Document:

ADVISORY AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.1

ADVISORY AGREEMENT

Between 

HARTMAN ADVISORS, LLC

and

HARTMAN SHORT TERM INCOME PROPERTIES XX, INC

February 9, 2017

 

   ADVISORY AGREEMENT

This Advisory Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of February 9, 2012, is entered into between Hartman Advisors, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the “Advisor”), and Hartman Short Term Income Properties XX, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company desires to avail itself of the knowledge, experience, sources of information, advice, assistance and certain facilities available to the Advisor (hereinafter defined) and to have the Advisor undertake the duties and responsibilities hereinafter set forth herein on the terms set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Advisor is willing to undertake to render such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

The following defined terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings specified below:

“Acquisition Expenses” has the meaning set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

“Advisor” means (i) Hartman Advisors, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, or (ii) any successor advisor to the Company.  

“Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. For the purposes of this Agreement, the Advisor shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company, and vice versa.

“Articles of Incorporation” means the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended from time to time.

“Asset” or “Assets” means any and all real estate investments (real, personal or otherwise), tangible or intangible, owned or held by, or for the account of, the Company, whether directly or indirectly through another entity or entities, including interests in any Person or in joint ventures which directly or indirectly own real estate investments.

“Board of Directors” means the Board Directors of the Company. 

“Bylaws” means the Bylaws of the Company, as amended from time to time.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto. Reference to any provision of the Code shall mean such provision as in effect from time to time, as the same may be amended, and any successor provision thereto, as 

interpreted by any applicable regulations as in effect from time to time.

“Common Share” or “Share” means a share of the Company’s common stock.

“Company” means Hartman Short Term Income Properties XX, Inc., a Maryland corporation .

“Director” means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Enterprise Value” means the actual value of the Company as a going concern based on the difference between  (a) the actual value of all of its assets as determined by appraisal prepared by an Independent Expert, less (b) all of its liabilities as set forth on its then current balance sheet; provided that (i) if such Enterprise Value is being determined in connection with a Change of Control that establishes the Company’s net worth (e.g., a successful tender offer or other sale for the Common Shares, sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or a merger) then the Enterprise Value shall be the net worth established thereby and (ii) if such Enterprise Value is being determined in connection with a listing on a national exchange, then the Enterprise Value shall be equal to the number of outstanding Common Shares multiplied by the Market Price of a single Common Share averaged over a period of 30 trading days during which the Shares are listed or quoted for trading after the date of listing. For purposes hereof, a “trading day” shall be any day on which the exchange on which the Shares are listed is open for trading whether or not there is an actual trade of Common Shares on any such day.

“Gross Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

“Hartman” means Allen Hartman, the chief executive officer of the Advisor, and his affiliates.

“Independent Director” has the meaning set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

Initial Investment” means aggregate real estate investments made by the Company with the proceeds of the Initial Offering, as completed.

“Limited Partnership Agreement” means the Limited Partnership Agreement of Hartman Short Term Income Properties XX Operating Partnership, L.P., the Operating Partnership, as the same may be amended and restated from time to time, if the Advisor and the Company determine to organize that limited partnership.

“Managing Dealer” means D.H. Hill Securities LLLP, or such other entity selected by the Board of Directors to act as the managing dealer for the Offering if the Company and the Advisor determine that having a Managing Dealer is necessary or appropriate for the  Offering.

“Market Price” means on any date the average of the closing price per Share for the five consecutive trading days ending on such date. If the Shares are not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the Shares selected by the Board, or if there is no professional market maker making a market in the Shares, the average of the last ten (10) sales pursuant to the Offering if the Offering has not concluded, or if the Offering has concluded, the average of the last ten (10) purchases by the Company pursuant to its Share Repurchase Program (the "SRP"), and if there are fewer than ten (10) of such purchases under the SRP, then the average of such lesser number of purchases, or, if the SRP is not then in existence, the price at which the Company is then offering Shares to the public if the Company is then engaged in a public 

offering of Shares, or if the Company is not then offering Shares to the public, the price at which a Stockholder may purchase Shares pursuant to the Company's Distribution Reinvestment Plan (the "DRP") if such DRP is then in existence, or if the DRP is not then in existence, the fair market value of the Shares as determined by the Company, in its sole discretion.  

