# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000915912
**File Stem:** 0001104659-26-065778
**Filing Date:** 2026-5
**Character Count:** 103609
**Document Hash:** 185b8b816b8488990fc03594b03113f9
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-26-065778.hdr.sgml**: 20260622

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-26-065778

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-8

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 15

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260522

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260522

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260522

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES INC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000915912
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 05 Real Estate & Construction
- **EIN:** 770404318
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-8
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-296192
- **FILM NUMBER:** 261014620

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4040 WILSON BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** STE 1000
- **CITY:** ARLINGTON
- **STATE:** VA
- **ZIP:** 22203
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 7033296300

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 4040 WILSON BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** STE 1000
- **CITY:** ARLINGTON
- **STATE:** VA
- **ZIP:** 22203

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AVALON BAY COMMUNITIES INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19980618

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** BAY APARTMENT COMMUNITIES INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19931208

**As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2026**

**Registration No. 333-**

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM S-8**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

***UNDER***

***THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933***

**AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Maryland** | **77-0404318** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of<br> incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer <br> Identification No.) |

---

**4040 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1000**

**Arlington, Virginia 22203**

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

**AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan**

(Full title of the plan)

**Benjamin W. Schall<br> Chief Executive Officer and President<br> AvalonBay Communities, Inc.<br> 4040 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1000<br> Arlington, VA 22203**

(Name and Address of Agent For Service)

**(703) 329-6300**

(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

*With a copy to:*

**Audrey S. Leigh<br> William T. Goldberg<br> Goodwin Procter LLP<br> 620 Eighth Avenue<br> New York, New York 10018<br> (212) 813-8800**

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer ⌧ | Accelerated filer ◻ |
| Non-accelerated filer ◻ | Smaller reporting company ◻ |
|  | Emerging growth company ◻ |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ◻

**EXPLANATORY NOTE**

This Registration Statement on Form S-8 is being filed by AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (the "Company", "we," "us" or "AvalonBay") to register the offer and sale of up to 4,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), pursuant to the AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2026 Plan").

**PART I**

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS**

As permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), this registration statement omits the information specified in Part I of Form S-8. The documents containing the information specified in Part I of this registration statement will be sent or given to participants in the 2026 Plan as specified in Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Such documents are not being filed with the Commission either as part of this registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act.

**PART II**

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT**

**Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.**

The following documents filed with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act and Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· [the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed on February 27, 2026;](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000091591226000004/avb-20251231.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· [the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, filed on May 7, 2026;](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000091591226000012/avb-20260331.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the information specifically incorporated by reference into the Annual Report
of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 from the Company's [Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on April 6, 2026;](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465926039943/avb-20250520xdef14a.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on [May 21, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465926064781/tm2615292d1_8k.htm) and [May 22, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465926065770/tm2615343d5_8k.htm) (except for information furnished to the SEC that is not deemed to be "filed" for purposes of the Exchange Act);
and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the description of the Company's common stock in the Company's
Registration Statement on Form 8-B, filed on June 8, 1995, as updated by [Exhibit 4.10](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000091591224000004/ex-4102023.htm) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on February 23, 2024, including any amendments or reports
filed for the purpose of updating such description.

All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.

Any statement contained herein or in a document, all or a portion of which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or amended, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.

**Item 4. Description of Securities.**

Not applicable.

**Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.**

Not applicable.

**Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.**

To the fullest extent permitted under Maryland law, AvalonBay's charter limits the liability of AvalonBay's directors and officers to AvalonBay and its stockholders for money damages for any breach of any duty owed by such director or officer of AvalonBay. The Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision eliminating the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from: (A) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or (B) active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and is material to the cause of action. These provisions do not limit the ability of AvalonBay or its stockholders to obtain other relief, such as an injunction or rescission.

The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which AvalonBay's charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL generally permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities, unless it is established that: (A) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; (B) in the case of a criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful; or (C) the director's or officer's act or omission was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty. However, if the proceeding was one by or in the right of the corporation, indemnification may not be made if the director or officer shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct; however, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by the corporation or on its behalf, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.

In addition, the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of: (A) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation; and (B) a written undertaking by the director or officer or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that he or she did not meet the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation.

To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, AvalonBay's charter provides that AvalonBay has the power, and AvalonBay's bylaws require AvalonBay, to indemnify and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding to (i) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of AvalonBay or any predecessor of AvalonBay and who is made, or threatened to be made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in such capacity or (ii) any individual who, at AvalonBay's or a predecessor's request, serves or has served as a director or officer, or in any other capacity with respect to, any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made, or threatened to be made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in such capacity. AvalonBay's charter and bylaws also permit AvalonBay, with the approval of its board of directors, to indemnify and advance expenses to any employee or agent of AvalonBay or any predecessor of AvalonBay.

Pursuant to the authority granted in AvalonBay's charter and bylaws, AvalonBay has also entered into indemnification agreements with certain of its executive officers and members of the board of directors who are not officers of AvalonBay, pursuant to which AvalonBay has agreed to indemnify them against certain liabilities incurred in connection with their service as executive officers and/or directors and has agreed to advance expenses incurred by them in certain circumstances. These provisions and contracts could reduce the legal remedies available to AvalonBay and its stockholders against these individuals. In addition, AvalonBay maintains a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy.

**Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.**

Not applicable.

**Item 8. Exhibits.**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit**<br>**Number** | <br>**Description** |
| [4.1](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000095013307000888/w30545exv3wxiyw1.txt) | [Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of AvalonBay, dated as of June 4, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i).1 to Form 10-K of AvalonBay filed March 1, 2007.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000095013307000888/w30545exv3wxiyw1.txt) |
| [4.2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000095013307000888/w30545exv3wxiyw2.txt) | [Articles of Amendment, dated as of October 2, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i).2 to Form 10-K of AvalonBay filed March 1, 2007.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000095013307000888/w30545exv3wxiyw2.txt) |
| [4.3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465913043843/a13-12983_1ex3did3.htm) | [Articles of Amendment, dated as of May 22, 2013. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i).3 to Form 8-K of AvalonBay filed May 22, 2013.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465913043843/a13-12983_1ex3did3.htm) |
| [4.4](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465920062596/tm2019667d1_ex3i-4.htm) | [Articles of Amendment, dated as of May 14, 2020. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i).4 to Form 8-K of AvalonBay filed May 15, 2020.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465920062596/tm2019667d1_ex3i-4.htm) |
| [4.5](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000091591223000018/q3202310-qex3i5.htm) | [Composite restatement of Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of AvalonBay, dated as of June 4, 1998, as amended by the Articles of Amendment, dated as of October 2, 1998, the Articles of Amendment, dated as of May 22, 2013, and the Articles of Amendment, dated as of May 14, 2020. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i).5 to Form 10-Q of AvalonBay filed November 3, 2023.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000091591223000018/q3202310-qex3i5.htm) |
| [4.6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465923112594/tm2329082d1_ex3-1.htm) | [Amended and Restated Bylaws of AvalonBay, as adopted by the Board of Directors on October 30, 2023. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of AvalonBay filed October 30, 2023.)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/915912/000110465923112594/tm2329082d1_ex3-1.htm) |
| [5.1\*](tm2615343d6_ex5-1.htm) | [Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP.](tm2615343d6_ex5-1.htm) |
| [23.1\*](tm2615343d6_ex5-1.htm) | [Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).](tm2615343d6_ex5-1.htm) |
| [23.2\*](tm2615343d6_ex23-2.htm) | [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.](tm2615343d6_ex23-2.htm) |
| [24.1\*](#a_001) | [Power of Attorney (included on signature page).](#a_001) |
| [99.1\*](tm2615343d6_ex99-1.htm) | [AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan.](tm2615343d6_ex99-1.htm) |
| [107\*](tm2615343d6_ex-filingfees.htm) | [Calculation of Filing Fee Table.](tm2615343d6_ex-filingfees.htm) |

