# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000867840
**File Stem:** 0001683168-25-007400
**Filing Date:** 2025-10
**Character Count:** 59915
**Document Hash:** 014eb0a52110a10fe6e8141186dc1d74
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001683168-25-007400.hdr.sgml**: 20251003

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001683168-25-007400

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 16

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20250929

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

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20251003

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20251003

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000867840
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS [3845]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 08 Industrial Applications and Services
- **EIN:** 042795294
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0630

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-10647
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251374058

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 22 EAST BROADWAY
- **CITY:** GARDNER
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 01440
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 978-630-1800

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 22 EAST BROADWAY
- **CITY:** GARDNER
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 01440

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PRECISION OPTICS Corp INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20111027

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19930328

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PRECISION OPTICS CORP INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19600201

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 8-K

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

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

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) September 29, 2025

**PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Massachusetts** | **001-10647** | **04-2795294** |
| (State or other jurisdiction | (Commission | (I.R.S. Employer |
| of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **22 East Broadway** **<br> Gardner, Massachusetts** | **01440** |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |

---

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) **(978)** **630-1800**

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (<u>see</u> General Instruction A.2. below):

☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| **Common stock, par value $0.01 per share** | **POCI** | **The Nasdaq** **Stock Market** |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company ☐

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

---

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

---

(b) and (e)

On October 2, 2025, Precision Optics Corporation, Inc's ("**POCI**" or the "**Company**") and Mr. Mahesh Lawande mutually agreed to terminate his employment with the Company as of October 31, 2025 (the "**Termination Date**"). Effective October 1, 2025, Mr. Lawande transitioned to the roll of "Advisor to the President" for the period through his Termination Date. On October 2, 2025, the Company and Mr. Lawande's entered into a Modification Agreement (the "**Modification**") to his Employment Agreement dated March 30, 2023 by and between Mr. Lawande and the Company (the "**Employment Agreement**"), which Modification provides for the roll of "Advisor to the President" during the month of October 2025 and amends his severance period from six months to seven months following his Termination Date and waives any further right to additional notice under his Employment Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Modification does not purport to be a complete statement of the parties' rights and obligations and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Modification, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

(c) and (e)

As previously announced by the Company, effective as of October 1, 2025 (the "Start Date"), the Company appointed Mr. Joseph Traut, 54 years old, as the Company's Chief Operating Officer. Most recently, Mr. Traut was the VP of Operations for T2 Biosystems (2023-2025), VP of Technology Transfer at Lumira Dx (2021-2022) and VP of Manufacturing Solutions at Ximedica (now Veranex; 2017-2021), with additional positions prior to 2017 in manufacturing engineering, management and leadership. He has consulted to the Company since July 2025 on certain operational matters. Mr. Traut has a Master of Business Administration, Management of Technology from Bentley College, Waltham, MA and a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology from Northeastern University, Boston, MA.

In connection with his appointment as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Traut and the Company entered into an Employment Agreement dated September 29, 2025 (the "**Employment Agreement**") and a Non-Competition Agreement dated September 29, 2025 (the "**Non-Competition Agreement**"). Pursuant to his Employment Agreement, Mr. Traut will be compensated at an annual base salary of $275,000, will be eligible for an annual bonus up to 25% of his annual salary for the fiscal year, and will be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans offered by the Company. In connection with Mr. Traut joining the Company, the Compensation Committee and Board of the Company approved the grant of an inducement stock option to be granted on his Start Date, to purchase 60,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the "**Option**"). The Option was granted pursuant to the Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4) inducement grant exception as a component of the individual's employment compensation and was granted as an inducement material to his acceptance of employment with the Company. Mr. Traut's Option has an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Market on October 1, 2025. The Options have a ten-year term and vest in three equal annual installments, subject to Mr. Traut's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting dates.

The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement and Non-Competition Agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of the parties' rights and obligations and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employment Agreement and Non-Competition Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 and 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

---

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

---

**(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exhibits**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Exhibit Description** |
| 10.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[Modification Agreement dated October 2, 2025 by and between Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. and Mahesh Lawande.](poci_ex1001.htm) |
| 10.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[Employment Agreement dated September 29, 2025 by and between Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. and Joseph W. Traut.](poci_ex1002.htm) |
| 10.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;[Non Competition Agreement dated September 29, 2025 by and between Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. and Joseph W. Traut.](poci_ex1003.htm) |
| 104 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

---

**SIGNATURES**

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.** | **PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.** |
| Dated: October 3, 2025 | By: | /s/ Joseph N. Forkey |
|  | Name: | Joseph N. Forkey |
|  | Title: | President |

---

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1**

**<u>MODIFICATION TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT</u>**

This MODIFICATION TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Modification") is entered into as of the 2nd day of October, 2025, by and between Precision Optics Corporation, a Massachusetts company (hereinafter called the "Company"), and Mahesh Lawande (hereinafter called "Employee").

