applicable Laws</u>" means the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under U.S. federal and state securities, tax and other Applicable Laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the Applicable Laws and rules of any foreign country or other jurisdiction where Awards are granted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.6 "<u>Award</u>" means Options (including non-qualified options and Incentive Stock Options), SARs, Restricted Shares, Performance Units (which may be paid in cash), Performance Shares, Deferred Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Dividend Equivalents, Bonus Shares or Other Stock-Based Awards granted under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.7 "<u>Award Agreement</u>" means either (a) a written agreement entered into by the Company and a Grantee setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under this Plan, or (b) a written statement issued by the Company to a Grantee describing the terms and provisions of such Award, including any amendment or modification thereof. The Committee may provide for the use of electronic, internet or other non-paper Award Agreements and the use of electronic, internet or other non-paper means for the acceptance thereof and actions thereunder by the Grantee.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.8 "<u>Board</u>" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.9 "<u>Bonus Shares</u>" means Shares that are awarded to a Grantee with or without cost and without restrictions either in recognition of past performance (whether determined by reference to another employee benefit plan of the Company or otherwise), as an inducement to become an Eligible Person or, with the consent of the Grantee, as payment in lieu of any cash remuneration otherwise payable to the Grantee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.10 "<u>Cause</u>" means, except as otherwise defined in an Award Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the commission of any act by a Grantee constituting a felony or crime of moral turpitude (or their equivalent in a non-United States jurisdiction);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) an act of dishonesty, fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or harassment which, as determined in good faith by the Committee, would: (i) materially adversely affect the business or the reputation of the Company or any of its Affiliates with their respective current or prospective customers, suppliers, lenders and/or other third parties with whom such entity does or might do business; or (ii) expose the Company or any of its Affiliates to a risk of civil or criminal legal damages, liabilities or penalties;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) any material misconduct in violation of the Company's or an Affiliate's written policies; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) willful and deliberate non-performance of the Grantee's duties in connection with the business affairs of the Company or its Affiliates;

*provided, however,*that if the Grantee has a written employment or consulting agreement with the Company or any of its Affiliates or participates in any severance plan established by the Company that includes a definition of "cause," Cause shall have the meaning set forth in such employment or consulting agreement or severance plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.11 "<u>Change in Control</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.4(e).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.12 "<u>Code</u>" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. References to a particular section of the Code include references to regulations and rulings thereunder and to successor provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.13 "<u>Committee</u>" means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board, which may include one or more Company directors or executive officers, to the extent Applicable Laws permit. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3, it is intended that each member of the Committee will be, at the time the Committee takes any action with respect to an Award that is subject to Rule 16b-3, a "non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3; however, a Committee member's failure to qualify as a "non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 will not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.14 "<u>Common Stock</u>" means the common stock, $0.001 par value, of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.15 "<u>Company</u>" means SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc., a Delaware company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.16 "<u>Consultant</u>" means any consultant or advisor, engaged by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to render services to such entity, who qualifies as a consultant or advisor under the applicable rules of Form S-8 Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.17 "<u>Corporate Transaction</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(b).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.18 "<u>Current Grant</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(d).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.19 "<u>Deferred Stock</u>" means a right, granted under ARTICLE 10, to receive Shares at the end of a specified deferral period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.20 "<u>Director</u>" means a Board member.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.21 "<u>Disability</u>" or "<u>Disabled</u>" means, unless otherwise defined in an Award Agreement, or as otherwise determined under procedures established by the Committee for purposes of the Plan:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except as provided in (b) below, a disability within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the case of any Award that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, a disability as defined in regulations under Code Section 409A. For purpose of Code Section 409A, a Grantee will be considered Disabled if:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Grantee is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the Grantee is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Grantee's employer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.22 "<u>Disqualifying Disposition</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(f).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.23 "<u>Dividend Equivalent</u>" means a right to receive payments equal to dividends or property, if and when paid or distributed, on a specified number of Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.24 "<u>Effective Date</u>" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.25 "<u>Eligible Person</u>" means any Service Provider; provided, however, that solely with respect to the grant of an Incentive Stock Option, an Eligible Person shall be any Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Eligible Person shall also include an individual who is expected to become a Service Provider within a reasonable period of time after the grant of an Award (other than an Incentive Stock Option); provided that any Award granted to any such individual shall be automatically terminated and cancelled without consideration if the individual does not become a Service Provider within twelve (12) months after the Grant Date. Solely for purposes of Section 5.6(b), current or former employees or non-employee directors of, or consultants to, of an Acquired Entity who receive Substitute Awards in substitution for Acquired Entity Awards shall be considered Eligible Persons under this Plan with respect to such Substitute Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.26 "<u>Employee</u>" means any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.27 "<u>Exchange Act</u>" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time. References to a particular section of the Exchange Act include references to successor provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.28 "<u>Exercise Price</u>" means (a) with respect to an Option, the price at which a Share may be purchased by a Grantee pursuant to such Option or (b) with respect to an SAR, the price established at the time an SAR is granted pursuant to ARTICLE 7, which is used to determine the amount, if any, of the payment due to a Grantee upon exercise of the SAR.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.29 "<u>Fair Market Value</u>" means, as of any date, unless otherwise specifically provided in an Award Agreement, the value of Shares determined as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) If the Shares are listed on one or more established and regulated securities exchanges, national market systems or automated quotation systems on which Shares are listed, quoted or traded, Fair Market Value means a price that is based on the opening, closing, actual, high, low, or the arithmetic mean of selling prices of a Share reported on the principal exchange or system on which the Shares are traded on the applicable date or the preceding trading day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) If the Shares are traded over the counter at the time a determination of Fair Market Value is required to be made hereunder, Fair Market Value shall be deemed to be equal to the arithmetic mean between the reported high and low or closing bid and asked prices of a Share on the applicable date, or if no such trades were made that day then the most recent date on which Shares were publicly traded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) In the event Shares are not publicly traded at the time a determination of their value is required to be made hereunder, the determination of their Fair Market Value shall be made by the Committee in such manner as it deems appropriate provided such manner is consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv)(B).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.30 "<u>FICA</u>" " shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section 17.1(a)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.31 "<u>Grant Date</u>" means the date on which an Award is granted or such later date as specified in advance by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.32 "<u>Grantee</u>" means a person who has been granted an Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.33 "<u>Incentive Stock Option</u>" means an Option that is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.34 "<u>Including</u>" or "<u>includes</u>" means "including, without limitation," or "includes, without limitation," respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.35 "<u>Non-Employee Director</u>" means a member of the Board who is not an Employee.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.36 "<u>Option</u>" means an option granted under <u>ARTICLE 6</u> of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.37 "<u>Other Plans</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section 6.4(d)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.38 "<u>Other Stock-Based Award</u>" means a right, granted under <u>Article 13</u> hereof, that relates to or is valued by reference to Shares or other Awards relating to Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.39 "<u>Performance Period</u>" means, with respect to an Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units, the period of time during which the performance vesting conditions applicable to such Award must be satisfied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.40 "<u>Performance Share</u>" and "<u>Performance Unit</u>" have the respective meanings set forth in <u>ARTICLE 9</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.41 "<u>Period of Restriction</u>" means the period during which Restricted Shares are subject to forfeiture if the conditions specified in the Award Agreement are not satisfied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.42 "<u>Person</u>" means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, corporation, institution, public benefit corporation, entity or government instrumentality, division, agency, body or department.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.43 "<u>QDRO</u>" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section 5.4(a)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.44 "<u>Restricted Shares</u>" means Shares, granted under <u>ARTICLE 8</u>, that are both subject to forfeiture and are nontransferable if the Grantee does not satisfy the conditions specified in the Award Agreement applicable to such Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.45 "<u>Restricted Stock Units</u>" are rights, granted under <u>ARTICLE 10</u>, to receive Shares if the Grantee satisfies the conditions specified in the Award Agreement applicable to such rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.46 "<u>Returned Shares</u>" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section 4.1(c)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.47 "<u>Rule 16b-3</u>" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time, together with any successor rule.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.48 "<u>SEC</u>" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.49 "<u>Section 16 Person</u>" means a person who is subject to potential liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act with respect to transactions involving equity securities of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.50 "<u>Separation from Service</u>" means, with respect to any Award that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Code Section 409A, a "separation from service" as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h). For this purpose, a "separation from service" is deemed to occur on the date that the Company and the Grantee reasonably anticipate that the level of bona fide services the Grantee would perform for the Company and/or any Affiliates after that date as a Service Provider would permanently decrease to a level that, based on the facts and circumstances, would constitute a separation from service; provided that a decrease to a level that is 50% or more of the average level of bona fide services provided over the prior 36 months shall not be a separation from service, and a decrease to a level that is 20% or less of the average level of such bona fide services shall be a separation from service.