“Offering” means a public offering of Shares pursuant to any Prospectus.

“Operating Expenses” means all costs and expenses incurred by the Company, as determined under generally accepted accounting principles, which in any way are related to the operation of the Company or to Company business, including advisory expenses, but excluding (i) the expenses of raising capital such as Organizational and Offering Expenses, legal, audit, accounting, underwriting, brokerage, listing, registration and other fees, printing and other such expenses, and taxes incurred in connection with the issuance, distribution, transfer, registration, and stock exchange listing of the Shares, (ii) interest payments, (iii) taxes, (iv) non-cash expenditures such as depreciation, amortization and bad debt reserves, (v) incentive fees, (vi) Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses, (vii) distributions made pursuant to percentage interests in the Operating Partnership and (viii) real estate commissions on the resale of property and other expenses connected with the acquisition, disposition and ownership of real estate interests, mortgage loans, or other property (such as the costs of foreclosure, insurance premiums, legal services, maintenance, repair, and improvement of property)

“Operating Partnership” means Hartman Short Term Income Properties XX Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership if the Company and the Advisor determine to form the limited partnership.

“Organizational and Offering Expenses” has the meaning set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

 “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, estate, trust, a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company or other entity.

“Property Management Agreement” means any Property Management Agreement between the Company and the Property Manager.

“Property Manager” means Hartman Income REIT Management, Inc., a Texas corporation, or an Affiliate thereof.

“Prospectus” means the Company’s final prospectus for any public offering within the meaning of Section 2(10) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“REIT” means a “real estate investment trust” under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.

“Securities” means any class or series of units or shares of the Company or the Operating Partnership, including common shares or preferred units or shares and any other evidences of equity or beneficial or other interests, voting trust certificates, bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness, secured or unsecured, convertible, subordinated or otherwise, or in general any instruments commonly known as “securities” or any certificates of interest, shares or 

participations in, temporary or interim certificates for, receipts for, guarantees of, or warrants, options or rights to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing.

“Shareholders” means the registered holders of the outstanding Shares.

“Subsequent Investment” means a real estate investment made by the Company after it has acquired  the Initial Investments.

“Termination Date” means the date of termination of this Agreement.

“2%/25% Guidelines” means the limitations that the Company will not reimburse the Advisor for any amount by which the Company’s operating expenses (including the asset management fee) at the end of the four preceding fiscal quarters exceed the greater of: (A) 2% of its Average Invested Assets, or (B) 25% of its net income determined without reduction for any additions to reserves for depreciation, bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves and excluding any gain from the sale of its assets for that period.  Notwithstanding the above, the Company may reimburse the Advisor for expenses in excess of this limitation if a majority of the independent directors determines that such excess expenses are justified based on unusual and non-recurring factors.

Any capitalized term not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE 2

APPOINTMENT

The Company hereby appoints the Advisor to serve as its advisor on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Advisor hereby accepts such appointment.

ARTICLE 3

DUTIES OF THE ADVISOR

The Advisor is responsible for managing, operating, directing and supervising the operations and administration of the Company and its Assets to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Advisor shall, either directly or by engaging an Affiliate or third party, perform the following duties:

3.01

Offering Services. The Advisor shall manage and supervise:

    

 

(i) 

Development of the offering, including the determination of the specific terms of the Securities to be offered by the Company, preparation of all offering and related documents, and obtaining all required regulatory approvals of such documents;

    

 (ii) 

Along with the Managing Dealer, if any, approval of the participating broker dealers and negotiation of the related selling agreements;

    

 (iii) 

Coordination of the due diligence process relating to participating broker dealers and their review of any Prospectus and other Offering and Company documents;

    

 (iv) 

Preparation and approval of all marketing materials contemplated to be used by the Managing Dealer or others in the Offering of the Company’s Securities;

     

 (v) 

Along with the Managing Dealer, negotiation and coordination with the transfer agent for the receipt, collection, processing and acceptance of subscription agreements, commissions, and other administrative support functions;

    

 (vi) 

Creation and implementation of various technology and electronic communications related to the Offering of the Company’s Securities; and

    

 (vii) 

All other services related to organization of the Company or the Offering, whether performed and incurred by the Advisor or its Affiliates.