<u>WITNESSETH</u> 

WHEREAS, the Company and Employee currently are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of March 30, 2023, (as presently in effect, the "Agreement"); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Employee have been engaged in negotiations in relation to the Employee's separation from employment with the Company;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and promises contained herein, the parties hereto do hereby mutually agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The parties agree that Employee's employment shall end at the close of business on October 31, 2025 (the "Separation Date"). After the Separation Date, Employee shall no longer be an employee or officer of the Company. Employee waives any right to additional notice of the termination of his employment by the Company including pursuant to Section 7 of the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Effective October 1, 2025, and through the Separation Date, Employee's title shall be "Advisor to the President," and Employee shall perform such duties assigned to him the Chief Executive Offer. Employee agrees to fully and faithfully perform all employment-rated duties assigned to him through the Separation Date. Other than an earlier termination for "Cause," as defined in the Agreement, or by mutual agreement of the parties, Employee's employment may not be terminated by the Company before October 31, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Unless Employee's employment is terminated hereafter by the Company for Cause, the Company agrees to provide Employee severance pay equal to seven (7) months of Employee's current yearly salary ($160,417.00), less applicable withholdings and other customary deductions or offsets). Payment of the severance pay stated in this Section shall be subject to all conditions set forth in of Section 7 of the Agreement as conditions to receipt of severance pay, including Employee's having timely executed and delivered to the Company a separation agreement containing a waiver and release of all potential claims against the Company, in the form reasonably provided to him by the Company for that purpose. The Company and Employee agree such severance will be payable in bi-weekly installments on the Company's regular payroll dates beginning on the first payroll date after a seven-day revocation period following Employee's execution of the separation agreement. Employee has not accrued, and is not entitled to, any unpaid bonuses under the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. All provisions of the Agreement and of Employee's Non-Competition Agreement with the Company that, by their terms, would survive termination of employment shall continue in full force and effect after the Separation Date. Employee confirms and agrees that he is, and will continue to be, bound by all confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation covenants and obligations imposed under the Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement, and hereby confirms that the restrictive covenants contained in the Non-Competition Agreement remain reasonable in the context of this mutually agreed upon termination of employment.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Modification on the day and year first above written.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. | MAHESH LAWANDE |
| Signature: <u>/s/ Joseph Forkey</u> | Signature: <u>/s/ Mahesh Lawande</u> |
| Date: October 2, 2025 | Date: October 2, 2025 |
| Name: Joseph Forkey |  |
| Title: Chief Executive Officer |  |

---

## Exhibit 10.2

**Exhibit 10.2**

**<u>![](image_001.jpg)![](image_001.jpg)EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT</u>**

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into as of the 29<sup>th</sup> day of September 2025, by and between Precision Optics Corporation, a Massachusetts company (hereinafter called "POC" or "Company"), and JosephW. Traut (hereinafter called "Employee" or "Traut").

<u>WITNESSETH:</u>

WHEREAS, the Company is a designer and manufacturer of medical, defense and industrial use devices; and

WHEREAS, the Company considers it necessary to preserve and continue for the Company the employment of Employee and to preserve for the business the acquaintance and reputation of Employee in the areas served, and to be served by such business, and to have the assistance of Employee in preserving and increasing in such areas the goodwill of the said business.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and promises contained herein and of the full and faithful performance of the respective agreements herein contained and the discharge of the respective obligations herein imposed, the parties hereto do hereby mutually covenant and agree with each other as follows:

<u>Section 1 - Term</u> Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the term of this Agreement shall be for a period of one (1) year starting on October 1, 2025 (the "Employment Effective Date"), in the capacity as the Chief Operating Officer of POC. This agreement will automatically renew for one (1) year subsequent terms unless either the Company or Employee gives the other written notice not to renew at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then current term of this Agreement, or unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms hereof.

<u>Section 2 - Employment</u> During the term of this Agreement, Employee agrees to be employed by and to serve the Company as the Chief Operating Officer, and the Company agrees to employ and retain Employee in such a capacity. In such capacity, Employee shall perform the standard duties of a Chief Operating Officer, and such other duties and tasks and have such responsibilities as from time to time may be assigned to him by the CEO of POC (herein called "Employment Duties"). Employee shall devote all his business time, energy, and skill to the affairs of the Company. Employee shall report to the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Employee's principal offices will be in Littleton and Gardner, MA, but Employee understands and agrees that his duties and responsibilities shall be performed anywhere they may arise including at POC's divisional offices in South Portland, ME and El Paso, TX, requiring employee to travel on occasion. Employee and Company agree that Employee will be onsite in Littleton and/or Gardner five days per week. In addition to the Employment Duties, Employee agrees to and shall furnish to the Company his best advice, information, judgment, and knowledge with respect to the affairs, business, business methods and practices, history, patrons, customers, employees, and suppliers of the Company, and to generally preserve and increase the said business and goodwill thereof.