The Committee retains the right and discretion to specify, and may specify, whether a separation from service occurs with respect to those individuals who are performing services for the Company or an Affiliate immediately prior to an asset purchase transaction in which the Company or an Affiliate is the seller and who continue to perform services for the buyer (or an Affiliate thereof) immediately following such asset purchase transaction; provided, such specification is made in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(4).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.51 "<u>Service Provider</u>" means an Employee, Consultant or Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.52 "<u>Share</u>" means a share of Common Stock, and such other securities of the Company, as may be substituted or resubstituted for Shares pursuant to <u>Section 4.2</u> hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.53 "<u>Stock Appreciation Right</u>" or "<u>SAR</u>" means an Award granted under <u>ARTICLE 7</u> of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.54 "<u>Subsidiary</u>" means any entity (other than the Company), whether domestic or foreign, in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with the Company if each of the entities other than the last entity in the unbroken chain beneficially owns, at the time of the

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determination, securities or interests representing at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities or interests in one of the other entities in such chain.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.55 "<u>Substitute Awards</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section 5.6(b)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.56 "<u>Surviving Company</u>" means (a) the surviving corporation in any merger, consolidation or similar transaction, involving the Company (including the Company if the Company is the surviving corporation), (b) or the direct or indirect parent company of such surviving corporation or (c) the direct or indirect parent company of the Company following a sale of substantially all of the outstanding stock of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.57 "<u>Tax Date</u>" " shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section 17.1(a)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.58 "<u>Tendered Restricted Shares</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section 6.5(f)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.59 "<u>Term</u>" of any Option or SAR means the period beginning on the Grant Date of an Option or SAR and ending on the date such Option or SAR expires, terminates or is cancelled. No Option or SAR granted under this Plan shall have a Term exceeding 10 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.60 "<u>Termination of Affiliation</u>" means the date the Grantee ceases to be a Service Provider. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Award constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Code Section 409A, Termination of Affiliation with respect to such Award shall mean the Grantee's Separation from Service.

**ARTICLE 3**

**ADMINISTRATION**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 <u>Committee</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;(a) Subject to <u>ARTICLE 14</u>, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any action of the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Persons, including the Company, its Affiliates, any Grantee, any Person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Grantee, and stockholders, except to the extent the Committee may subsequently modify, or take further action not consistent with, its prior action. If not specified in the Plan, the time at which the Committee must or may make any determination shall be determined by the Committee, and any such determination may thereafter be modified by the Committee. The express grant of any specific power to the Committee, and the taking of any action by the Committee, shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Committee may delegate to one or more Officers the authority to do one or both of the following (i) designate Employees who are not Officers to be recipients of Options and SARs (and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, other types of Awards) and, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the terms thereof, and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to such Awards granted to such Employees; provided, however, that the resolutions or charter adopted by the Board or any Committee evidencing such delegation will specify the total number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to the Awards granted by such Officer and that such Officer may not grant an Award to himself or herself. Any such Awards will be granted on the applicable form of Award Agreement most recently approved for use by the Board or the Committee, unless otherwise provided in the resolutions approving the delegation authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither the Board nor any Committee may delegate to an Officer who is acting solely in the capacity of an Officer (and not also as a Director) the authority to determine the Fair Market Value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2 <u>Powers of Committee</u>. Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan (including ARTICLE 14), the Committee has full and final authority and sole discretion as follows; provided that any such authority or discretion exercised with respect to a specific Non-Employee Director shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board, even if not a quorum, but excluding the Non-Employee Director with respect to whom such authority or discretion is exercised:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) to determine when, to whom and in what types and amounts Awards should 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) to grant Awards to Eligible Persons in any number and to determine the terms and conditions applicable to each Award (including the number of Shares or the amount of cash or other property to which an Award will relate, any Exercise Price or purchase price, any limitation or restriction, any schedule for or performance conditions relating to the earning of the Award or the lapse of limitations, forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on exercisability or transferability, any performance