     

3.02 Acquisition Services.

    

(i)

Serve as the Company’s investment and financial advisor and provide relevant market research and economic and statistical data in connection with the Company’s Assets and investment objectives and policies;

(ii)

Subject to Section 4.03 and Article 7 hereof and the investment objectives and policies of the Company: (a) locate, analyze and select potential investments; (b) structure and negotiate the terms and conditions of transactions pursuant to which investments in Assets will be made; (c) acquire Assets on behalf of the Company; and (d) arrange for financing on behalf of the Company;

(iii)

Perform due diligence on prospective investments and create due diligence reports summarizing the results of such work;

(iv)

Prepare reports regarding prospective investments which include recommendations and supporting documentation necessary for the Directors to evaluate the proposed investments;

(iv)

Obtain reports (which may be prepared by the Advisor or its Affiliates), where appropriate, concerning the value of contemplated investments of the Company; and

(v)

Negotiate and execute approved investments, loans, debt financing and other transactions.

     

3.03 Asset Management Services.

(i)

Real Estate Services:

(a)

Investigate, select, and, on behalf of the Company, engage and conduct business with such Persons as the Advisor deems necessary to the proper performance of its obligations hereunder, including but not limited to consultants, accountants, lenders, technical advisors, attorneys, brokers, underwriters, corporate fiduciaries, escrow agents, depositaries, custodians, agents for collection, insurers, insurance agents, developers, construction companies and any and all Persons acting in any other capacity deemed by the Advisor necessary or desirable for the performance of any of the foregoing services;

(b)

Negotiate and service the Company’s debt facilities and other financings;

(c)

Monitor applicable markets and obtain reports (which may be prepared by the Advisor or its Affiliates) where appropriate, concerning the value of investments of the Company;

(d)

Monitor and evaluate the performance of investments of the Company; provide daily management services to the Company and perform and supervise the various management and operational functions related to the Company’s investments;

(e)

Coordinate with the Property Manager on its duties under any Property Management Agreement and assist in obtaining all necessary approvals of major property transactions as governed by the applicable Property Management Agreement;

(f)

Coordinate and manage relationships between the Company and any joint venture partners; and,

(g)

Consult with the officers and Directors of the Company and provide assistance with the evaluation and approval of potential property dispositions, sales or refinancings.

(ii)

Accounting and Other Administrative Services:

 

(a)

Manage and perform the various administrative functions necessary for the management of the day-to-day operations of the Company;

(b)

From time-to-time, or at any time reasonably requested by the Directors, make reports to the Directors on the Advisor’s performance of services to the Company under this Agreement;

(c)

Coordinate with the Company’s independent accountants and auditors to prepare and deliver to the Company’s audit committee an annual report covering the Advisor’s compliance with certain material aspects of this Advisory Agreement;

(d)

Provide or arrange for administrative services and items, legal and other services, office space, office furnishings, personnel and other overhead items necessary and incidental to the Company’s business and operations;

(e)

Provide financial and operational planning services and portfolio management functions;

(f)

Maintain accounting data and any other information requested concerning the activities of the Company as shall be required to prepare and to file all periodic financial reports and returns required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory agency, including annual financial statements;

(g)

Maintain all appropriate books and records of the Company;

(h)

Provide tax and compliance services and coordinate with appropriate third parties, including independent accountants and other consultants, on related tax matters;

(i)

Supervise the performance of such ministerial and administrative functions as may be necessary in connection with the daily operations of the Assets;

(j)

Provide the Company with all necessary cash management services;

(k)

Manage and coordinate with the transfer agent the quarterly dividend process and payments to shareholders;

(l)

Consult with the officers and Directors of the Company and assist the Directors in evaluating and obtaining adequate insurance coverage based upon risk management determinations;

(m)

Provide the officers and Directors of the Company with timely updates related to the overall regulatory environment affecting the Company, as well as managing compliance with such matters, including but not limited to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”);

(n)

Consult with the officers and Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors relating to the corporate governance structure and appropriate policies and procedures related thereto; 

(o)

Perform all reporting, record keeping, internal controls and similar matters in a manner to allow the Company to comply with applicable law, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; 