<u>Section 3 - Compensation</u> During the Term of this Agreement, as compensation for such Employment Duties to be rendered by Employee, the Company agrees to pay to Employee a bi-weekly base salary of $10,576.92 all subject to Federal, State and any other applicable deductions and withholdings. Employee's compensation shall be payable in bi-weekly installments during the term of this Agreement. Employee understands and agrees that his position is exempt from the overtime requirements of Fair Labor Standards Act and any comparable state law. Accordingly, Employee shall not be entitled to overtime compensation as defined in such laws. Employee is eligible for employee benefits available to employees of the Company, all according to the terms set forth in the plan documents of the Company as adopted and amended from time to time, currently including:

a. 160 hours of paid vacation per year earned at a rate of 13.33 hours per
each month of completed employment pursuant to this Agreement. Employee will be granted a one-time award of 40 hours of paid vacation
to be issued upon his first day of employment, independent of the standard vacation accrual process.

b. Twelve days of paid holidays per year specified by POC each year.

c. 40 hours of paid sick leave per year.

d. Group medical, dental, and vision insurance provided by POC in accordance
with the terms of such plans as they are now and may change from time to time in POC's sole discretion.

e. Life insurance with death benefit equal to one time Employee's annualized
rate of pay including salary and bonuses up to a maximum of $250,000. Premiums for such insurance shall be paid by POC.

f. Short- and Long-Term disability insurance with terms in accordance with
applicable plans to be determined in POC's sole discretion. Premiums for such insurance shall be paid by POC.

g. Participation in the POC Profit Sharing & 401(k) Plan.

<u>Section 4 - Bonuses</u> During the term of this Agreement and any renewal terms, Employee will be eligible to receive the following additional compensation:

a. Beginning with Fiscal Year 2026, Employee shall be eligible for an annual
bonus of up to 25% of annual salary for each Fiscal Year, to be awarded in an amount at POC's sole discretion, and provided that
Company and Employee's target performance metrics are met. Annual target performance metrics will be set by POC in POC's sole
discretion. If awarded, the annual bonus will be paid on a yearly basis, within 30 days after the filing of the Company's 10K after
the end of the Fiscal Year. Employee bonus, if any, for the Fiscal Year in which employment is terminated will be determined according
to the process described in Section 7.

b. Employee shall be issued on the Employment Effective Date a stock option
under the Nasdaq Inducement Grant rules, to vest during his employment in 3 installments of 20,000, 20,000 and 20,000 shares each, one,
two, and three years, respectively after the Employment Effective Date. The option shall have an exercise price equal to the closing price
of the Common Stock on the Employment Effective Date. The award agreement governing the option shall be in the Company's customary
form pursuant to such Nasdaq rules, except that in the event of a Change in Control any then-unvested portion of the option will fully
vest immediately prior to the Change in Control.

<u>Section 5 - Supervision</u> Employee shall discharge and perform all Employment Duties under the direction and subject to the control of the CEO of the Company. Employee shall abide by the personnel policies of the Company as may be established or modified from time to time.

<u>Section 6 – Covenants</u>

a. E1mployee represents and warrants to POC that: (i) he is not subject to
any restrictive covenants that may be violated by his accepting employment with POC under this Agreement or by performing any duties required
by this Agreement; (ii) all material information provided to POC by Employee prior to the Employment Effective Date is correct; and (iii)
Employee has the right and authority to be employed by POC pursuant to this Agreement. POC may terminate employment upon notice to Employee
if a former employer of Employee asserts a claim against POC that, if true, would constitute a breach of the foregoing representation
and warranty. During and after the employment, Employee shall indemnify POC from any claim, liability, loss, or expense arising
out of any claim that Employee's employment pursuant to this Agreement or actions in connection with Employee's employment
infringe the rights of a third party.

b. Employee acknowledges that he is expressly prohibited from offering, purchasing
or selling securities of POC based on any material non-public information obtained during the course of performing services pursuant to
this Agreement in accordance with POC's applicable Insider Trading Policy and the Code of Conduct. In addition, Employee is prohibited
from informing or "tipping," any other person about such material information. Employee agrees to execute and comply with
the POC's Insider Trading Policy and Code of Conduct.

c. Employee acknowledges that the Company from time to time may have agreements
with other companies and/or persons which impose obligations or restrictions on the Company regarding inventions made during the course
of work thereunder or regarding the confidential nature of such work. Employee agrees to be bound by all such obligations and restrictions
and to take all action necessary to discharge the obligations of the Company thereunder.

d. Employee represents that performance of all the terms of this Agreement
and as an employee of the Company does not and will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information, knowledge
or data acquired by Employee in confidence or in trust prior to Employee's employment with the Company, and Employee will not disclose
to the Company or induce the Company to use any confidential or proprietary information or material belonging to any previous employer
or others. Employee agrees not to enter into any agreement either written or oral in conflict herewith.

e. Any compensation paid to Employee pursuant to this Agreement
or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation or stock exchange
listing requirement, will be subject to such deductions and clawbacks as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation
or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange
listing requirement). The Company will make any determination for clawback or recovery in its sole discretion and in accordance with any
applicable law or regulation.

f. Employee will be familiar with and comply with the provisions of the United States Foreign Corrupt
 Practices Act, including any amendments which, may be affected during the term hereof. In particular, in carrying out services under
 this Agreement, Employee will not make or offer to make the unlawful payment of money or anything else of value to (1) any
 government official of any country, (2) any political party of any country, (3) any candidate of any political party of any country,
 or (4) any other person, while knowing or having reason to know, that such person will 
 make an unlawful payment to a government official, a political party, or a candidate of a political party of any
 country.