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goals including those relating to the Company and/or an Affiliate and/or any division thereof and/or an individual, and/or vesting based on the passage of time, based in each case on such considerations as the Committee shall determine);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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 determine the benefit payable, including where applicable the number of Shares issued, under any Performance Unit, Performance Share, Dividend Equivalent, Other Stock-Based Award and to determine whether any performance or vesting conditions have been 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) to determine whether or not specific Awards shall be granted in connection with other specific Awards, and if so, whether they shall be exercisable cumulatively with, or alternatively to, such other specific Awards and all other matters to be determined in connection with an Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) to determine the Term of any Option or SAR;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) to determine the amount, if any, that a Grantee shall pay for Restricted Shares, whether to permit or require the payment of cash dividends thereon to be deferred and the terms related thereto, when Restricted Shares (including Restricted Shares acquired upon the exercise of an Option) shall be forfeited and whether such shares shall be held in escrow;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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 whether, to what extent and under what circumstances an Award may be settled in, or the exercise price of an Award may be paid in, cash, Shares, other Awards or other property, or an Award may be accelerated, vested, canceled, forfeited or surrendered or any terms of the Award may be waived, and to accelerate the exercisability of, and to accelerate or waive any or all of the terms and conditions applicable to, any Award or any group of Awards for any reason and at any time;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) to determine with respect to Awards granted to Eligible Persons whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other Awards, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award will be deferred, either at the election of the Grantee or automatically pursuant to the terms of the Award Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) to offer to exchange or buy out any previously granted Award for a payment in cash, Shares or other 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) to construe and interpret the Plan and to make all determinations, including factual determinations, necessary or advisable for 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) to make, amend, suspend, waive and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) to appoint such agents as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable to administer the Plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) to determine the terms and conditions of all Award Agreements applicable to Eligible Persons (which need not be identical) and, with the consent of the Grantee, to amend any such Award Agreement at any time, among other things, to permit transfers of such Awards to the extent permitted by the Plan; provided that the consent of the Grantee shall not be required for any amendment (i) which does not adversely affect the rights of the Grantee, or (ii) which is necessary or advisable (as determined by the Committee) to carry out the purpose of the Award as a result of any new Applicable Law or change in an existing Applicable Law, or (iii) to the extent the Award Agreement specifically permits amendment without 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) to cancel, with the consent of the Grantee, outstanding Awards and to grant new Awards in substitution therefor;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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 impose such additional terms and conditions upon the grant, exercise or retention of Awards as the Committee may, before or concurrently with the grant thereof, deem appropriate, including limiting the percentage of Awards which may from time to time be exercised by a Grantee;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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 make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including events described in Section 4.2) affecting the Company or an Affiliate or the financial statements of the Company or an Affiliate, or in response to changes in Applicable Laws, regulations or accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) to correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency, and to construe and interpret the Plan, the rules and regulations, and Award Agreement or any other instrument entered into or relating to an Award under the Plan; and

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) to take any other action with respect to any matters relating to the Plan for which it is responsible and to make all other decisions and determinations as may be required under the terms of the Plan or as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3 <u>No Repricings</u>. Notwithstanding any provision in <u>Section 3.2</u> to the contrary, the terms of any outstanding Option or SAR may not be amended to reduce the Exercise Price of such Option or SAR or cancel any outstanding Option or SAR in exchange for other Options or SARs with an Exercise Price that is less than the Exercise Price of the cancelled Option or SAR or for any cash payment (or Shares having with a Fair Market Value) in an amount that exceeds the excess of the Fair Market Value of the Shares underlying such cancelled Option or SAR over the aggregate Exercise Price of such Option or SAR or for any other Award, without stockholder approval; provided, however, that the restrictions set forth in this <u>Section 3.3</u>, shall not apply (i) unless the Company has a class of stock that is registered under <u>Section 12</u> of the Exchange Act or (ii) to any adjustment allowed under to <u>Section 4.2</u>.

**ARTICLE 4**

**SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 <u>Number of Shares Available for Grants</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;(a) Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.2 and except as provided in Section 5.6(b), the maximum number of Shares hereby reserved for delivery under the Plan shall be:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) 31,932,466 Shares, plus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) an annual increase to be added as of the first day of the Company's fiscal year, beginning in 2026 and occurring each year thereafter through 2031, equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of Shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on a fully-diluted basis as of the end of the Company's immediately preceding fiscal year (or such lesser number of shares, including no shares, determined by the Board in its sole discretion); provided, however, that the aggregate number of additional Shares available for issuance pursuant to this paragraph (b) shall not exceed a total of 73,750,000 Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Up to a maximum of 31,932,466 Shares may be delivered pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) if any Shares subject to an Award granted hereunder (other than a Substitute Award granted pursuant to Section 5.6(b)) are forfeited or such Award otherwise terminates without payment or delivery of such Shares, the Shares subject to such Award, to the extent of any such forfeiture or termination, shall again be available for grant under the Plan. For avoidance of doubt, however, if any Shares subject to an Award granted hereunder are withheld or applied as payment in connection with the exercise of an Award or the withholding or payment of taxes related thereto ("Returned Shares"), such Returned Shares will be treated as having been delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of Shares available for grant under the Plan and shall not again be treated as available for grant under the Plan. Moreover, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan may not be increased through the Company's purchase of Shares on the open market with the proceeds obtained from the exercise of any Options granted hereunder. Upon settlement of an SAR, the number of Shares underlying the portion of the SAR that is exercised will be treated as having been delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of Shares available for grant under the Plan and shall not again be treated as available for issuance under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Shares delivered pursuant to the Plan may be, in whole or in part, authorized and unissued Shares, or treasury Shares, including Shares repurchased by the Company for purposes of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 <u>Adjustments in Authorized Shares and Awards; Corporate Transaction, Liquidation or Dissolution</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;(a) <u>Adjustment in Authorized Shares and Awards</u>. In the event that the Committee determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, subdivision, consolidation or reduction of capital, reorganization, merger, consolidation, scheme of arrangement, split-up, spin-off or combination involving the Company or repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that any adjustment is determined by the Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted, (ii) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding

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Awards, (iii) the Exercise Price with respect to any Option or SAR or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award, and (iv) the number and kind of Shares of outstanding Restricted Shares, or the Shares underlying any other form of Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such adjustment shall be authorized with respect to any Options or SARs to the extent that such adjustment would cause the Option or SAR to violate Section 424(a) of the Code or otherwise subject any Grantee to taxation under Section 409A of the Code; and provided further that the number of Shares subject to any Award denominated in Shares shall always be a whole number.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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>Merger, Consolidation or Similar Corporate Transaction</u>. In the event of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation or a sale of substantially all of the stock of the Company (a "Corporate Transaction"), unless an outstanding Award is assumed by the Surviving Company or replaced with an equivalent Award granted by the Surviving Company in substitution for such outstanding Award, the Committee shall cancel any outstanding Awards that are not vested and nonforfeitable as of the consummation of such Corporate Transaction (unless the Committee accelerates the vesting of any such Awards) and with respect to any vested and nonforfeitable Awards, the Committee may either (i) allow all Grantees to exercise such Awards of Options and SARs within a reasonable period prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction and cancel any outstanding Options or SARs that remain unexercised upon consummation of the Corporate Transaction, or (ii) cancel any or all of such outstanding Awards in exchange for a payment (in cash, or in securities or other property) in an amount equal to the amount that the Grantee would have received (net of the Exercise Price with respect to any Options or SARs) if such vested Awards were settled or distributed or such vested Options and SARs were exercised immediately prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Option or SAR is not assumed by the Surviving Company or replaced with an equivalent Award issued by the Surviving Company and the Exercise Price with respect to any outstanding Option or SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of the Shares immediately prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction, such Awards shall be cancelled without any payment to the Grantee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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>Liquidation or Dissolution of the Company</u>. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, each Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise provided by the Committee. Additionally, the Committee may, in the exercise of its sole discretion, cause Awards to be vested and non-forfeitable and cause any conditions on any such Award to lapse, as to all or any part of such Award, including Shares as to which the Award would not otherwise be exercisable or non-forfeitable and allow all Grantees to exercise such Awards of Options and SARs within a reasonable period prior to the consummation of such proposed action. Any Awards that remain unexercised upon consummation of such proposed action shall be cancelled.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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>Deferred Compensation</u>. Notwithstanding the forgoing provisions of this Section 4.2, if an Award constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Code Section 409A, no payment or settlement of such Award shall be made pursuant to Section 4.2 (b) or (c), unless the Corporate Transaction or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, as applicable, constitutes a Change in Control.