---

\* Filed herewith.

**Item 9. Undertakings.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The undersigned Company hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement on Form S-8 (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement on Form S-8 (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement on Form S-8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement on Form S-8 or any material change to such information in this registration statement on Form S-8; *provided, however,* that clauses (1)(i) and (1)(ii) shall not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference into this registration statement on Form S-8; (2) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial *bona fide* offering thereof; and (3) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The undersigned Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference into this registration statement on Form S-8 shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial *bona fide* offering thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the indemnity provisions summarized in Item 6, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, AvalonBay certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Arlington, State of Virginia, on this 22nd day of May, 2026.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **AvalonBay Communities, Inc.** | **AvalonBay Communities, Inc.** |
| Date: | May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ Benjamin W. Schall |
|  |  |  | *Benjamin W. Schall, Director, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer)* |

---

**POWER OF ATTORNEY**

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Benjamin W. Schall and Kevin P. O'Shea, and each of them, as his attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or post-effective amendments to this registration statement, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, granting unto such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ BENJAMIN W. SCHALL |
|  |  | Benjamin W. Schall, Director, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ KEVIN P. O'SHEA |
|  |  | Kevin P. O'Shea, Chief Financial Officer<br> (Principal Financial Officer) |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ SEAN T. WILLSON |
|  |  | Sean T. Willson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller<br> (Principal Accounting Officer) |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ TIMOTHY J. NAUGHTON |
|  |  | Timothy J. Naughton, Chairman of the Board |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ GLYN F. AEPPEL |
|  |  | Glyn F. Aeppel, Director |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ TERRY S. BROWN |
|  |  | Terry S. Brown, Director |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ CONOR C. FLYNN |
|  |  | Conor C. Flynn, Director |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ RONALD L. HAVNER, JR. |
|  |  | Ronald L. Havner, Jr., Director |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ STEPHEN P. HILLS |
|  |  | Stephen P. Hills, Director |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ CHRISTOPHER B. HOWARD |
|  |  | Christopher B. Howard, Director |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ RICHARD J. LIEB |
|  |  | Richard J. Lieb, Director |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ NNENNA LYNCH |
|  |  | Nnenna Lynch, Director |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ CHARLES E. MUELLER, JR. |
|  |  | Charles E. Mueller, Jr., Director |
| Date: May 22, 2026 | By: | /s/ SUSAN SWANEZY |
|  |  | Susan Swanezy, Director |

---

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;![](tm2615343d6_ex5-1img001.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Goodwin Procter LLP<br> 620 Eighth Avenue<br> New York, NY 10018<br>goodwinlaw.com<br> +1 212 813-8800 |

---

May 22, 2026

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

4040 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1000

Arlington, Virginia 22203

Re: <u>Securities Being Registered under Registration Statement on Form S-8</u>

We have acted as your counsel in connection with your filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), on or about the date hereof relating to an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), that may be issued pursuant to the AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan").

We have reviewed such documents and made such examination of law as we have deemed appropriate to give the opinion set forth below. We have relied, without independent verification, on certificates of public officials and, as to matters of fact material to the opinion set forth below, on certificates of officers of the Company.

For purposes of the opinion set forth below, we have assumed that, at the time Shares are issued, the total number of then unissued Shares, when added to the number of shares of Common Stock issued, subscribed for, or otherwise committed to be issued, does not exceed the number of shares of Common Stock authorized by the Company's articles of incorporation.

The opinion set forth below is limited to the Maryland General Corporation Law.

Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized and, when delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

This opinion letter and the opinion it contains shall be interpreted in accordance with the Core Opinion Principles as published in 74 Business Lawyer 815 (Summer 2019).

We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. In giving our consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ GOODWIN PROCTER LLP |
| GOODWIN PROCTER LLP |

---

## Exhibit 23.2

**Exhibit 23.2**

**Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Equity Incentive Plan of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. of our reports dated February 27, 2026, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Tysons, Virginia

May 22, 2026

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

****

<br> **AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.**

**20**26 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN**

SECTION 1. <u>GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE PLAN; DEFINITIONS</u>

The name of the plan is the AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the "***Plan***"). The purpose of the Plan is to encourage and enable the officers, employees, Non-Employee Directors and Consultants of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "***Company***") and its Affiliates upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the Company largely depends for the successful conduct of its business to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company. It is anticipated that providing such persons with a direct stake in the Company's welfare will assure a closer identification of their interests with those of the Company and its stockholders, thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company's behalf and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.

The following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

*"**Act**"* means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

*"**Administrator**"* means either the Board or the compensation committee of the Board or a similar committee performing the functions of the compensation committee and that is comprised of not less than two Non-Employee Directors who are independent.

"***Affiliate***" means, at the time of determination, any "parent" or "subsidiary" of the Company, as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Act. The Board will have the authority to determine the time or times at which "parent" or "subsidiary" status is determined within the foregoing definition.

*"**AOLTIP Units**"* means an AOLTIP Unit in an Affiliate.

*"**Award**"* or *"**Awards**,"* except where referring to a particular category of grant under the Plan, includes Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Cash-Based Awards, Dividend Equivalent Rights and Other Equity-Based Awards contemplated herein.

*"**Award Certificate**"* means a written or electronic document setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan. Each Award Certificate is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

*"**Board**"* means the Board of Directors of the Company.