(p)

find, evaluate, present and recommend to the Company investment opportunities consistent with the Company’s investment policies and objectives; 

(q)

structure the terms and conditions of the Company’s our acquisitions, sales and joint ventures;

(r)

acquire properties and make and invest in mortgage loans and other investments on behalf of the Company in compliance with the Company investment objectives and policies;

(s)

arrange for financing and refinancing of the Company’s properties and other investments;

(t)

service or enter into contracts for servicing mortgage loans that the Company makes or acquires; 

(u)

assist the Company in obtaining insurance;

(v)

generate an annual budget for the Company; 

(w)

review and analyze financial information for each of the Company’s properties and the overall portfolio; 

(x)

formulate and oversee the implementation of strategies for the administration, promotion, management, operation, maintenance, improvement, financing and refinancing, marketing, leasing and disposition of the Company’s properties and other investments; 

(y)

perform investor-relations services; 

(z)

maintain our accounting and other records and assisting the Company in filing all reports required to be filed with the SEC, the IRS and other regulatory agencies; 

(aa)

engage and supervise the performance of agents, including registrar and transfer agent for the Company; and

(bb)

perform any other services reasonably requested by the Company.

3.04 Shareholder Services.

  

(i)

Manage communications with shareholders, including answering phone calls, preparing and sending written and electronic reports and other communications; and

(ii)

Establish technology infrastructure to assist in providing shareholder support and service.

ARTICLE 4

AUTHORITY OF THE ADVISOR

4.01

General.

  All rights and powers to manage and control the day-to-day business and affairs of the Company shall be vested in the Advisor to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Advisor shall have the power to delegate all or any part of its rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of the Company to such officers, employees, Affiliates, agents and representatives of the Advisor or the Company as it may from time to time deem appropriate. Any authority delegated by the Advisor to any other Person shall be subject to applicable law and the limitations on the rights and powers of the Advisor specifically set forth in this Agreement or the Articles of Incorporation.

4.02

Powers of the Advisor. 

Subject to the express limitations set forth in this Agreement, the power to direct the management, operation and policies of the Company shall to the fullest extent allowed by law be vested in the Advisor, which shall have the power by itself and shall be authorized and empowered on behalf and in the name of the Company to carry out any and all of the objectives and purposes of the Company and to perform all acts and enter into and perform all contracts and other undertakings that it may in its sole discretion deem necessary, advisable or incidental thereto to perform its obligations under this Agreement. 

4.03 

Approval by Directors.

(i) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any investment in Assets, including any acquisition of an Asset by the Company or any investment by the Company in a joint venture, limited partnership or similar entity owning real properties, will require the prior approval of the Board of Directors. The Advisor will deliver to the Board of Directors all documents required by it to properly evaluate the proposed investment.

(ii)

If the Articles of Incorporation require that a transaction be approved by the Independent Directors, the Advisor will deliver to the Independent Directors all documents required by them to properly evaluate the proposed investment in the Asset. The prior approval of a majority of the Independent Directors will be required for each transaction between the Company and the Advisor or its Affiliates.

(iii)

The Advisor may not cause the Company to acquire or finance any property or make or invest in any mortgage loan or other investment on the Company’s behalf without the prior approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of its Independent Directors.  The actual terms and conditions of transactions involving the Company’s investments will be determined by the Advisor, subject at all times to such board approval.

ARTICLE 5

BANK ACCOUNTS

The Advisor will maintain one or more bank accounts in the name of the Company and will collect and deposit into any such account or accounts, and disburse from any such account or accounts, any money on behalf of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no funds shall be commingled with the funds of the Advisor.

ARTICLE 6

RECORDS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Advisor, in the conduct of its responsibilities to the Company, shall maintain adequate and separate books and records for the Company’s operations in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which shall be supported by sufficient documentation to ascertain that such books and records are properly and accurately recorded. Such books and records shall be the property of the Company. Such books and records shall include all information necessary to calculate and audit the fees or reimbursements paid under this Agreement. The Advisor shall utilize procedures to attempt to ensure such control over accounting and financial transactions as is reasonably required to protect the Company’s assets from theft, error or fraudulent activity. All financial statements that the Advisor delivers to the Company shall be prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with GAAP, except for special financial reports which by their nature require a deviation from GAAP. The Advisor shall maintain the necessary liaison with the Company’s independent accountants and shall provide such accountants with such reports and other information as the Company shall request.