**ARTICLE 5**

**ELIGIBILITY AND GENERAL CONDITIONS OF AWARDS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1 <u>Eligibility</u>. The Committee may in its discretion grant Awards to any Eligible Person, whether or not he or she has previously received an Award; provided, however, that all Awards made to Non-Employee Directors shall be determined by the Board in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2 <u>Award Agreement</u>. To the extent not set forth in the Plan, the terms and conditions of each Award shall be set forth in an Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3 <u>General Terms and Termination of Affiliation</u>. The Committee may impose on any Award or the exercise or settlement thereof, at the date of grant or, subject to the provisions of <u>Section 15.2</u>, thereafter, such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine, including terms requiring forfeiture, acceleration or pro-rata acceleration of Awards in the event of a Termination of Affiliation by the Grantee. Except as may be required under the Delaware General Corporation Law, Awards may be granted for no consideration other than prior and future services. Except as set forth in an Award Agreement or as otherwise determined by the Committee, (a) all Options and SARs that are not vested and exercisable at the time of a Grantee's Termination of Affiliation, and any other Awards that remain subject to a risk of forfeiture or which are not otherwise vested at the time of the Grantee's Termination of Affiliation shall be forfeited to the Company and (b) all outstanding Options and SARs not previously exercised shall expire three months after the Grantee's Termination of Affiliation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.4 <u>Nontransferability of Awards</u>.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each Award and each right under any Award shall be exercisable only by the Grantee during the Grantee's lifetime, or, if permissible under Applicable Law, by the Grantee's guardian or legal representative or by a transferee receiving such Award pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (a "QDRO") as defined in the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) No Award (prior to the time, if applicable, Shares are delivered in respect of such Award), and no right under any Award, may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Grantee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (or in the case of Restricted Shares, to the Company) or pursuant to a QDRO, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Affiliate; provided that the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the Grantee's death shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) above, to the extent provided in the Award Agreement or as otherwise approved by the Committee, Options (other than Incentive Stock Options) and Restricted Shares, may be transferred, without consideration, to a Permitted Transferee. For this purpose, a "Permitted Transferee" in respect of any Grantee means any member of the Immediate Family of such Grantee, any trust of which all of the primary beneficiaries are such Grantee or members of his or her Immediate Family, or any partnership (including limited liability companies and similar entities) of which all of the partners or members are such Grantee or members of his or her Immediate Family; and the "Immediate Family" of a Grantee means the Grantee's spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, siblings, grandparents, nieces and nephews. Such Option may be exercised by such transferee in accordance with the terms of the Award Agreement. If so determined by the Committee, a Grantee may, in the manner established by the Committee, designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to exercise the rights of the Grantee, and to receive any distribution with respect to any Award upon the death of the Grantee. A transferee, beneficiary, guardian, legal representative or other Person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Grantee shall be subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, except to the extent the Plan and Award Agreement otherwise provide with respect to such Persons, and to any additional restrictions or limitations deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the Committee to honor a QDRO except to the extent required under Applicable Law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.5 <u>Cancellation and Rescission of Awards</u>. Unless the Award Agreement specifies otherwise, the Committee may cancel, rescind, suspend, withhold, or otherwise limit or restrict any unexercised Award at any time if the Grantee is not in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Award Agreement and the Plan or if the Grantee has a Termination of Affiliation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.6 <u>Stand-Alone, Tandem and Substitute 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;(a) Awards granted under the Plan may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for, any other Award granted under the Plan unless such tandem or substitution Award would subject the Grantee to tax penalties imposed under Section 409A of the Code. If an Award is granted in substitution for another Award or any non-Plan award or benefit, the Committee shall require the surrender of such other Award or non-Plan award or benefit in consideration for the grant of the new Award. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards or non-Plan awards or benefits may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or non-Plan awards or benefits; provided, however, that if any SAR is granted in tandem with an Incentive Stock Option, such SAR and Incentive Stock Option must have the same Grant Date, Term and the Exercise Price of the SAR may not be less than the Exercise Price of the Incentive 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Committee may, in its discretion and on such terms and conditions as the Committee considers appropriate in the circumstances, grant Awards under the Plan ("<u>Substitute Awards</u>") in substitution for stock and stock-based awards ("<u>Acquired Entity Awards</u>") held by current or former employees or non-employee directors of, or consultants to, another corporation or entity who become Eligible Persons as the result of a merger or consolidation of the employing corporation or other entity (the "<u>Acquired Entity</u>") with the Company or an Affiliate or the acquisition by the Company or an Affiliate of property or stock of the Acquired Entity immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or acquisition in order to preserve for the Grantee the economic value of all or a portion of such Acquired Entity Award at such price as the Committee determines necessary to achieve preservation of economic value. The limitations in <u>Section 4.1</u> on the number of Shares reserved or available for grants shall not apply to Substitute Awards granted under this Section <u>5.6(b)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.7 <u>Compliance with Rule 16b-3</u>.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Six-Month Holding Period Advice</u>. Unless a Grantee could otherwise dispose of or exercise a derivative security or dispose of Shares delivered under the Plan without incurring liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Committee may advise or require a Grantee to comply with the following in order to avoid incurring liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act: (i) at least six months must elapse from the date of acquisition of a derivative security under the Plan to the date of disposition of the derivative security (other than upon exercise or conversion) or its underlying equity security, and (ii) Shares granted or awarded under the Plan other than upon exercise or conversion of a derivative security must be held for at least six months from the date of grant of an Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Reformation to Comply with Exchange Act Rules</u>. To the extent the Committee determines that a grant or other transaction by a <u>Section 16</u>Person should comply with applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 (except for transactions exempted under alternative Exchange Act rules), the Committee shall take such actions as necessary to make such grant or other transaction so comply, and if any provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement relating to a given Award does not comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 as then applicable to any such grant or transaction, such provision will be construed or deemed amended, if the Committee so determines, to the extent necessary to conform to the then applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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>Rule 16b-3 Administration</u>. Any function relating to a <u>Section 16</u>Person shall be performed solely by the Committee or the Board if necessary to ensure compliance with applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3, to the extent the Committee determines that such compliance is desired. Each member of the Committee or person acting on behalf of the Committee shall be entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to him by any officer, manager or other employee of the Company or any Affiliate, the Company's independent certified public accountants or any executive compensation consultant or attorney or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.8 <u>Deferral of Award Payouts</u>. The Committee may permit a Grantee to defer, or if and to the extent specified in an Award Agreement require the Grantee to defer, receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due by virtue of the lapse or waiver of restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock Units, the satisfaction of any requirements or goals with respect to Performance Units or Performance Shares, the lapse or waiver of the deferral period for Deferred Stock, or the lapse or waiver of restrictions with respect to Other Stock-Based Awards. If the Committee permits such deferrals, the Committee shall establish rules and procedures for making such deferral elections and for the payment of such deferrals, which shall conform in form and substance with applicable regulations promulgated under Section 409A of the Code and <u>ARTICLE 16</u> to ensure that the Grantee is not subjected to tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code with respect to such deferrals. Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, any payment or any Shares that are subject to such deferral shall be made or delivered to the Grantee as specified in the Award Agreement or pursuant to the Grantee's deferral election.