*"**Cash-Based Award**"* means an Award entitling the recipient to receive a cash-denominated payment upon the attainment of specified performance goals, which goals may include individual performance objectives as well as financial, non-financial or operational measurements of the performance of the Company (including, but not limited to, any unit, division, group or Affiliate of the Company) such as total shareholder return; net income (loss) (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization); changes in the market price of the Stock; funds from operations or similar measures; leverage ratios; sales or revenue; acquisitions or strategic transactions; operating income; return on capital, assets, equity, or investment; lease or occupancy rates; expense; margins; earnings (loss) per share of Stock; market share; yield on or commencement of development or redevelopment projects; reputation or customer satisfaction; productivity; advancement of strategic initiatives; and/or any other goal established by the Administrator, any of which goals may be measured in absolute terms, as compared to any incremental increase, as compared to results of a peer group or on any other basis determined by the Administrator.

"***Cause***" means:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) any material or willful breach by the grantee of any agreement to which the grantee and the Company or any of its Affiliates are parties or of any published policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates that is generally applicable to all employees of the Company and its Affiliates (or to a subset of employees applicable to grantee, e.g., all officers or employees of a particular business unit), including, but not limited to, policies concerning insider trading, misuse of confidential information, sexual harassment or policies contained in the Company's Code of Conduct or Associate Handbook as the same may be amended from time to time; the materiality or willfulness of a breach shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) any act (other than retirement or other termination of employment) or omission to act by the grantee which may, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company, have a material and adverse effect on the interests of the Company or any Affiliate or on the grantee's ability to perform services for the Company or any Affiliate, including, without limitation, the commission of or indictment for any crime (other than ordinary traffic violations);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) any material misconduct or neglect of duties by the grantee in connection with the business or affairs of the Company or any Affiliate, including without limitation due to alcohol abuse or use of controlled substances other than in accordance with a valid prescription, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) any willful failure, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, to cooperate fully with a Company internal investigation or an investigation of the Company by regulatory or law enforcement authorities whether or not related to the grantee's employment with the Company (an "***Investigation***"), after being instructed by the Company (including any instruction by legal, internal audit or human resources personnel) to cooperate, or the grantee's willful destruction of or knowing and intentional failure to preserve documents or other material (including emails, text messages or electronic data) known by the grantee to be relevant to any Investigation; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) any fraud or misappropriation, embezzlement or misuse of funds or property belonging to the Company (including through the misapplication of Company property to personal use or fraudulent expense reimbursement reports);

provided, that the following shall apply in connection with and for 24 months following a Sale Event: (i) if any act or omission is, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, capable of cure, the grantee first shall have received written notice of the act or omission alleged to constitute Cause and shall have failed to cure after 15 days following such notice from the Company, which notice shall specifically identify the act or omission which the Company believes constitutes Cause; and (ii) in the case of an officer, a dismissal of such officer for Cause must be made pursuant to a vote of the Board (after the expiration of any applicable 15 day cure period).

As used in this definition of Cause, an act or omission to act shall be considered "willful" if done, or omitted to be done, by the grantee with knowledge and intent.

The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company's ability to terminate the grantee's employment at any time, nor will it limit the Company's ability to terminate the grantee's employment for poor performance or for "Cause" as defined for other purposes by the Company (e.g., with respect to other severance arrangements or guidelines).

"***Code****"* means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor Code, and related rules, regulations and interpretations.

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

"***Dividend Equivalent Right****"* means an Award entitling the grantee to receive credits based on cash dividends that would have been paid on the shares of Stock specified in the Dividend Equivalent Right (or other award to which it relates) if such shares had been issued to and held by the grantee.

*"**Effective Date**"* means the date on which the Plan becomes effective as set forth in Section 20.

*"**Exchange Act**"* means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

*"**Fair Market Value**"* of the Stock on any given date means the fair market value of the Stock determined in good faith by the Administrator; *provided*, *however*, that if the Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange or another national securities exchange or traded on any established market, the determination shall be made by reference to the closing price of the Stock on such primary exchange. If there is no closing price for such date, the determination shall be made by reference to the last date preceding such date for which there is a closing price.

"***Good Reason***" shall have the meaning set forth in the Award Certificate(s); *provided*, that if any Award Certificate does not contain a definition of "Good Reason," means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a material adverse change in the functions, duties or responsibilities of a grantee's position (other than a termination of employment for Cause) which would meaningfully reduce the level, importance or scope of such position (provided that a change in the person, position and/or department to whom the grantee is required to report shall not by itself constitute a material adverse change in such grantee's position); or (ii) the relocation of the office at which a grantee is principally located immediately prior to a Sale Event (the "***Original Office***") to a new location outside of the metropolitan area of the Original Office or the failure to locate a grantee's own office at the Original Office (or at the office to which such office is relocated which is within the metropolitan area of the Original Office); or (iii) a material reduction in the grantee's base salary and incentive compensation opportunity as in effect immediately prior to the event to which a right to terminate employment for Good Reason relates.

*"**Incentive Stock Option**"* means any Stock Option designated and qualified as an "incentive stock option" as defined in Section 422 of the Code.

*"**LTIP Unit**"* means an LTIP Unit in an Affiliate.

"***Minimum Vesting Period***" means the one-year period following the date of grant of an Award.

*"**Non-Employee Director**"* means a member of the Board who is not also an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.

*"**Non-Qualified Stock Option**"* means any Stock Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

*"**Option**"* or *"**Stock Option**"* means any option to purchase shares of Stock.

*"**Other Equity-Based Award**"* means an Award of Units or any other membership or ownership interests (which may be expressed as units or otherwise) in an Affiliate.

"***Prior Plan***" means the AvalonBay Communities, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

*"**Restricted Shares**"* means the shares of Stock underlying a Restricted Stock Award that remain subject to a risk of forfeiture or the Company's right of repurchase.

*"**Restricted Stock Award**"* means an Award of Restricted Shares.

*"**Restricted Stock Units**"* means an Award of stock units entitling the grantee to receive shares of stock (and/or cash, to the extent explicitly provided for in the Award Certificate) upon the satisfaction of certain restrictions and conditions.

*"**Sale Event**"* means (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company on a consolidated basis to one or more unrelated persons or entities or (ii) the sale or other transfer of all or substantially all of the Stock of the Company to one or more unrelated persons or entities (including by way of a merger, reorganization or consolidation in which the outstanding shares of Stock are converted into or exchanged for securities of the successor entity) where the stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to such sale or other transfer, would not, immediately after such sale or transfer, beneficially own shares representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the voting shares of the acquirer or surviving entity (or its ultimate parent corporation, if any). For this purpose, only voting shares of the acquirer or surviving entity (or its ultimate parent, if any) received by stockholders of the Company in exchange for Stock shall be counted, and any voting shares of the acquirer or surviving entity (or its ultimate parent, if any) already owned by stockholders of the Company prior to the transaction shall be disregarded.