Furthermore, Employee agrees that at all times during the term of this Agreement:

g. the Company shall have the right to display and may use in its advertising,
the name and portrait of Employee;

h. Employee will not knowingly or intentionally do or say any act or thing
which will or may impair, damage or destroy the goodwill and esteem of the Company with its suppliers, employees, patrons , customers
and others who may at any time have or have had business relations with the Company; except that this provision shall not be construed
to prevent Employee in good faith from providing truthful testimony in any legal proceeding or cooperating in good faith in any governmental
investigation; and

i. Employee will not encourage, recommend or approve the use at any time
of the services of any competitor of the Company without the consent of the Company.

<u>Section 7 - Termination</u> Employee may terminate this Agreement voluntarily by providing at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company. The Company shall have the right to terminate Employee's employment and this Agreement with or without Cause, upon written notice to Employee of such termination. Upon any termination of employment (whether or not at Employee's instigation), the Company shall pay to Employee that portion of the compensation to be paid to him as salary under Section 3 hereof which has accrued to the date of such termination, as well as the salary-equivalent value of any days of unused vacation time accrued to that date. If the Company terminates Employee's employment without Cause or notifies Employee that it will not renew the then-current term of this Agreement, then conditional upon Employee executing a separate severance agreement in which Employee waives and releases all claims against POC; its officers, directors and employees; and all related entities; POC shall pay to Employee three (3) months (or in the case of a change in control, as defined in the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, six (6) months) of Employee's then current yearly salary not including bonuses. If Employee terminates his employment with POC for any reason, or if Employee is terminated by POC with Cause at any time, POC shall not be liable to pay any severance payment.

For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall be determined solely by the President/CEO and shall mean failure on Employee's part to satisfactorily perform his duties under this Agreement, including but not limited to the following, which remains uncured after ten (10) days written notice:

a. Employee's willful failure to perform his duties (other than any
such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness);

b. Employee's willful failure to comply with any valid and legal directive
of POC communicated to him in writing;

c. Employee's willful engagement in dishonesty, illegal conduct or
gross misconduct, which is, in each case, materially injurious to the Company or its affiliates;

d. Employee's embezzlement, misappropriation or fraud, whether or not
related to Employee's employment with the Company;

e. Employee's conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to
a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent) or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;

f. Employee's violation of a material policy of the Corporation that
has been provided to Employee (documents made public on the Company's website or through filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission are deemed provided to Employee);

g. Employee's willful unauthorized disclosure of confidential information;

h. Employee's material breach of any material obligation under this
Agreement or any other written agreement between Employee and the Company; or

i. any material failure by Employee to comply with the Company's written
policies or rules, as they may be in effect from time to time during the employment term, if such failure causes material, reputational
or financial harm to the Company.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act on the part of Employee shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Employee's action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.

Upon termination for any reason, Employee's life insurance, disability insurance, and health insurance benefits shall terminate in accordance with the applicable plans in place at the time. If Company terminates Employee for Cause, or if Employee terminates his employment with POC for any reason, no unearned bonus will be paid. If Company terminates Employee for any other reason, a pro-rated bonus will be paid based on the level of target performance metric achieved through the end of the last quarter completed before termination. If Company terminates Employee due to a change in control (as defined in the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan), a pro-rated portion of the annual bonus amount will be paid to him based on the number of calendar days elapsed since the beginning of the fiscal year to the date of termination, divided by 365.

If Employee dies, this Agreement shall terminate effective upon the occurrence of his death.

<u>Section 8 - Trade Secrets, Confidential Information</u> As a consequence of his employment by POC, Employee has access to and has received, and will continue to receive and have access to information not generally known to the general public or in the industry in which the Company is or may become engaged. It is the desire and intent of the Company and Employee that this information remain confidential. Accordingly, Employee agrees to execute the Company's standard Employee Proprietary Information Agreement. Employee Proprietary Information Agreement will also govern the agreement between the Company and Employee with regard to patents and inventions (as defined in the Employee Proprietary Information Agreement).

<u>Section 9 - Restrictive Covenants</u> Employee hereby covenants and agrees that during his employment with the Company and for twelve (12) months after termination of his employment, he will not, directly or indirectly:

a. Intentionally interfere with or attempt to interfere with the relationship
between POC or its affiliates and any client or other person or company with a business or prospective business relationship with POC
or its affiliate;

b. Induce or solicit any employee of Company to terminate his or her employment
with Company, or hire or assist in the hiring of any such employee by any person, association or entity not affiliated with Company.