**ARTICLE 6**

**STOCK OPTIONS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1 <u>Grant of Options</u>. Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, Options may be granted to any Eligible Person in such number, and upon such terms, and at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.2 <u>Award Agreement</u>. Each Option grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Exercise Price, the Term of the Option, the number of Shares to which the Option pertains, the time or times at which such Option shall be exercisable and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.3 <u>Option Exercise Price</u>. The Exercise Price of an Option under this Plan shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee but may not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.4 <u>Grant of Incentive Stock Options</u>. At the time of the grant of any Option, the Committee may in its discretion designate that such Option shall be made subject to additional restrictions to permit it to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. Any Option designated as an Incentive 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) shall be granted only to an Employee;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) shall have an Exercise Price of not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date, and, if granted to a person who owns capital stock (including stock treated as owned under Section 424(d) of the Code) possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary of the

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Company (a "<u>More Than 10% Owner</u>"), have an Exercise Price not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on its 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) shall be for a period of not more than 10 years (five years if the Grantee is a More Than 10% Owner) from its Grant Date, and shall be subject to earlier termination as provided herein or 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;(d) shall not have an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the Grant Date) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options (whether granted under the Plan or any other stock option plan of the Grantee's employer or any parent or Subsidiary of the Company ("<u>Other Plans</u>")) are exercisable for the first time by such Grantee during any calendar year ("<u>Current Grant</u>"), determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code, which exceeds $100,000 (the "<u>$100,000 Limit</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;(e) shall, if the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares (determined on the Grant Date) with respect to the Current Grant and all Incentive Stock Options previously granted under the Plan and any Other Plans which are exercisable for the first time during a calendar year would exceed the $100,000 Limit, be, as to the portion in excess of the $100,000 Limit, exercisable as a separate option that is not an Incentive Stock Option at such date or dates as are provided in the Current Grant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) shall require the Grantee to notify the Committee of any disposition of any Shares delivered pursuant to the exercise of the Incentive Stock Option under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to holding periods and certain disqualifying dispositions) ("<u>Disqualifying Disposition</u>") within 10 days of such a Disqualifying Disposition;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) shall by its terms not be assignable or transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised, during the Grantee's lifetime, only by the Grantee; provided, however, that the Grantee may, to the extent provided in the Plan in any manner specified by the Committee, designate in writing a beneficiary to exercise his or her Incentive Stock Option after the Grantee's death; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) shall, if such Option nevertheless fails to meet the foregoing requirements, or otherwise fails to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code for an Incentive Stock Option, be treated for all purposes of this Plan, except as otherwise provided in subsections (d) and (e) above, as an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

Notwithstanding the foregoing and <u>Section 3.2</u>, the Committee may, without the consent of the Grantee, at any time before the exercise of an Option (whether or not an Incentive Stock Option), take any action necessary to prevent such Option from being treated as an Incentive Stock Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.5 <u>Payment of Exercise Price</u>. Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, Options shall be exercised by the delivery of a written notice of exercise to the Company, setting forth the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is to be exercised, accompanied by full payment for the Shares made by any one or more of the following means:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) cash, personal check or wire transfer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) with the approval of the Committee, delivery of Common Stock owned by the Grantee prior to exercise, valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) with the approval of the Committee, Shares acquired upon the exercise of such Option, such Shares valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) with the approval of the Committee, Restricted Shares held by the Grantee prior to the exercise of the Option, valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) subject to Applicable Law (including the prohibited loan provisions of Section 402 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002), through the sale of the Shares acquired on exercise of the Option through a broker-dealer to whom the Grantee has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise and irrevocable instructions to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale proceeds sufficient to pay for such Shares, together with, if requested by the Company, the amount of federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes payable by Grantee by reason of such exercise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) The Committee may in its discretion specify that, if any Restricted Shares ("<u>Tendered Restricted Shares</u>") are used to pay the Exercise Price, (x) all the Shares acquired on exercise of the Option shall be subject to the same restrictions as the Tendered Restricted Shares, determined as of the date of exercise of the Option, or (y) a number of Shares acquired on

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exercise of the Option equal to the number of Tendered Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions as the Tendered Restricted Shares, determined as of the date of exercise of the Option.

**ARTICLE 7**

**STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1 <u>Issuance</u>. Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant SARs to any Eligible Person either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan. Such SARs may, but need not, be granted in connection with a specific Option granted under <u>ARTICLE 6</u>. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any SAR as it shall deem appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2 <u>Award Agreements</u>. Each SAR grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in such form as the Committee may approve and shall contain such terms and conditions not inconsistent with other provisions of the Plan as shall be determined from time to time by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.3 <u>SAR Exercise Price</u>. The Exercise Price of a SAR shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion; provided that the Exercise Price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of the grant of the SAR.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.4 <u>Exercise and Payment</u>. Upon the exercise of an SAR, a Grantee shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The excess of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price; by

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised.

SARs shall be deemed exercised on the date written notice of exercise in a form acceptable to the Committee is received by the Secretary of the Company. The Company shall make payment in respect of any SAR within five (5) days of the date the SAR is exercised. Any payment by the Company in respect of a SAR may be made in cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine or, to the extent permitted under the terms of the applicable Award Agreement, at the election of the Grantee.