"***Sale Price***" means the value, as determined by the Administrator, of the consideration payable, or otherwise to be received by stockholders, per share of Stock pursuant to a Sale Event.

*"**Section 409A**"* means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.

*"**Service Relationship**"* means any relationship as an officer, employee, director or Consultant of the Company or any Affiliate (e.g., a Service Relationship will be deemed to continue without interruption in the event an individual's status changes from full-time employee to part-time employee or Consultant or vice versa).

*"**Stock**"* means the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 3.

*"**Stock Appreciation Right**"* means an Award entitling the recipient to receive shares of Stock (or cash, to the extent explicitly provided for in the applicable Award Certificate) having a value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the Stock Appreciation Right multiplied by the number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.

*"**Subsidiary**"* means any corporation or other entity (other than the Company) in which the Company has at least a 50% interest, either directly or indirectly.

"***Substitute Awards***" means Awards granted or Stock issued by the Company in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted, in each case by a company acquired by the Company or any Affiliate or with which the Company or any Affiliate combines.

*"**Ten Percent Owner**"* means an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary that is a "subsidiary corporation" within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code who owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation.

"***Units***" means units of partnership interest, including, without limitation, LTIP Units, AOLTIP Units or other classes of profits interests in an Affiliate.

*"**Unrestricted Stock Award**"* means an Award of shares of Stock free of any restrictions.

SECTION 2. <u>ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN; ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORITY TO SELECT GRANTEES AND DETERMINE AWARDS</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Administration of Plan</u>. The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Powers of Administrator</u>. The Administrator shall have the power and authority to grant Awards consistent with the terms of the Plan, including the power and authority:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) to select the individuals to whom Awards may from time to time 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;(ii) to determine the time or times of grant, and the extent, if any, of Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Cash-Based Awards, Dividend Equivalent Rights and Other Equity-Based Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, granted to any one or more grantees;

&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) to determine the number of shares of Stock or, in the case of a Cash-Based Award, the amount of cash, to be covered by any Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) to determine and, subject to Section 17, modify from time to time the terms and conditions, including restrictions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award, which terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and grantees, and to approve the forms of Award Certificates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) to accelerate at any time the exercisability or vesting of all or any portion of any Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) subject to the provisions of Section 5(c) or Section 6(d), as applicable, to extend at any time the period in which Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) at any time to adopt, alter and repeal such rules, guidelines and practices for administration of the Plan and for its own acts and proceedings as it deems advisable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award (including related written instruments);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) to make all determinations it deems 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;(x) to decide all disputes arising in connection with the Plan; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan.

All decisions and interpretations of the Administrator shall be binding on all persons, including the Company and Plan grantees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Delegation of Authority to Grant Awards</u>. Subject to applicable law, the Administrator, in its discretion, may delegate to a committee consisting of one or more officers of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, all or part of the Administrator's authority and duties with respect to the granting of Awards to individuals who are (i) not subject to the reporting and other provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and (ii) not members of the delegated committee. Any such delegation by the Administrator shall include a limitation as to the amount of Stock underlying Awards that may be granted during the period of the delegation and shall contain guidelines as to the determination of the exercise price and the vesting criteria. The Administrator may revoke or amend the terms of a delegation at any time but such action shall not invalidate any prior actions of the Administrator's delegate or delegates that were consistent with the terms of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Award Certificate</u>. Other than with respect to Cash-Based Awards, Awards under the Plan shall be evidenced by Award Certificates that set forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each Award which may include, without limitation, the term of an Award and the provisions applicable in the event employment or service terminates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Indemnification</u>. Neither the Board nor the Administrator, nor any member of either, or any delegate thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with the Plan, and the members of the Board and the Administrator (and any delegate thereof) shall be entitled in all cases to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under the Company's articles or bylaws or any directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time and/or any indemnification agreement between such individual and the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Non-U.S. Award Recipients</u>. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply, or facilitate compliance, with the laws in other countries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate or have employees or other individuals eligible for Awards, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (i) determine which Affiliates shall be covered by the Plan; (ii) determine which individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan; (iii) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to individuals outside the United States to comply, or facilitate compliance, with applicable non-U.S. laws; (iv) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent the Administrator determines such actions to be necessary or advisable (and such subplans and/or modifications shall be attached to this Plan as appendices); *provided*, *however*, that no such subplans and/or modifications shall increase the share limitations contained in Section 3(a) hereof; and (v) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that the Administrator determines to be necessary or advisable to obtain approval or comply, or facilitate compliance, with any local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate the Exchange Act or any other applicable United States securities law, the Code or any other applicable United States governing statute or law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Minimum Vesting Requirements</u>. The vesting period for each Award granted under the Plan must be at least equal to the Minimum Vesting Period; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, up to 5% of the shares of Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan may be utilized for Unrestricted Stock Awards or other Awards with a vesting period that is less than the Minimum Vesting Period (each such Award, an "***Excepted Award***"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) in addition to Excepted Awards, the Administrator may grant Awards that vest (or permit previously granted Awards to vest) within the Minimum Vesting Period (i) if such Awards are granted as substitute Awards in replacement of other Awards (or awards previously granted by an entity being acquired (or assets of which are being acquired)) that were scheduled to vest within the Minimum Vesting Period or (ii) if such Awards are being granted in lieu of fully vested cash compensation and (y) nothing in this Section 2(f) shall limit the Administrator's authority to provide for the accelerated vesting of Awards in the terms of an Award Certificate or as permitted in Section 2(b)(v) above.