The parties agree that the restrictions in this Section 9 are reasonable and are no greater than necessary to protect the legitimate business interests and goodwill of the Company. Accordingly they are valid in all respects and Employee irrevocably waives (and irrevocably agrees not to raise) as a defense any issue of reasonableness (including the reasonableness of the duration and scope of Employee's covenants) in any proceeding to enforce any provision of this Section 9, the intention of the parties being to provide for the legitimate and reasonable protection of the interests of the Company by providing, without limitation, a scope and duration allowed by law. This Section 9 is an integral part of the Company's agreement to provide trade secrets and confidential information and to pay Employee the compensation specified in Section 3, as well as the other terms described herein. Employee agrees that the scope and length of the term of the Covenants are reasonably necessary and are no greater than required for the protection of the business and affairs of the Company and its affiliates and will not preclude Employee from becoming gainfully employed/engaged following the termination, whether voluntary or involuntary, of employment with the Company.

<u>Section 10 - Return of Confidential Information</u> Upon termination of his employment for any reason, or earlier upon request, Employee shall immediately return to POC all property of POC in the possession of or under the control of Employee. In the event of termination of employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, Employee agrees to promptly surrender and deliver to the Company all records, materials, equipment, drawings, documents, and data of any nature pertaining to any invention, trade secret, or confidential information of the Company, and Employee will not retain, in any form, any confidential information or data of the Company which Employee may produce or obtain during the course of his employment. In the event of termination of employment, Employee agrees to sign and deliver the "Termination Certificate" attached hereto as Schedule A.

<u>Section 11 - Injunction</u> The parties hereto, recognizing that immediate irreparable injury to the trade secrets and goodwill of the Company will inevitably occur in event of a breach of the terms of this contract on the part of Employee, and thus the parties agree that in such event the Company shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the violation hereof by Employee, and all persons acting for or with him.

<u>Section 12 - Expense Reimbursement</u> Employee may incur reasonable expenses in accordance with policy established from time to time by the management of the Company. The Company will reimburse Employee for all such reasonable expenses upon the presentation by Employee, from time to time, of an itemized account of such expenditures and such receipts or other documents as the Company may require.

<u>Section 13 - Facilities and Services</u> The Company shall cause to be furnished to Employee such facilities and services which are reasonably required for the adequate discharge of Employee's duties and services hereunder.

<u>Section 14 - Severability and Waiver</u>

a. In case any term, phrase, clause, paragraph, restriction, covenant or
agreement herein contained shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable, same shall be deemed and it is hereby agreed that same are meant
to be severable and shall not defeat or impair the remaining provisions hereof.

b. A waiver by the Company of any breach by Employee of this Agreement or
of any duties imposed upon Employee by law or any other cause for discharge of Employee shall not be construed as a waiver by the Company
of its right to terminate this Agreement for any subsequent or continuing breach of this Agreement or of any of his duties, obligations
or agreements herein contained or imposed by law or for other cause.

<u>Section 15 - Binding Effect/Assignment</u> This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties hereto and the executor, administrator, heirs, personal representatives, and successors or assigns of each. This is an Agreement for the performance of personal services by Employee and may not be assigned by Employee or Employer except that Employer may assign this Agreement to any affiliate of Employer or any successor to Employer, whether by merger, sale of assets, reorganization or otherwise.

<u>Section 16 - Remedies</u> The parties agree that the remedy at law for any actual or threatened breach of this Agreement by either would be inadequate and that both shall be entitled to specific performance hereof or injunctive relief, or both, by temporary or permanent injunction or other appropriate judicial remedy, writ, or order in addition to any damages which both may legally be entitled to recover, together with reasonable expenses of litigation including attorney's fees incurred in connection therewith. Employee authorizes POC to withhold and offset compensation payable to Employee for any lawful purpose, including without limitation, to repay any amount Employee owes to POC.

<u>Section 17 – Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate</u> The Parties mutually promise and agree that, other than an action for injunctive relief which must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, any controversy or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, or breach thereof, or arising out of Employee's employment with the Company or termination of that employment, including but not limited to any claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other unlawful treatment, claims of negligence or gross negligence, or any other claims based on federal, state, or local laws or regulations or common law, whether brought by Employee against the Company or by the Company against Employee, shall be settled by arbitration by a single arbitrator, to be agreed upon by the Parties, in an arbitration proceeding to be conducted in Boston, Massachusetts and otherwise in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act and the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"). If the Federal Arbitration Act is deemed by competent legal authority not to apply, then arbitration shall be in accordance with the applicable law of the State of Massachusetts and the Employment Arbitration Rules of the AAA. Should the Parties be unable to agree to a single arbitrator, one will be appointed by AAA. All applicable statutory and common law rights and remedies remain available to the Parties under this arbitration agreement. All applicable statutes of limitations and obligations to exhaust administrative remedies prior to demanding arbitration remain in effect. The filing of a lawsuit shall not toll the running of any applicable statute of limitations, or jurisdictional or other time limit for bringing a claim. This arbitration agreement must be invoked with written notice from one party to the other provided in accordance with Section 20: Notice, of this Agreement. This arbitration agreement may not be cancelled, altered or amended by either Party without a written agreement signed by both Parties.