**ARTICLE 8**

**RESTRICTED SHARES**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.1 <u>Grant of Restricted Shares</u>. Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Restricted Shares to any Eligible Person in such amounts as the Committee shall determine.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2 <u>Award Agreement</u>. Each grant of Restricted Shares shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Period(s) of Restriction, the number of Restricted Shares granted, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine. The Committee may impose such conditions and/or restrictions on any Restricted Shares granted pursuant to the Plan as it may deem advisable, including restrictions based upon the achievement of specific performance goals, time-based restrictions on vesting following the attainment of the performance goals, and/or restrictions under applicable securities laws; provided that such conditions and/or restrictions may lapse, if so determined by the Committee, in the event of the Grantee's Termination of Affiliation due to death, Disability, or involuntary termination by the Company or an Affiliate without Cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.3 <u>Consideration for Restricted Shares</u>. The Committee shall determine the amount, if any, that a Grantee shall pay for Restricted Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.4 <u>Effect of Forfeiture</u>. If Restricted Shares are forfeited, and if the Grantee was required to pay for such shares or acquired such Restricted Shares upon the exercise of an Option, the Grantee shall be deemed to have resold such Restricted Shares to the Company at a price equal to the lesser of (x) the amount paid by the Grantee for such Restricted Shares, or (y) the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of such forfeiture. The Company shall pay to the Grantee the deemed sale price as soon as is administratively practical. Such Restricted Shares shall cease to be outstanding and shall no longer confer on the Grantee thereof any rights as a stockholder of the Company, from and after the date of the event causing the forfeiture, whether or not the Grantee accepts the Company's tender of payment for such Restricted Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 <u>Escrow; Legends</u>. The Committee may provide that the certificates for any Restricted Shares (x) shall be held (together with a stock power executed in blank by the Grantee) in escrow by the Secretary of the Company until such Restricted Shares become nonforfeitable or are forfeited and/or (y) shall bear an appropriate legend restricting the transfer of such Restricted Shares under the

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Plan. If any Restricted Shares become nonforfeitable, the Company shall cause certificates for such shares to be delivered without such legend.

**ARTICLE 9**

**PERFORMANCE UNITS AND PERFORMANCE SHARES**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.1 <u>Grant of Performance Units and Performance Shares</u>. Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, Performance Units or Performance Shares may be granted to any Eligible Person in such amounts and upon such terms, and at any time and from time to time, as shall be determined by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.2 <u>Value/Performance Goals</u>. The Committee shall set performance goals in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units or Performance Shares that will be paid to the Grantee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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>Performance Unit</u>. Each Performance Unit shall have an initial value that is established by the Committee at the time of grant.

(b<u>) Performance Share</u>. Each Performance Share shall have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.3 <u>Earning of Performance Units and Performance Shares</u>. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units or Performance Shares shall be entitled to payment based on the level of achievement of performance goals set by the Committee.

At the discretion of the Committee, the settlement of Performance Units or Performance Shares may be in cash, Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof, as set forth in the Award Agreement.

If a Grantee is promoted, demoted or transferred to a different business unit of the Company during a Performance Period, then, to the extent the Committee determines that the Award, the performance goals, or the Performance Period are no longer appropriate, the Committee may adjust, change, eliminate or cancel the Award, the performance goals, or the applicable Performance Period, as it deems appropriate in order to make them appropriate and comparable to the initial Award, the performance goals, or the Performance Period.

At the discretion of the Committee, a Grantee may be entitled to receive any dividends or Dividend Equivalents declared with respect to Shares deliverable in connection with vested Performance Shares which have been earned, but not yet delivered to the Grantee.

**ARTICLE 10**

**DEFERRED STOCK AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.1 <u>Grant of Deferred Stock and Restricted Stock Units</u>. Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Deferred Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units to any Eligible Person, in such amount and upon such terms as the Committee shall determine. Deferred Stock must conform in form and substance with applicable regulations promulgated under Section 409A of the Code and with ARTICLE 16 to ensure that the Grantee is not subjected to tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code with respect to such Deferred Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.2 <u>Vesting and Delivery</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;(a) <u>Delivery with Respect to Deferred Stock</u>. Delivery of Shares subject to a Deferred Stock grant will occur upon expiration of the deferral period or upon the occurrence of one or more of the distribution events described in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code as specified by the Committee in the Grantee's Award Agreement for the Award of Deferred Stock. An Award of Deferred Stock may be subject to such substantial risk of forfeiture conditions as the Committee may impose, which conditions may lapse at such times or upon the achievement of such objectives as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant or thereafter. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, to the extent that the Grantee has a Termination of Affiliation while the Deferred Stock remains subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, such shares of Deferred Stock shall be forfeited, unless the Committee determines that such substantial risk of forfeiture shall lapse in the event of the Grantee's Termination of Affiliation due to death, Disability, or involuntary termination by the Company or an Affiliate without "cause."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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>Delivery with Respect to Restricted Stock Units</u>. Delivery of Shares subject to a grant of Restricted Stock Units shall occur no later than the 15th day of the third month following the end of the taxable year of the Grantee or the fiscal year

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of the Company in which the Grantee's rights under such Restricted Stock Units are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture as defined in final regulations under Section 409A of the Code. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, to the extent that the Grantee has a Termination of Affiliation while the Restricted Stock Units remains subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, such Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited, unless the Committee determines that such substantial risk of forfeiture shall lapse in the event of the Grantee's Termination of Affiliation due to death, Disability, or involuntary termination by the Company or an Affiliate without "cause."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.3 <u>Voting and Dividend Equivalent Rights Attributable to Deferred Stock and Restricted Stock Units</u>. A Grantee awarded Deferred Stock or Restricted Stock Units will have no voting rights with respect to such Deferred Stock or Restricted Stock Units prior to the delivery of Shares in settlement of such Deferred Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, a Grantee will have the rights to receive Dividend Equivalents in respect of Deferred Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units, which Dividend Equivalents shall be deemed reinvested in additional Shares of Deferred Stock or Restricted Stock Units, as applicable, which shall remain subject to the same forfeiture conditions applicable to the Deferred Stock or Restricted Stock Units to which such Dividend Equivalents relate.

**ARTICLE 11**

**DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS**

The Committee is authorized to grant Awards of Dividend Equivalents alone or in conjunction with other Awards. The Committee may provide that Dividend Equivalents shall be paid or distributed when accrued or shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Shares or additional Awards or otherwise reinvested subject to distribution at the same time and subject to the same conditions as the Award to which it relates; provided, however, that any Dividend Equivalents granted in conjunction with any Award that is subject to forfeiture conditions shall remain subject to the same forfeiture conditions applicable to the Award to which such Dividend Equivalents relate and any payments in respect of any Dividend Equivalents granted in conjunction with any Options or SARs may not be conditioned, directly or indirectly, on the Grantee's exercise of the Options or SARs or paid at the same time that the Options or SARs are exercised. The timing of payment or distribution of Dividend Equivalents must comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

**ARTICLE 12**

**BONUS SHARES**

Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee may grant Bonus Shares to any Eligible Person, in such amount and upon such terms and at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee.

**ARTICLE 13**

**OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARDS**

The Committee is authorized, subject to limitations under Applicable Law, to grant such other Awards that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, Shares, as deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan, including Shares awarded which are not subject to any restrictions or conditions, convertible or exchangeable debt securities or other rights convertible or exchangeable into Shares, and Awards valued by reference to the value of securities of or the performance of specified Affiliates. Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards. Except as provided by the Committee, Shares delivered pursuant to a purchase right granted under this ARTICLE 13 shall be purchased for such consideration, paid for by such methods and in such forms, including cash, Shares, outstanding Awards or other property, as the Committee shall determine.