SECTION 3. <u>STOCK ISSUABLE UNDER THE PLAN; MERGERS; SUBSTITUTION</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Stock Issuable</u>. Subject to adjustment as provided in this Section 3, the maximum number of shares of Stock reserved and available for issuance under the Plan shall be 4,000,000 shares less one share for every one share of Stock subject to an award granted under the Prior Plan after March 15, 2026. For purposes of this limitation, the shares of Stock underlying any awards under the Plan and under the Prior Plan that are forfeited, canceled, cash-settled or otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) will be added back to the shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan and, to the extent permitted under Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the shares of Stock that may be issued as Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shares will not be added to the shares authorized for grant under the Plan: (i) shares tendered or held back upon exercise of an Option or settlement of an Award to cover the exercise price or tax withholding and (ii) shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right upon exercise thereof. In the event the Company repurchases shares of Stock on the open market, such shares will not be added to the shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan. Subject to such overall limitations, shares of Stock may be issued up to such maximum number pursuant to any type or types of Award; provided, however, that no more than 2,000,000 shares of the Stock may be issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options. The shares available for issuance under the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares of Stock, treasury Stock or shares of Stock reacquired by the Company. Upon effectiveness of the Plan, no new awards shall be granted under the Prior Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Substitute Awards</u>. Substitute Awards shall not reduce the shares of Stock authorized for grant under the Plan, nor shall shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the shares of Stock available for Awards under the Plan as provided in Section 3(a) above. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Affiliate or with which the Company or any Affiliate combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the shares authorized for grant under the Plan (and shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided in Section 3(a) above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not employees or directors prior to such acquisition or combination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Changes in Stock</u>. Subject to Section 3(d) hereof, if, as a result of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in the Company's capital stock, the outstanding shares of Stock are increased or decreased or are exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company, or additional shares or new or different shares or other securities of the Company or other non-cash assets are distributed with respect to such shares of Stock or other securities, or, if, as a result of any merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the outstanding shares of Stock are converted into or exchanged for securities of the Company or any successor entity (or a parent or subsidiary thereof), the Administrator shall make an appropriate or proportionate adjustment in (i) the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, including the maximum number of shares that may be issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options, (ii) the number and kind of shares or other securities subject to any then outstanding Awards under the Plan, (iii) the repurchase price, if any, per share subject to each outstanding Restricted Stock Award and (iv) the exercise price for each share subject to any then outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan, without changing the aggregate exercise price (i.e., the exercise price multiplied by the number of shares subject to Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights) as to which such Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights remain exercisable. The Administrator shall also make equitable or proportionate adjustments in the number of shares subject to outstanding Awards and the exercise price and the terms of outstanding Awards to take into consideration cash dividends paid other than in the ordinary course or any other extraordinary corporate event. The adjustment by the Administrator shall be final, binding and conclusive. No fractional shares of Stock shall be issued under the Plan resulting from any such adjustment, but the Administrator in its discretion may make a cash payment in lieu of fractional shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Mergers and Other Transactions</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;(i) Except as the Administrator may otherwise specify with respect to particular Awards in the relevant Award Certificate, in the case of and subject to the consummation of a Sale Event, the parties thereto may cause the assumption or continuation of Awards theretofore granted by the successor entity, or the substitution of such Awards with new Awards of the successor entity or parent thereof, with appropriate adjustment as to the number and kind of shares and, if appropriate, the per share exercise prices, as such parties shall agree. In the event that a grantee's Service Relationship with the Company (or its successor) is terminated by the Company (or its successor) without Cause or by the grantee for Good Reason either upon or within 24 months following a Sale Event, except as the Administrator may otherwise specify with respect to particular Awards in the relevant Award Certificate, all Awards held by such grantee that are assumed, continued or substituted in connection with a Sale Event will become fully vested and exercisable or nonforfeitable on the date of termination.

&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) To the extent the parties to such Sale Event do not provide for the assumption, continuation or substitution of Awards, upon the effective time of the Sale Event, the Plan and all outstanding Awards granted hereunder will terminate. In such case, except as may be otherwise provided in the relevant Award Certificate, all Awards with time-based vesting conditions or restrictions that are not vested and/or exercisable immediately prior to the effective time of the Sale Event will become fully vested and exercisable or nonforfeitable as of the effective time of the Sale Event, and all Awards with conditions and restrictions relating to the attainment of performance goals will become vested and exercisable or nonforfeitable in connection with a Sale Event in the Administrator's discretion or to the extent specified in the relevant Award Certificate. In the event of such termination, (i) the Company shall have the option (in its sole discretion) to make or provide for a payment, in cash or in kind, to the grantees holding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, in exchange for the cancellation thereof, in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the Sale Price multiplied by the number of shares of Stock subject to outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (to the extent then exercisable at prices not in excess of the Sale Price) and (B) the aggregate exercise price of all such outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (provided that, in the case of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right with an exercise price equal to or greater than the Sale Price, such Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be cancelled for no consideration); or (ii) each grantee will be permitted, within a specified period of time prior to the consummation of the Sale Event as determined by the Administrator, to exercise all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (to the extent then exercisable) held by such grantee. In the event of such termination, the Company will also have the option (in its sole discretion) to make or provide for a payment, in cash or in kind, to the grantees holding other Awards in an amount equal to the Sale Price multiplied by the number of vested shares of Stock under such Awards.

SECTION 4. <u>ELIGIBILITY</u>

Grantees under the Plan will be such officers, employees, Non-Employee Directors or Consultants of the Company or its Affiliates as are selected from time to time by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided that Awards may not be granted to officers, employees, Non-Employee Directors or Consultants who are providing services only to any "parent" of the Company, as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Act, unless (i) the stock underlying the Awards is treated as "service recipient stock" under Section 409A or (ii) the Company has determined that such Awards are exempt from or otherwise comply with Section 409A.

SECTION 5. <u>STOCK OPTIONS</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Award of Stock Options</u>. The Administrator may grant Stock Options under the Plan, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator determines. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other Service Relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives. Stock Options granted under the Plan may be either Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or any Subsidiary that is a "subsidiary corporation" within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code. To the extent that any Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, it will be deemed a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Stock Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and will contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator deems desirable. If the Administrator so determines, Stock Options may be granted in lieu of cash compensation at the grantee's election, subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator may establish.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Exercise Price</u>. The exercise price per share for the Stock covered by a Stock Option will be determined by the Administrator at the time of grant but may not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to a Ten Percent Owner, the exercise price of such Incentive Stock Option may be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the grant date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Stock Options may be granted with an exercise price per share that is less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant (i) pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code, (ii) to individuals who are not subject to U.S. income tax on the date of grant or (iii) if the Stock Option is otherwise exempt from or compliant with Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Option Term</u>. The term of each Stock Option will be fixed by the Administrator, but no Stock Option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the Stock Option is granted. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to a Ten Percent Owner, the term of such Stock Option may be no more than five years from the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by Section 409A, in the event that on the last business day of the term of a Stock Option other than an Incentive Stock Option (x) the exercise of the Stock Option is prohibited by applicable law or (y) Stock may not be purchased or sold by the holder of such Stock Option due to the "black-out period" of a Company policy or a "lock-up" agreement undertaken in connection with an issuance of securities by the Company, the term of the Stock Option will be extended to the date that is 30 days following the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period or lock-up agreement and provided further that no extension will be made if the exercise price of such Stock Option at the date the initial term would otherwise expire is equal to or in excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on such date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Exercisability; Rights of a Stockholder</u>. Stock Options shall become exercisable at such time or times, whether or not in installments, as determined by the Administrator at or after the grant date. A grantee will have the rights of a stockholder only as to shares acquired upon the exercise of a Stock Option and not as to unexercised Stock Options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Method of Exercise</u>. Stock Options may be exercised in whole or in part, by giving written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company, specifying the number of shares to be purchased. Payment of the purchase price may be made by one or more of the following methods except to the extent otherwise provided in the Award Certificate:

&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) In cash, by certified or bank check or other instrument acceptable to the Administrator;

&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) Through the delivery (or attestation to the ownership following such procedures as the Company may prescribe) of shares of Stock that are owned by the grantee and not then subject to restrictions under any Company plan. Such surrendered shares shall be valued at Fair Market Value on the exercise date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) By the optionee delivering to the Company a properly executed exercise notice together with irrevocable instructions to a broker to promptly deliver to the Company cash or a check payable and acceptable to the Company for the purchase price; provided that in the event the grantee chooses to pay the purchase price as so provided, the grantee and the broker shall comply with such procedures and enter into such agreements of indemnity and other agreements as the Company reasonably prescribes as a condition of such payment procedure; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) With respect to Stock Options that are not Incentive Stock Options, by a "net exercise" arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price.