The arbitrator's responsibility is to determine whether applicable law has been complied with in the matter submitted for arbitration. In fulfilling this responsibility, the arbitrator may interpret Company policies and procedures, but will not have any power to change them. The arbitrator will be requested to render findings of fact and conclusions of law along with a reasoned award or decision on the matter within 45 days after the arbitration hearing is concluded and post-hearing briefs, if any, are submitted.

The Company and Employee will share the cost of the arbitrator's filing fee, hearing fee, and other fees and costs, but Employee's share of such costs shall not exceed three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00). Employee and the Company will each be responsible for the fees and costs of their own respective legal counsel, if any, and any other expenses and costs, such as costs associated with discovery, witnesses, translators, or obtaining copies of hearing transcripts.

Either party may appeal the arbitrator's award. Such appeals shall be filed with AAA and shall proceed pursuant to AAA's Optional Appellate Arbitration Rules, which provide that the party appealing the award shall pay the arbitrators' and AAA's fees and costs, unless the arbitrators rule otherwise. The underlying award rendered by the arbitrator shall not be considered final until after the time for filing the notice of appeal has expired pursuant to the AAA Optional Appellate Arbitration Rules. A notice of appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days of receipt of the arbitrator's underlying award, as provided by Rule A-3 of the Optional Appellate Arbitration Rules, by filing a Notice of Appeal with any AAA office. AAA may be contacted online at www.adr.org or by phone at 800-778-7879. The AAA Optional Appellate Arbitration Rules shall apply except that the panel shall apply the same standard of review that the first-level appellate court in Massachusetts would apply to an appeal from the decision of a trial court sitting without a jury. The decision of the appeal panel shall be final and binding on the parties in accordance with the AAA Optional Appellate Arbitration Rules. The decision rendered by the appeal tribunal shall be final for purposes of judicial enforcement proceedings.

Either party may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to compel arbitration under this agreement, to enforce an arbitration award, or to vacate an arbitration award. However, in an action to vacate an award, the standard of review to be applied to the arbitrator's findings of fact and conclusions of law will be the same as that applied by an appellate court reviewing a decision of a trial court sitting without a jury.

If either Party to this Agreement files a lawsuit in court in violation of the agreement to arbitrate, such filing shall be considered a breach of that Party's agreement to arbitrate and a breach of this Agreement. The non-breaching party may recover its attorneys' fees and costs incurred in enforcing the agreement to arbitrate in court through a successful motion to compel arbitration, motion to abate, or other such enforcement mechanism, along with any successful appeal of any adverse ruling on such motion.

Exclusions and Restrictions: Certain issues may not be submitted for review (or exclusive review) by arbitration.

*Excluded Issues*: Workers' compensation benefit claims, any claim involving the construction or application of a benefit plan covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) (these types of claims may be arbitrable under the applicable ERISA plan and are governed by the plan documents for such plan), and claims for unemployment benefits are excluded from this agreement to arbitrate. In addition, any non-waivable statutory claims, which may include wage claims within the jurisdiction of a local or state labor commission or administrative agency, charges before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, or similar local or state agencies, are not subject to exclusive review by arbitration. This means that Employee may file such non-waivable statutory claims with the appropriate agency that has jurisdiction over them, regardless of whether Employee decides to use arbitration to resolve them. However, if such an agency completes its processing of Employee's action against the Company, Employee must use arbitration if he wishes to pursue further his legal rights, rather than filing a lawsuit on the action in court. Arbitration also does not apply to claims for injunctive relief and/or other equitable relief for unfair competition and/or the use of unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information, relief for which may be sought in court.

*Sexual Harassment Complaints*: Due to the sensitive nature of claims of sexual harassment, Employee is allowed to follow the steps in the Company's policy prohibiting sexual harassment. If Employee is not satisfied with the Company's response to a claim for sexual harassment, then Employee must use arbitration according to this agreement to resolve the claim or dispute, after meeting all administrative prerequisites under the applicable state and/or federal law.

<u>Section 18 – Defend Trade Secrets Act Notice.</u> The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, under certain circumstances, immunizes Employee against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws if he/she discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law. Employee understands that immunity is available only if he/she discloses a trade secret in either of these two circumstances: (a) Employee discloses the trade secret (i) in confidence, (ii) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, and (iii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) In a legal proceeding, Employee discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed "under seal" (meaning that it is not accessible to the public) and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

<u>Section 19 – Headings.</u> The section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

<u>Section 20 - Notices</u> All communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be given when delivered in person or deposited in the United States mail, first class, certified or return receipt requested, with proper postage, prepaid and:

a. If to Employee, addressed to:

Joseph W. Traut

\*\*\*

\*\*\*

b. If to the Company, addressed to:

Precision Optics Corporation

22 East Broadway

Gardner, MA 01440

Attn: Joseph N. Forkey, President

or at such other place or places or to such other person or persons as shall be designated by notice as herein provided by any party hereto.