ARTICLE 7

LIMITATION ON ACTIVITIES; LIMITATION ON LIABILITY

7.01

Limitation on Activities.

Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Advisor shall not take any action which, in its sole judgment made in good faith, would (i) adversely affect the ability of the Company to qualify or continue to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, (ii) subject the Company or the Operating Partnership to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (iii) violate any law, rule or regulation of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Company, or its Securities, or (iv) violate the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. In the event that an action that would violate (i) through (iv) of the preceding sentence has been ordered by the Board of Directors acting on behalf of the Company, the Advisor shall notify the Board of Directors of the Advisor’s judgment of the potential impact of such action and shall refrain from taking such action until it receives further clarification or instructions from the Board of Directors. In such event the Advisor shall, to the fullest extent allowed by law, have no liability for acting in accordance with the specific instructions of the Board of Directors so given. 

7.02  

Limitation on Liability.

Advisor shall have no liability to Company for any loss suffered by Company which arises out of any action or inaction of Advisor if Advisor, in good faith, determined that such course of conduct was in the best interest of Company and such course of conduct did not constitute negligence or misconduct of Advisor.  Company, shall indemnify Advisor against all claims, actions, damages, losses, judgments, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and amounts paid in settlement of any claims sustained by Advisor in connection with the management of the Properties and the management services provided pursuant to this Agreement, provided that the same were not the result of negligence or misconduct on the part of Advisor (collectively, “Unauthorized Acts”).  Advisor shall indemnify Company against all claims, actions, damages, losses, judgments, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and amounts paid in settlement of any claims sustained by Company arising out of or in connection with Unauthorized Acts.  Indemnities herein contained shall not apply to any claim with respect to which the indemnified party is covered by insurance, provided that the foregoing exclusion does not invalidate the indemnified party’s insurance coverage.  The indemnification provisions set forth herein shall survive termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 8

RELATIONSHIP WITH DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Managers, Directors, officers and employees of the Advisor or any direct or indirect Affiliate of the Advisor may serve as a Director and as officers of the Company, except that no manager, director, officer or employee of the Advisor or any of its Affiliates who also is a Director or officer of the Company shall receive any compensation from the Company or Operating Partnership for serving as a Director or officer other than reasonable reimbursement for travel and related expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 9

COMPENSATION

9.01

Acquisition Fees. 

The Company will pay the Advisor in cash as compensation for services described in Section 3.02 an acquisition fee of (i) 2.5% of the funds paid and/or budgeted in respect of the purchase, development, construction or improvement of each asset we acquire, including any debt attributable to each real estate asset that the Company acquires.   The Company shall also reimburse the Advisor for all out of pocket third party expenses incurred by the Advisor in connection with such services as required by Article 10. The amount of such acquisition fees and expenses shall be subject to any limitations contained in the Articles of Incorporation. The Advisor shall submit an invoice to the Company following the closing or closings of each acquisition, accompanied by a computation of the fee. The fee shall be payable within ten (10) business days after receipt of the invoice by the Company.

9.02

Asset Management Fees.   The Company will pay the Advisor in cash as compensation for services described in Section 3.03 an asset management fee in accordance with this Section 9.02 as well as reimburse the Advisor for all out of pocket third party expenses incurred by the Advisor in connection with such services as required by Article 10. Subject to any limitations contained in the Articles of Incorporation, this asset management fee shall be earned monthly and the amount of this asset management fee payable by the Company to the Advisor shall equal 1/12th of .75% of the sum of the higher of the cost or value of each asset, where cost equals the amount actually paid and/or budgeted (excluding acquisition fees and expenses) in respect of the purchase, development, construction or improvement of an asset, including the amount of any debt attributable to the asset  (including debt encumbering the asset after its acquisition) and where the value of an asset is the value established by the most recent independent valuation report. If available and if the independent members of the Company’s board of directors have determined to obtain an independent appraisal, without reduction for depreciation, bad debts or other non-cash reserves.  The asset management fee will be based only on the portion of the cost or value attributable to the Company’s investment in an asset if the Company does not own all or a majority of an asset, does not manage or control the asset, and did not or does not provide substantial services in the acquisition, development or management of the asset. The Advisor shall submit a monthly invoice to the Company, accompanied by a computation of the asset management fee for the applicable period. The asset management fee shall be payable within ten business days after receipt of the invoice by the Company.