Payment instruments will be received subject to collection. The transfer to the grantee on the records of the Company or of the transfer agent of the shares of Stock to be purchased pursuant to the exercise of a Stock Option will be contingent upon receipt from the grantee (or a purchaser acting in the grantee's stead in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Option) by the Company of the full purchase price for such shares and the fulfillment of any other requirements contained in the Award Certificate or applicable provisions of laws (including the satisfaction of any withholding taxes that the Company is obligated to withhold with respect to the grantee). In the event an grantee chooses to pay the purchase price by previously-owned shares of Stock through the attestation method, the number of shares of Stock transferred to the grantee upon the exercise of the Stock Option shall be net of the number of attested shares. In the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a third party, an automated system for the exercise of Stock Options, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, then the paperless exercise of Stock Options may be permitted through the use of such an automated system.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Annual Limit on Incentive Stock Options</u>. To the extent required for "incentive stock option" treatment under Section 422 of the Code, the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time of grant) of the shares of Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan and any other plan of the Company or its parent and subsidiary corporations become exercisable for the first time by an grantee during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. To the extent that any Stock Option exceeds this limit, it will constitute a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

SECTION 6. <u>STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Award of Stock Appreciation Rights</u>. The Administrator may grant Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator determines. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other Service Relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Exercise Price of Stock Appreciation Rights</u>. The exercise price of a Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted with an exercise price per share that is less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant (i) pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code, (ii) to individuals who are not subject to U.S. income tax on the date of grant or (iii) if the Stock Appreciation Right is otherwise exempt from or compliant with Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Grant and Exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights</u>. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted by the Administrator independently of any Stock Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Terms and Conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights</u>. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Administrator, and such terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and grantees. The term of a Stock Appreciation Right may not exceed ten years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by Section 409A, in the event that on the last business day of the term of a Stock Appreciation Right (x) the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right is prohibited by applicable law or (y) shares may not be purchased or sold by the holder of such Stock Appreciation Right due to the "black-out period" of a Company policy or a "lock-up" agreement undertaken in connection with an issuance of securities by the Company, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right will be extended to the date that is 30 days following the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period or lock-up agreement and provided further that no extension will be made if the exercise price of such Stock Appreciation Right at the date the initial term would otherwise expire is equal to or in excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on such date.

SECTION 7. <u>RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Nature of Restricted Stock Awards</u>. The Administrator may grant Restricted Stock Awards under the Plan, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator determines. Such conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other Service Relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Rights as a Stockholder</u>. Upon the grant of the Restricted Stock Award and payment of any applicable purchase price, a grantee will have the rights of a stockholder with respect to the voting of the Restricted Shares and receipt of dividends. Unless the Administrator otherwise determines, (i) uncertificated Restricted Shares will be accompanied by a notation on the records of the Company or the transfer agent to the effect that they are subject to forfeiture until such Restricted Shares are vested as provided in Section 7(d) below and (ii) certificated Restricted Shares will remain in the possession of the Company until such Restricted Shares are vested as provided in Section 7(d) below, and the grantee will be required, as a condition of the grant, to deliver to the Company such instruments of transfer as the Administrator prescribes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Restrictions</u>. Restricted Shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of except as specifically provided herein or in the Restricted Stock Award Certificate. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Certificate or, subject to Section 17 below, in writing after the Award is issued, if a grantee's employment (or other Service Relationship) with the Company and its Affiliates terminates for any reason, any Restricted Shares that have not vested at the time of termination shall automatically and without any requirement of notice to such grantee from or other action by or on behalf of, the Company be deemed to have been reacquired by the Company at its original purchase price (if any) from such grantee or such grantee's legal representative simultaneously with such termination of employment (or other Service Relationship), and thereafter shall cease to represent any ownership of the Company by the grantee or rights of the grantee as a stockholder. Following such deemed reacquisition of Restricted Shares that are represented by physical certificates, a grantee shall surrender such certificates to the Company upon request without consideration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Vesting of Restricted Shares</u>. The Administrator will specify the date or dates and/or the attainment of pre-established performance goals, objectives and/or other conditions on which the non-transferability of the Restricted Shares and the Company's right of repurchase or forfeiture shall lapse. Subsequent to such date or dates and/or the attainment of such pre-established performance goals, objectives and/or other conditions, the shares on which all restrictions have lapsed will no longer be Restricted Shares and will be deemed "vested."

SECTION 8. <u>RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Nature of Restricted Stock Units</u>. The Administrator may grant Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator determines. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other Service Relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals, objectives and/or other conditions. Restricted Stock Units may be settled in shares of Stock (and/or cash, to the extent explicitly provided for in the Award Certificate) upon the satisfaction of such restrictions and conditions. Except in the case of Restricted Stock Units with a deferred settlement date that complies with Section 409A, at the end of the vesting period, the Restricted Stock Units, to the extent vested, will be settled in the form of shares of Stock (or cash, to the extent explicitly provided for in the applicable Award Certificate). Restricted Stock Units with deferred settlement dates are subject to Section 409A and will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Election to Receive Restricted Stock Units in Lieu of Compensation</u>. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, permit a grantee to elect to receive a portion of future cash compensation or other Award otherwise due to such grantee in the form of an award of Restricted Stock Units. Any such election shall be made in writing and shall be delivered to the Company no later than the date specified by the Administrator and in accordance with Section 409A and such other rules and procedures established by the Administrator. Any such future cash compensation that the grantee elects to defer will be converted to a fixed number of Restricted Stock Units based on the Fair Market Value of Stock on the date the compensation would otherwise have been paid to the grantee if such payment had not been deferred as provided herein. The Administrator has the sole right to determine whether and under what circumstances to permit such elections and to impose such limitations and other terms and conditions thereon as the Administrator deems appropriate. Any Restricted Stock Units that are elected to be received in lieu of cash compensation will be fully vested, unless otherwise provided in the Award Certificate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Rights as a Stockholder</u>. A grantee will have the rights as a stockholder only as to shares of Stock acquired by the grantee upon settlement of Restricted Stock Units; provided, however, that the grantee may be credited with Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the grantee's Restricted Stock Units, subject to the provisions of Section 11 and such terms and conditions as the Administrator determines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Termination</u>. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Certificate or, subject to Section 17 below, in writing after the Award is issued, a grantee's right in all Restricted Stock Units that have not vested will automatically terminate upon the grantee's termination of employment (or cessation of Service Relationship) with the Company and its Affiliates for any reason.