<u>Section 21 - Counterparts</u> This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

<u>Section 22 – Entire Agreement / Modification</u> This written document, together with any other written document executed contemporaneously herewith, represents the final agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this document and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior or contemporaneous oral agreements of the parties. There are no unwritten oral agreements between the parties regarding the subject matter of this document. Each party represents that such party has not relied upon any representation, warranty or covenant of the other party regarding the subject matter of this document unless the representation, warranty or covenant is contained in this Agreement. This Agreement may be modified only by a written instrument signed by each of the parties hereto.

<u>Section 23 - Governing Law</u> This Agreement shall be governed under the laws of the State of Massachusetts without regard to its Conflict of Laws principles.

<u>Section 24 – Right to Counsel</u> Employee understands and agrees that he has the right to have this Agreement reviewed by counsel of his choice before signing.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. | JOSEPH W. TRAUT |
| Signature: <u>/s/ Joseph Forkey</u> | Signature: <u>/s/ Josepth Traut</u> |
| Date: September 29, 2025 | Date: September 29, 2025 |
| Name: Joseph Forkey |  |
| Title: Chief Executive Officer |  |

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<u>Schedule A</u>

Precision Optics Corporation

Termination Certificate

This is to certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return any records, documents, data, specifications, drawings, blueprints, reproductions, sketches, notes, reports, proposals, or copies of them, or other documents or materials, equipment, or other property belonging to Precision Optics Corporation, Inc, its successors and assigns (hereafter referred to as "the Company").

I further certify that I have complied with and will continue to comply with all the terms of the PRECISION OPTICS CORPORTION EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AGREEMENT signed by me with the Company, including the reporting of any inventions (as defined therein) conceived or made by me covered by the Agreement.

I further agree that in compliance with PRECISION OPTICS CORPORTION EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AGREEMENT, I will preserve as confidential all trade secrets, confidential information, knowledge, data or other information relating to products, processes, know-how, designs, formulas, test data, customer lists, or other subject matter pertaining to any business of the Company or any of its clients, customers, consultants, licensees, or affiliates.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Date: _________________________ |
| Employee name (Print) | Employee Signature |
| Witness Name (Print) | Witness Signature |

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## Exhibit 10.3

**Exhibit 10.3**

**Non-Competition Agreement**

This Employee Non-Compete Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Precision Optics Corporation, a Massachusetts company (the "Company"), and Joseph Traut (the "Employee") (the Employer and the Employee are collectively referred to as the "Parties"), as of September 29, 2025 (the "Effective Date").

In consideration of Employee's employment by Company as Chief Operating Officer, the grant of stock options to him, and other fair and reasonable consideration, which Employee acknowledges to be good and sufficient consideration for Employee's obligations under this Agreement, Company and Employee agree as follows:

1. <u>Acknowledgments.</u> Company is engaged primarily in the business of designing and
 manufacturing optical components and optical assemblies for medical, industrial, and military applications (the "Core Business"). 
 The Parties have each determined that the restraints set forth in this Agreement are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances,
 and Employee agrees to abide by and be bound by the covenants set forth in this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall
 be construed to in any way to terminate, supersede, undermine, or otherwise modify the Employment relationship between Company and
 Employee as defined in the Employee's Employment Agreement.

2. <u>Non-Competition.</u> Employee understands that the nature of Employee's position gives the
 Employee access to and knowledge of Company's confidential and proprietary information and places the Employee in a position
 of trust and confidence with Company. Employee understands and acknowledges that the intellectual services Employee provides
 to Company are unique, special and extraordinary. Employee further understands and acknowledges that Company's ability
 to reserve these for the exclusive knowledge and use of Company is of great competitive importance and commercial value to Company,
 and that improper use or disclosure by the Employee is likely to result in unfair or unlawful competitive activity. Because
 of Company's legitimate business interest as described in this Agreement and the good and sufficient consideration offered
 to the Employee, during the Restricted Period, Employee agrees and covenants not to engage in Competitive Activities within the Restricted
 Territory.

"Restricted Period" means the period of Employee's employment with Company and twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of Employee's employment with Company. "Restricted Territory" means the entire world. "Competitive Activities" means advice or other assistance regarding Competitive Products or Services, in return for remuneration or other pecuniary benefit or prospective gain (whether in the capacity of employee, consultant, agent, representative, director, owner, partner, or otherwise), other than on behalf of Company. "Competitive Products or Services" shall mean and include any products or services similar to or otherwise directly or indirectly competitive with the Core Business of Company (whether for a business competitor or for a customer or prospective customer of Company).

In connection with his employment, Employee is being granted a stock option for a designated number of shares, vesting over a stated vesting period. Such grant shall be on terms similar to those granted to other key employees of Company, except that Employee's option shall carry an extended exercise period. Specifically, upon termination of Employee's employment with Company for any reason, the vested portion of such option shall remain exercisable throughout the Restricted Period, rather than for the customary period of 90 days after termination of employment. The extended exercise period and resulting option shares shall be subject to termination or repurchase as stated in the option agreement. Employee and Company mutually agree that such extended exercise period is intended to serve as consideration for Employee's promises, undertakings, and obligations under this Section regarding post-employment non-competition. Employee acknowledges and agrees that this consideration is adequate, fair, reasonable, and mutually agreed upon.

Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit Employee from purchasing or owning less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation that competes directly or indirectly with the Company, provided that such ownership is promptly disclosed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and represents a passive investment in such corporation.

This Section does not, in any way, restrict or impede Employee from exercising protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement or from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order.

3. <u>Other Covenants and Agreements</u> Employee agrees and covenants to comply with
any and all other restrictive covenants to Company, including non-solicitation obligations, as set forth in his Employment Agreement,
and other agreements governing confidentiality of proprietary and Company information.

4. <u>Employee Acknowledgment.</u> The Employee acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the Employee's
 services to be rendered to the Employer are of a special and unique character; (ii) that Employee will obtain knowledge and
 skill relevant to Company's industry, methods of doing business, and marketing strategies by virtue of the Employee's
 employment; (iii) that the restrictive covenants and other terms and conditions of this Agreement are reasonable and reasonably necessary
 to protect the legitimate business interests of the Employer; (iv) that the Employee will be reasonably able to earn a living without
 violating the terms of this Agreement; and (v) that the Employee has the right and opportunity to consult with counsel before signing
 this Agreement.

5. <u>Notification to Third Parties</u>. Company shall have the right to notify third Parties, including
 new employers, of Employee's obligations under this Agreement.

6. <u>Massachusetts Law to Govern</u>. The Parties intend that this Agreement shall be governed by and
 construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without application of the conflict-of-laws rules thereof.

7. <u>Enforcement; Limitations</u>. (a) The Parties agree that breach of this Agreement by Employee
 will cause irreparable damage to Company and that in the event of such breach Company shall have, in addition to any other remedies
 available by law or contract, the right to an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable relief to prevent further violations
 hereunder, without the necessity of posting a bond or deposit in connection therewith. In any action arising from the breach of this
 Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to an award of its reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees. In addition,
 upon any breach of this Agreement by Employee that has been finally adjudicated in the relevant court of law, Company shall no longer
 be obligated to pay Employee any amount that may otherwise be due pursuant to any employment agreement or any other contract or written
 arrangement between Employee and Company.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to restrict Employee (with or without notice to or consent from Company) from: communicating or filing any charge or complaint with a federal, state, local, or other governmental agency or regulatory entity; participating in a governmental agency or regulatory entity investigation or proceeding; giving truthful testimony or statements or disclosures to a governmental agency or regulatory entity; exercising any legally protected whistleblower rights (including under applicable securities laws); or reporting or discussing unlawful employment discrimination occurring in the workplace or at work-related events.

8. <u>Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate.</u> The Parties mutually promise and agree that, other
 than an action for injunctive relief which must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, any controversy or claim arising
 out of or related to this Agreement, or breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration by a single arbitrator, to be agreed upon
 by the Parties, in an arbitration proceeding to be conducted in Boston, Massachusetts and otherwise in accordance with the Federal
 Arbitration Act and the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The terms regarding the use of
 arbitration will be those terms set forth in Section 17 of the Employment Agreement entered into by Employee and Company and dated
 September 29, 2025.

9. <u>Severability.</u> If any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable because it is
 overly broad in scope or duration, such provision shall be limited in scope or duration as a court determines to be reasonable under
 the circumstances and shall be enforced as so limited. If any provision hereof is otherwise held to be unenforceable under applicable
 law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of the provision
 or the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement.

10. <u>Assignment.</u> The obligations of Employee hereunder are personal and unique and may not be assigned
 without the prior written consent of Company. Company, at its election, may assign this Agreement or any rights hereunder, effective
 upon notice to Employee. Subject to the foregoing limitations, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit
 of the Parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns.

11. <u>Entire Agreement; Modifications.</u> This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
 Parties regarding the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous proposals, understandings, and representations
 by either Party with respect to the subject matter thereof. No amendment, modification, or addition to this Agreement shall
 be binding unless in writing and signed by the Parties hereto.

12. <u>Waiver.</u> The waiver by either Party hereto shall not be effective unless given in a writing
 signed by the Party to be bound thereby. A Party's failure to enforce any provision hereof in one instance shall not operate
 as or be construed as a waiver of or defense to any subsequent breach by such other Party.

13. <u>Consideration.</u> Employee acknowledges and agrees that the consideration provided to Employee
 by Company (including employment with the company) constitutes good and sufficient consideration for Employee's agreement to
 abide by the terms of this Agreement.

14. <u>Counterparts.</u> This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
 to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any fully signed counterpart may be introduced
 into evidence in any action or proceeding without having to produce the other counterparts.

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date below.

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| |
|:---|
| <br> Precision Optics Corporation  |
| <br> By:/s/ Joseph Forkey<br> Name: Joseph N. Forkey, CEO<br>|
| <br>Signature: /s/ Joseph Traut<br>Print Name: Joseph W. Traut<br>Date: September 29, 2025<br>|

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