    

9.03

Debt Financing Fees. 

The Company will pay the Advisor in cash as compensation for services described in Section 3.02 a debt financing fee equal to 1% of the amount obtained under any property loan or made available to us under any other debt financing. In no event will the debt financing fee be paid more than once in respect of the same debt.

     9.04

Organization and Offering Expense Reimbursement.  With respect to the Company’s primary offering, the Company will reimburse the Advisor for organization and offering expenses that the Advisor incurs on the Company’s behalf (other than selling commissions and the dealer manager fee), provided that at no point will the Company reimburse expenses that would cause its total organization and offering expenses related to the primary offering (other than selling commissions and the dealer manager fee) to exceed 1.5% of gross offering proceeds from the primary offering.  The Advisor and its affiliates will be responsible for the payment of organization and offering expenses related to the primary offering (other than 

selling commissions and the dealer manager fee) to the extent they exceed 1.5% of gross offering proceeds from the primary offering. The Company may not amend this Advisory Agreement to increase the amount it is obligated to pay the Advisor with respect to organization and offering expenses during this primary offering.  Under no circumstances may the Company’s total organization and offering expenses (including selling commissions and dealer manager fees) exceed 11% of gross proceeds from this primary offering or 15% of gross proceeds from any subsequent offerings.

9.05

Convertible Stock.  The convertible stock issued to the Advisor will convert to shares of common stock if (1) the Company made total distributions on then outstanding shares of its common stock equal to the issue price of those shares plus a 6% cumulative, non-compounded annual return on the issue price of those outstanding shares, (2) the Company lists its common stock for trading on a national securities exchange if the sum of prior distributions on then outstanding shares of our common stock plus the aggregate market value of its common stock (based on the 30-day average closing price) meets the same 6% performance threshold, or (3) the Advisory Agreement with Hartman Advisors expires without renewal or is terminated (other than because of a material breach by Advisor), and at the time of such expiration or termination the company is deemed to have met the foregoing 6% performance threshold based on its enterprise value and prior distributions and, at or subsequent to the expiration or termination, the stockholders actually realize such level of performance upon listing or through total distributions.  In general, the Company’s convertible stock will convert into shares of common stock with a value equal to 15% of the excess of the Company’s Enterprise Value plus the aggregate value of distributions paid to date on then outstanding shares of its common stock over the aggregate issue price of those outstanding shares plus a 6% cumulative, non-compounded, annual return on the issue price of those outstanding shares.  With respect to conversion in connection with the termination of the Advisory Agreement, this calculation is made at the time of termination even though the actual conversion may occur later or not at all.  The value of the Common Shares into which the convertible stock may be converted shall not exceed the amount specified in Section 9.9 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE 10

EXPENSES

10.01

General.      In addition to the compensation paid to the Advisor pursuant to Article 9 hereof, the Company shall pay directly or reimburse the Advisor for the following expenses paid or incurred by the Advisor or Affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Company pursuant to this Agreement, including, but not limited to:

     

(i)

Acquisition Expenses incurred in connection with the selection and acquisition of Assets, whether or not acquired by us, including, but not limited to, legal fees and expenses, travel and communications expenses, costs of appraisals, nonrefundable option payments on property not acquired, accounting fees and expenses, third-party brokerage or finder’s fees, title insurance, premium expenses and other closing costs

(ii)

the actual out-of-pocket cost of goods and services used by the Company (or the Operating Partnership, if formed) and obtained from entities not Affiliated with the Advisor, including brokerage fees paid in connection with the purchase and sale of Assets;

(iii)

taxes and assessments on income or Assets and taxes as an expense of doing business and any other taxes otherwise imposed on the Company and its business or income;

(iv)

out-of-pocket costs associated with insurance required in connection with the business of the Company or by its officers and Directors;

(v)

all out-of-pocket expenses in connection with payments to the Board of Directors and meetings of the Board of Directors and Shareholders;