**ARTICLE 14**

**NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR AWARDS**

Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Board may grant Awards to any Non-Employee Director, in such amount and upon such terms and at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the full Board in its sole discretion. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.6(b), a Non-Employee Director may not be granted Awards with respect to Shares that have a Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) in excess of $1,000,000 in a single calendar year.

**ARTICLE 15**

**AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.1 <u>Amendment, Modification, and Termination</u>. Subject to <u>Section 15.2</u>, the Board may, at any time and from time to time, alter, amend, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan in whole or in part without the approval of the Company's stockholders,

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except that (a) any amendment or alteration shall be subject to the approval of the Company's stockholders if such stockholder approval is required by any federal or state law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares may then be listed or quoted, and (b) the Board may otherwise, in its discretion, determine to submit other such amendments or alterations to stockholders for approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.2 <u>Awards Previously Granted</u>. Except as otherwise specifically permitted in the Plan or an Award Agreement, no termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted under the Plan, without the written consent of the Grantee of such Award.

**ARTICLE 16**

**COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 409A**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.1 <u>Awards Subject to Code Section 409A</u>. The provisions of this <u>ARTICLE 16</u> shall apply to any Award or portion thereof that is or becomes deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A (a "<u>409A Award</u>"), notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the Plan or the Award Agreement applicable to such Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.2 <u>Deferral and/or Distribution Elections</u>. Except as otherwise permitted or required by Code Section 409A, the following rules shall apply to any deferral and/or elections as to the form or timing of distributions (each, an "<u>Election</u>") that may be permitted or required by the Committee with respect to a 409A 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Any Election must be in writing and specify the amount being deferred, and the time and form of distribution (i.e., lump sum or installments) as permitted by this Plan. An Election may but need not specify whether payment will be made in cash, Shares or other property.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) Any Election shall become irrevocable as of the deadline specified by the Committee, which shall not be later than December 31 of the year preceding the year in which services relating to the Award commence; provided, however, that if the Award qualifies as "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Code Section 409A and is based on services performed over a period of at least twelve (12) months, then the deadline may be no later than six (6) months prior to the end of 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;(c) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, an Election shall continue in effect until a written election to revoke or change such Election is received by the Committee, prior to the last day for making an Election for the subsequent year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.3 <u>Subsequent Elections</u>. Except as otherwise permitted or required by Code Section 409A, any 409A Award which permits a subsequent Election to further defer the distribution or change the form of distribution shall comply with the following requirements:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) No subsequent Election may take effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the subsequent Election is made;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each subsequent Election related to a distribution upon separation from service, a specified time, or a Change in Control must result in a delay of the distribution for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date such distribution would otherwise have been made; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) No subsequent Election related to a distribution to be made at a specified time or pursuant to a fixed schedule shall be made less than twelve (12) months prior to the date the first scheduled payment would otherwise be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.4 <u>Distributions Pursuant to Deferral Elections</u>. Except as otherwise permitted or required by Code Section 409A, no distribution in settlement of a 409A Award may commence earlier than:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) Separation from Service;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The date the Grantee becomes Disabled;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) The Grantee's death;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) A specified time (or pursuant to a fixed schedule) that is either (i) specified by the Committee upon the grant of the Award and set forth in the Award Agreement or (ii) specified by the Grantee in an Election complying with the requirements of <u>Section 16.2</u> and/or <u>Section 16.3</u>, as applicable; or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) A change in ownership of the Company or a substantial portion of its assets within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) or (vii) or a change in effective control of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) (a "<u>Change in Control</u>").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.5 <u>Six Month Delay</u>. Notwithstanding anything herein or in any Award Agreement or Election to the contrary, to the extent that distribution of a 409A Award is triggered by a Grantee's Separation from Service, if the Grantee is then a "specified employee" (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i)), no distribution may be made before the date which is six (6) months after such Grantee's Separation from Service, or, if earlier, the date of the Grantee's death.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.6 <u>Death or Disability</u>. Unless the Award Agreement otherwise provides, if a Grantee dies or becomes Disabled before complete distribution of amounts payable upon settlement of a 409A Award, such undistributed amounts, to the extent vested, shall be distributed as provided in the Grantee's Election. If the Grantee has made no Election with respect to distributions upon death or Disability, all such distributions shall be paid in a lump sum within 90 days following the date of the Grantee's death or Disability.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.7 <u>No Acceleration of Distributions</u>. This Plan does not permit the acceleration of the time or schedule of any distribution under a 409A Award, except as provided by Code Section 409A and/or applicable regulations or rulings issued thereunder.

**ARTICLE 17**

**WITHHOLDING**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.1 <u>Required Withholding</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;(a) The Committee in its sole discretion may provide that when taxes are to be withheld in connection with the exercise of an Option or SAR, or upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Shares, or upon the transfer of Shares, or upon payment of any other benefit or right under this Plan (the date on which such exercise occurs or such restrictions lapse or such payment of any other benefit or right occurs hereinafter referred to as the "Tax Date"), the Grantee may elect to make payment for the withholding of federal, state and local taxes including Social Security and Medicare ("<u>FICA</u>") taxes by one or a combination of the following methods:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) payment of an amount in cash equal to the amount to be withheld (including cash obtained through the sale of the Shares acquired on exercise of an Option or SAR, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Shares, or upon the transfer of Shares, through a broker-dealer to whom the Grantee has submitted an irrevocable instructions to deliver promptly to the Company, the amount to be withheld);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) delivering part or all of the amount to be withheld in the form of Common Stock valued at its Fair Market Value on the Tax 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) requesting the Company to withhold from those Shares that would otherwise be received upon exercise of the Option or SAR, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Shares, or upon the transfer of Shares, a number of Shares having a Fair Market Value on the Tax Date equal to the amount to be withheld; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) withholding from any compensation otherwise due to the Grantee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Committee in its sole discretion may provide that the maximum amount of tax withholding upon exercise of an Option or SARs, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Shares, or upon the transfer of Shares, to be satisfied by withholding Shares upon exercise of such Option or SAR, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Shares, or upon the transfer of Shares, pursuant to clause (iii) above shall not exceed the minimum amount of taxes, including FICA taxes, required to be withheld under federal, state and local law. An election by Grantee under this subsection is irrevocable. Any fractional share amount and any additional withholding not paid by the withholding or surrender of Shares must be paid in cash. If no timely election is made, the Grantee must deliver cash to satisfy all tax withholding requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Any Grantee who makes a Disqualifying Disposition or an election under Section 83(b) of the Code shall remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy all resulting tax withholding requirements in the same manner as set forth in Section 17.1(a).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.2 <u>Notification under Code Section 83(b)</u>. If the Grantee, in connection with the exercise of any Option, or the grant of Restricted Shares, makes the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code to include in such Grantee's gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Section 83(b) of the Code, then such Grantee shall notify the Company of such election within 10 days of filing the notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant

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to regulations issued under Section 83(b) of the Code. The Committee may, in connection with the grant of an Award or at any time thereafter, prohibit a Grantee from making the election described above.