SECTION 9. <u>UNRESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS</u>

<u>Grant or Sale of Unrestricted Stock</u>. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2(g), the Administrator may grant (or sell at par value or such higher purchase price determined by the Administrator) an Unrestricted Stock Award under the Plan. An Unrestricted Stock Award is an Award pursuant to which the grantee receives shares of Stock free of any restrictions under the Plan. Unrestricted Stock Awards may be granted in respect of past services or other valid consideration, or in lieu of cash compensation due to such grantee.

SECTION 10. <u>CASH-BASED AWARDS</u>

<u>Grant of Cash-Based Awards</u>. The Administrator may grant Cash-Based Awards under the Plan. The Administrator shall determine the maximum duration of the Cash-Based Award, the amount of cash to which the Cash-Based Award pertains, the conditions upon which the Cash-Based Award will become vested or payable and such other provisions as the Administrator determines. Each Cash-Based Award shall specify a cash-denominated payment amount, formula or payment ranges as determined by the Administrator. Payment, if any, with respect to a Cash-Based Award shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Award and may be made in cash.

SECTION 11. <u>DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Dividend Equivalent Rights</u>. The Administrator may grant Dividend Equivalent Rights under the Plan. A Dividend Equivalent Right may be granted hereunder to any grantee as a component of an award of Restricted Stock Units, Other Equity-Based Awards or as a freestanding award. The terms and conditions of Dividend Equivalent Rights will be specified in the Award Certificate. Dividend equivalents credited to the holder of a Dividend Equivalent Right may be paid currently or may be deemed to be reinvested in additional shares of Stock, which may thereafter accrue additional equivalents. Any such reinvestment will be at Fair Market Value on the date of reinvestment or such other price as may then apply under a dividend reinvestment plan sponsored by the Company, if any. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be settled in cash or shares of Stock or a combination thereof, in a single installment or installments. A Dividend Equivalent Right granted as a component of an Award of Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Award may be settled only upon settlement or payment of, or lapse of restrictions on, such other Award, and such Dividend Equivalent Right will expire or be forfeited or annulled under the same conditions as such other Award. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be granted with respect to any Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Termination</u>. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Certificate or, subject to Section 17 below, in writing after the Award is issued, a grantee's rights in all Dividend Equivalent Rights will automatically terminate upon the grantee's termination of employment (or cessation of Service Relationship) with the Company and its Affiliates for any reason.

SECTION 12. <u>OTHER EQUITY-BASED Awards</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Administrator shall have the right to grant Other Equity-Based Awards, with any shares of Stock being issued in connection with the conversion of (or other distribution on account of) an interest granted under the authority of this Section 12 to be subject to Section 3 and the other provisions of the Plan.

SECTION 13. <u>Transferability of Awards</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Transferability</u>. Except as provided in Section 13(b) below, during a grantee's lifetime, such grantee's Awards are exercisable only by the grantee, or by the grantee's legal representative or guardian in the event of the grantee's incapacity. No Awards may be sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise encumbered or disposed of by a grantee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a domestic relations order. No Awards will be subject, in whole or in part, to attachment, execution or levy of any kind, and any purported transfer in violation hereof shall be null and void.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Administrator Action</u>. Notwithstanding Section 13(a), the Administrator, in its discretion, may provide either in the Award Certificate regarding a given Award or by subsequent written approval that the grantee may transfer the grantee's Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) to the grantee's immediate family members, to trusts for the benefit of such family members or to partnerships in which such family members are the only partners, provided that the transferee agrees in writing with the Company to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Award. In no event may an Award be transferred by a grantee for value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Family Member</u>. For purposes of Section 13(b), "family member" means a grantee's child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the grantee's household (other than a tenant of the grantee), a trust in which these persons (or the grantee) have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the grantee) control the management of assets and any other entity in which these persons (or the grantee) own more than 50% of the voting interests.

SECTION 14. <u>TAX WITHHOLDING</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Payment by Grantee</u>. Each grantee must, no later than the date as of which the value of an Award or of any Stock or other amounts received thereunder first becomes includable in the gross income of the grantee for income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator regarding payment of, any federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld by the Company or any applicable Affiliate with respect to such income. The Company and its Affiliates shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the grantee. The Company's obligation to deliver evidence of book entry (or stock certificates) to any grantee is subject to and conditioned on tax withholding obligations being satisfied by the grantee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Payment in Stock</u>. The Administrator may require the Company or any Affiliate's tax withholding obligation to be satisfied, in whole or in part, by the Company withholding from shares of Stock to be issued pursuant to any Award a number of shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date the withholding is effected) that would satisfy the withholding amount due; provided, however, that the amount withheld does not exceed the maximum statutory tax rate or such lesser amount as is necessary to avoid liability accounting treatment. For purposes of share withholding, the Fair Market Value of withheld shares will be determined in the same manner as the value of Stock includible in income of the grantees. The Administrator may also require the Company or any Affiliate's tax withholding obligation to be satisfied, in whole or in part, by an arrangement whereby a certain number of shares of Stock issued pursuant to any Award are immediately sold and proceeds from such sale are remitted to the Company or the applicable Affiliate in an amount that would satisfy the withholding amount due.

SECTION 15. <u>Section 409A awards</u>

Awards are intended to be exempt from Section 409A to the greatest extent possible and to otherwise comply with Section 409A. The Plan and all Awards shall be interpreted in accordance with such intent. To the extent that any Award is determined to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A (a "***409A Award***"), the Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Administrator from time to time in order to comply with Section 409A. If any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a "separation from service" (within the meaning of Section 409A) to a grantee who is then considered a "specified employee" (within the meaning of Section 409A), then no such payment may be made prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the grantee's separation from service or (ii) the grantee's death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to interest, penalties and/or additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A. Further, the settlement of any 409A Award may not be accelerated except to the extent permitted by Section 409A. The Company makes no representation that any or all of the payments or benefits described in the Plan will be exempt from or comply with Section 409A and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A from applying to any such payment. The grantee is solely responsible for the payment of any taxes and penalties incurred with respect to Awards under the Plan, including under Section 409A.