(vi)

personnel and related employment direct costs incurred by the Advisor or Affiliates (a) in performing the services described in Section 3.04 or (b) as otherwise approved by Independent Directors, including but not limited to salary, benefits, burdens and overhead of all employees directly involved in the performance of such services, plus all out-of-pocket costs incurred;

(vii)

out-of-pocket expenses of maintaining communications with Shareholders, including the cost of preparation, printing, and mailing annual reports and other Shareholder reports, proxy statements and other reports required by governmental entities;

(viii)

audit, accounting and legal fees, and other fees for professional services relating to the operations of the Company and all such fees incurred at the request, or on behalf of, the Independent Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors; 

(ix)

out-of-pocket costs for the Company to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances; 

(x) 

organization and offering expenses related to the Company’s primary offering (other than selling commissions and the dealer manager fee) in an amount up to 1.5% of gross offering proceeds from the primary offering less any such organization and offering expenses that the Company may pay directly. The Advisor and its affiliates will be responsible for the payment of organization and offering expenses related to the Company’s primary offering (other than selling commissions and the dealer manager fee), to the extent they exceed 1.5% of gross offering proceeds from the primary offering, without recourse against or reimbursement by the Company; and

(xi)

all other out-of-pocket costs necessary for the operation of the Company and its Assets incurred by the Advisor in performing its duties hereunder.

     

Except as specifically provided for above in (vi) related to shareholder services expenses or as contemplated by Article 11, the expenses and payments subject to reimbursement by the Company in this Section 10.01 do not include personnel and related direct employment or overhead costs of the Advisor or Affiliates. Further, the Company shall have no liability with respect to Organizational and Offering Expenses incurred on its behalf or on behalf of the Company in connection with the Third Offering. The Advisor shall pay for all such Organizational and Offering Expenses.

10.02

Reimbursement to Advisor. Expenses incurred by the Advisor on behalf of the Company and payable pursuant to this Article 10 shall be reimbursed to the Advisor within 10 

days after the Advisor provides the Company with an invoice and supporting documentation relating to such reimbursement.

     

10.03

Reimbursement to Company. The Company shall not reimburse the Advisor during any fiscal quarter for Operating Expenses that, in the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended (the “Expense Year”), exceed the 2%/25% Guidelines for such year (the “Excess Amount”), unless the Independent Directors determine that such excess was justified, based on unusual and non-recurring factors which they deem sufficient, in which case the Excess Amount may be reimbursed. Any Excess Amount paid to the Advisor during a fiscal quarter without the Independent Directors determining that such expenses were justified shall be repaid to the Company. Within 60 days after the end of any fiscal quarter of the Company for which total Operating Expenses for the Expense Year exceed the 2%/25% Guidelines and the Independent Directors determined that such expenses were justified, there shall be sent to the Shareholders a written disclosure of such fact, together with an explanation of the factors the Independent Directors considered in determining that such excess expenses were justified. Such determination shall be reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors. The Company will not reimburse the Advisor or its Affiliates for services for which the Advisor or its Affiliates are entitled to compensation in the form of a separate fee. 

ARTICLE 11

OTHER SERVICES

Should (i) the Company request that the Advisor or any manager, officer or employee thereof render services for the Company other than as set forth in this Agreement or (ii) there are changes to the regulatory environment in which the Advisor or Company operates that would increase significantly the level of services performed such that the costs and expenses borne by the Advisor for which the Advisor is not entitled to separate reimbursement for personnel and related employment direct costs and overhead under Article 10 of this Agreement would increase significantly, such services shall be separately compensated at such rates and in such amounts as are agreed by the Advisor and the Independent Directors, subject to the limitations contained in the Articles of Incorporation, and shall not be deemed to be services pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 12

RELATIONSHIP OF THE ADVISOR AND COMPANY; 

OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE ADVISOR

     

12.01    Relationship. To the fullest extent allowed by law, the Company and the Advisor are not partners or joint venturers with each other, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to make them such partners or joint venturers. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Advisor from engaging in other activities, including, without limitation, the rendering of advice to other Persons and the management of other programs advised, sponsored or organized by the Advisor or its Affiliates. Nor shall this Agreement limit or restrict the right of any manager, director, officer, employee, or equity holder of the Advisor or its Affiliates to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other Person. The Advisor may, with respect to any investment in which the Company is a participant, also render advice and service to each and every other participant therein. The Advisor shall promptly disclose to the Board of Directors the existence of any condition or circumstance, existing or anticipated, of 

which it has knowledge, which creates or could create a conflict of interest between the Advisor’s obligations to the Company and its obligations to or its interest in any other Person.