**ARTICLE 18**

**ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.1 <u>Successors</u>. Subject to <u>Section 4.2(b)</u>, all obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.2 <u>Severability</u>. If any part of the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity shall not invalidate any other part of the Plan. Any Section or part of a Section so declared to be unlawful or invalid shall, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.3 <u>Requirements of Law</u>. The granting of Awards and the delivery of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all Applicable Laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any Award, Grantees shall not be entitled to exercise, or receive benefits under, any Award, and the Company (and any Affiliate) shall not be obligated to deliver any Shares or deliver benefits to a Grantee, if such exercise or delivery would constitute a violation by the Grantee or the Company of any Applicable Law or regulation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.4 <u>Securities Law Compliance</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;(a) If the Committee deems it necessary to comply with any applicable securities law, or the requirements of any stock exchange upon which Shares may be listed, the Committee may impose any restriction on Awards or Shares acquired pursuant to Awards under the Plan as it may deem advisable. In addition, if requested by the Company and any underwriter engaged by the Company, Shares acquired pursuant to Awards may not be sold or otherwise transferred or disposed of for such period following the effective date of any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act as the Company or such underwriter shall specify reasonably and in good faith, not to exceed 180 days in the case of the Company's initial public offering or 90 days in the case of any other public offering. All certificates for Shares delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC, any stock exchange upon which Shares are then listed, any applicable securities law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. If so requested by the Company, the Grantee shall make a written representation to the Company that he or she will not sell or offer to sell any Shares unless a registration statement shall be in effect with respect to such Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any applicable state securities law or unless he or she shall have furnished to the Company, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, that such registration is not required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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) If the Committee determines that the exercise or nonforfeitability of, or delivery of benefits pursuant to, any Award would violate any applicable provision of securities laws or the listing requirements of any national securities exchange or national market system on which are listed any of the Company's equity securities, then the Committee may postpone any such exercise, nonforfeitability or delivery, as applicable, but the Company shall use all reasonable efforts to cause such exercise, nonforfeitability or delivery to comply with all such provisions at the earliest practicable date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.5 <u>Forfeiture Events</u>. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, the Committee shall have the authority to determine (and may so provide in any Award Agreement) that a Grantee's (including his or her estate's, beneficiary's or transferee's) rights (including the right to exercise any Option or SAR), payments and benefits with respect to any Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment (to the extent permitted by Applicable Law) in the event of the Grantee's termination for Cause; serious misconduct; violation of the Company's or an Affiliate's policies; breach of fiduciary duty; unauthorized disclosure of any trade secret or confidential information of the Company or an Affiliate; breach of applicable noncompetition, nonsolicitation, confidentiality or other restrictive covenants; or other conduct or activity that is in competition with the business of the Company or an Affiliate, or otherwise detrimental to the business, reputation or interests of the Company and/or an Affiliate; or upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the applicable Award Agreement (in any such case, whether or not the Grantee is then an Employee or Non-Employee Director). The determination of whether a Grantee's conduct, activities or circumstances are described in the immediately preceding sentence shall be made by the Committee in its discretion, and pending any such determination, the Committee shall have the authority to suspend the exercise, payment, delivery or settlement of all or any portion of such Grantee's outstanding Awards pending any investigation of the matter.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.6 <u>No Rights as a Stockholder</u>. No Grantee shall have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Shares (other than Restricted Shares) which may be deliverable upon exercise or payment of such Award until such Shares have been delivered to him or her. Restricted Shares, whether held by a Grantee or in escrow by the Secretary of the Company, shall confer on the Grantee all rights of a stockholder of the Company, except as otherwise provided in the Plan or Award Agreement. At the time of a grant of Restricted Shares, the Committee may require the payment of cash dividends thereon to be deferred and, if the Committee so determines, reinvested in additional Restricted Shares. Stock dividends and deferred cash dividends issued with respect to Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions and other terms as apply to the Restricted Shares with respect to which such dividends are issued. The Committee may in its discretion provide for payment of interest on deferred cash dividends.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.7 <u>Nature of Payments</u>. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, Awards shall be special incentive payments to the Grantee and shall not be taken into account in computing the amount of salary or compensation of the Grantee for purposes of determining any pension, retirement, death or other benefit under (a) any pension, retirement, profit sharing, bonus, insurance or other employee benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate, except as such plan shall otherwise expressly provide, or (b) any agreement between (i) the Company or any Affiliate and (ii) the Grantee, except as such agreement shall otherwise expressly provide.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.8 <u>Non-Exclusivity of Plan</u>. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor its submission to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other compensatory arrangements for Service Providers as it may deem desirable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.9 <u>Governing Law</u>. The Plan, and all agreements hereunder, shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, other than its laws respecting choice or conflicts of law rule or principles that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of the Plan to the substantive law of another jurisdiction. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, Grantees are deemed to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the federal or state courts of the State of Delaware, to resolve any and all issues that may arise out of or relate to the Plan or any related Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.10 <u>Unfunded Status of Awards; Creation of Trusts</u>. The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for incentive and deferred compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Grantee pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall give any such Grantee any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company; provided, however, that the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or make other arrangements to meet the Company's obligations under the Plan to deliver cash, Shares or other property pursuant to any Award which trusts or other arrangements shall be consistent with the "unfunded" status of the Plan unless the Committee otherwise determines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.11 <u>Affiliation</u>. Nothing in the Plan or an Award Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate any Grantee's employment or consulting contract at any time, nor confer upon any Grantee the right to continue to be an Employee, Consultant or Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.12 <u>Participation</u>. No Person shall have the right to be selected to receive an Award under this Plan or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.13 <u>Military Service</u>. Awards shall be administered in accordance with Section 414(u) of the Code and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.14 <u>Construction</u>. The following rules of construction will apply to the Plan: (a) the word "or" is disjunctive but not necessarily exclusive, and (b) words in the singular include the plural, words in the plural include the singular, and words in the neuter gender include the masculine and feminine genders and words in the masculine or feminine gender include the other neuter genders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.15 <u>Headings</u>. The headings of articles and sections are included solely for convenience of reference, and if there is any conflict between such headings and the text of this Plan, the text shall control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.16 <u>Obligations</u>. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, the obligation to deliver, pay or transfer any amount of money or other property pursuant to Awards under this Plan shall be the sole obligation of a Grantee's employer; provided that the obligation to deliver or transfer any Shares pursuant to Awards under this Plan shall be the sole obligation of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.17 <u>No Right to Continue as Director</u>. Nothing in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall confer upon any Non-Employee Director the right to continue to serve as a Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.18 <u>Stockholder Approval</u>. All Incentive Stock Options granted on or after the Effective Date and prior to the date the Company's stockholders approve the Plan are expressly conditioned upon and subject to approval of the Plan by the Company's stockholders.

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