SECTION 16. <u>TERMINATION OF SERVICE RELATIONSHIP, TRANSFER, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, ETC.</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Termination of Service Relationship</u>. If the grantee's Service Relationship is with an Affiliate and such Affiliate ceases to be an Affiliate, the grantee will be deemed to have terminated the grantee's Service Relationship for purposes of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For purposes of the Plan, the following events will not be deemed a termination of a Service Relationship:

&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) a transfer of employment from the Company to an Affiliate or vice versa, or from one Affiliate to another;

&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 approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the employee's right to re-employment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Administrator otherwise so provides in writing; 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;(iii) the transfer in status from one eligibility category under Section 4 hereof to another category.

SECTION 17. <u>AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION</u>

The Board may, at any time, amend or discontinue the Plan and the Administrator may, at any time, amend or cancel any outstanding Award for the purpose of satisfying changes in law or for any other lawful purpose, but no such action may materially and adversely affect rights under any outstanding Award without the holder's consent. Except as provided in Section 3(c) or 3(d), without prior stockholder approval, in no event may the Administrator exercise its discretion to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or effect repricing through cancellation and re-grants or cancellation of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in exchange for cash or other Awards or take any other action with respect to a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and regulations of the principal U.S. national securities exchange on which the Stock is listed. To the extent determined by the Administrator to be required under the rules of any securities exchange or market system on which the Stock is listed, or by the Code to ensure that Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan are qualified under Section 422 of the Code, Plan amendments shall be subject to approval by Company stockholders entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders. Nothing in this Section 17 shall limit the Administrator's authority to take any action permitted pursuant to Section 3(c) or 3(d).

SECTION 18. <u>STATUS OF PLAN</u>

With respect to the portion of any Award that has not been exercised and any payments in cash, Stock or other consideration not received by a grantee, a grantee shall have no rights greater than those of a general creditor of the Company unless the Administrator otherwise expressly determines in connection with any Award or Awards. In its sole discretion, the Administrator may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the Company's obligations to deliver Stock or make payments with respect to Awards hereunder, provided that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the foregoing sentence.

SECTION 19. <u>GENERAL PROVISIONS</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>No Distribution</u>. The Administrator may require each person acquiring Stock pursuant to an Award to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the shares without a view to distribution thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Issuance of Stock</u>. To the extent certificated, stock certificates to grantees under this Plan shall be deemed delivered for all purposes when the Company or a stock transfer agent of the Company has mailed such certificates in the United States mail, addressed to the grantee, at the grantee's last known address on file with the Company. Uncertificated Stock will be deemed delivered for all purposes when the Company or a Stock transfer agent of the Company has given to the grantee by electronic mail (with proof of receipt) or by United States mail, addressed to the grantee, at the grantee's last known address on file with the Company, notice of issuance and recorded the issuance in its records (which may include electronic "book entry" records). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any evidence of book entry or certificates evidencing shares of Stock pursuant to the exercise or settlement of any Award, unless and until the Administrator has determined, with advice of counsel (to the extent the Administrator deems such advice necessary or advisable), that the issuance and delivery is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any exchange on which the shares of Stock are listed, quoted or traded. Any Stock issued pursuant to the Plan will be subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with federal, state, or foreign jurisdiction securities or other laws, rules and quotation system on which the Stock is listed, quoted or traded. The Administrator may place legends on any Stock certificate or notations on any book entry to reference restrictions applicable to the Stock. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Administrator may require that an individual make such reasonable covenants, agreements and representations as the Administrator, in its discretion, deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements. The Administrator has the right to require any individual to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of any Award, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Administrator.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>No Fractional Shares</u>. No fractional shares of Stock may be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Administrator will determine whether cash, other securities or other property will be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional shares, or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated or otherwise eliminated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Stockholder Rights</u>. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan or an Award Certificate, until Stock is deemed delivered in accordance with Section 19(b), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights of a stockholder will exist with respect to shares of Stock to be issued in connection with an Award, notwithstanding the exercise of a Stock Option or any other action by the grantee with respect to an Award; provided, however, that if the record date for a dividend on the Stock occurs after exercise of an option or after Stock otherwise should have been delivered to a grantee pursuant to the terms of the Plan and an Award Agreement, such dividend will be delivered to the grantee promptly upon payment to the Company's stockholders generally.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Other Compensation Arrangements; No Employment Rights</u>. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, including trusts, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. The adoption of this Plan and the grant of Awards do not confer upon any grantee any right to continued employment or other Service Relationship with the Company or any Affiliate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Trading Policy Restrictions</u>. Awards under the Plan shall be subject to the Company's insider trading policies and procedures, as in effect from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Clawback Policy</u>. All Awards are subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with (i) any clawback, forfeiture or other similar policy adopted by the Board or Administrator and as in effect from time to time, including the Company's Compensation Recovery Policy (as such policy may be amended and/or restated from time to time), and (ii) applicable law. Further, to the extent that the grantee receives any amount in excess of the amount that the grantee should otherwise have received under the terms of the Award for any reason (including, without limitation, by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), the grantee will be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company.

SECTION 20. <u>EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN</u>

This Plan will become effective upon stockholder approval in accordance with applicable state law, the Company's bylaws and articles of incorporation and applicable stock exchange rules. No Awards may be granted hereunder after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date and no Incentive Stock Options may be granted hereunder after the tenth anniversary of the date the Plan is approved by the Board.

SECTION 21. <u>GOVERNING LAW</u>

This Plan and all Awards and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, applied without regard to conflict of law principles.

DATE APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: February 26, 2026

DATE APPROVED BY STOCKHOLDERS: May 20, 2026

## Ex-Filing

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? EX-FILING FEES

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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; **Calculation of Filing Fee Tables**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **S-8**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES INC**  |

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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; **Security Type**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Security Class Title**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fee Calculation Rule**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount Registered**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Maximum Aggregate Offering Price**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fee Rate**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount of Registration Fee**  |
| 1 | Equity | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | Other | 4000000 | $182.50 | $730000000.00 | 0.0001381 | $100813.00 |
| Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: |  | $730000000.00  |  | $100813.00  |
| Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  |  |  |  | $0.00  |
| Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  |  |  |  | $100813.00  |

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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; **Offering Note** <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <sup>1</sup> Pursuant to Rule 416(a) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), this Registration Statement shall also cover an indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (the "Company") as may be required pursuant to the AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan, in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar transactions. Calculated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee in accordance with Rules 457(c) and 457(h) under the Securities Act based on the average of the high and the low sales prices of shares of the Company's Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on May 15, 2026.

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|:---|
| |
| **Rule 457(p)** |
| Fee Offset Claims |
| Fee Offset Sources |

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