     

12.02

Time Commitment. The Advisor shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and their respective employees, officers and agents to, devote to the Company such time as shall be reasonably necessary to conduct the business and affairs of the Company in an appropriate manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement. The Company acknowledges that the Advisor and other Affiliates of Hartman and their respective employees, officers and agents may also engage in activities unrelated to the Company and may provide services to Persons other than the Company or any of its Affiliates.

 

12.03 

Investment Opportunities and Allocation. The Advisor shall be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to present a continuing and suitable investment program to the Company which is consistent with the investment policies and objectives of the Company, but neither the Advisor nor any Affiliate of the Advisor shall be obligated generally to present any particular investment opportunity to the Company even if the opportunity is of character which, if presented to the Company, could be taken by the Company. In the event an investment opportunity is located, the allocation procedure set forth under the caption “Conflicts of Interest-Competitive Activities of Hartman and its Affiliates” in any Prospectus (as may be amended from time to time) shall govern the allocation of the opportunity among the Company and Affiliates of the Advisor.

ARTICLE 13

THE HARTMAN NAME

The Advisor, Hartman and their Affiliates have a proprietary interest in the name “Hartman”. The Advisor hereby grants to the Company a non-transferable, non-assignable, non-exclusive royalty-free right and license to use the name “Hartman” during the term of this Agreement. Accordingly, and in recognition of this right, if at any time the Company ceases to retain Hartman or an Affiliate thereof to perform the services of the Advisor, the Company (including the Operating Partnership, if formed) will, promptly after receipt of written request from Hartman, cease to conduct business under or use the name “Hartman” or any derivative thereof and the Company and the Operating Partnership shall change the name of the Company and the Operating Partnership to a name that does not contain the name “Hartman” or any other word or words that might, in the reasonable discretion of the Advisor, be susceptible of indication of some form of relationship between the Company and the Advisor or any Affiliate thereof. At such time, the Company will also make any changes to any trademarks, service marks or other marks necessary to remove any references to the word “Hartman”. Consistent with the foregoing, it is specifically recognized that the Advisor or one or more of its Affiliates has in the past and may in the future organize, sponsor or otherwise permit to exist other investment vehicles (including vehicles for investment in real estate) and financial and service organizations having “Hartman” as a part of their name, all without the need for any consent (and without the right to object thereto) by the Company or the Operating Partnership, if formed.

ARTICLE 14

TERM AND TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT

14.01

Term. This Agreement shall have an initial term of one year from the date of the Agreement. This Agreement may be renewed for an unlimited number of successive one-year terms upon mutual consent of the parties. Any such renewal must be approved by a majority of the Independent Directors. The Company (through the Independent Directors) will evaluate the performance of the Advisor annually before renewing the Agreement, and each such renewal shall be for a term of no more than one year.  The Advisor, at no charge to the Company, shall provide the Independent Directors with a report, no less than thirty (30) days before the annual expiration of this Agreement’s term, setting forth all of the compensation, in total and by category, that the Company has paid and is expected to pay to the Advisor in the current year and in the two most recently completed years.

     

14.02

Termination by Either Party. This Agreement may be terminated upon 60 days’ written notice without cause or penalty by either party.

     

14.03

Termination by the Company. This Agreement may be terminated immediately by the Company upon (i) any fraudulent conduct, criminal conduct, willful misconduct or the negligent breach of fiduciary duty of or by the Advisor, (ii) a material breach of this Agreement by the Advisor not cured within 30 days after the Advisor receives written notice of such breach, or (iii) an event of the bankruptcy of the Advisor or commencement of any bankruptcy or similar insolvency proceedings of the Advisor.  If the Company elects to terminate the Agreement under Sections 14.02 or 14.03, the Company first shall have obtained the approval of a majority of its independent directors.  

14.04

Termination by the Advisor. This Agreement may be terminated immediately by the Advisor in the event of (i) the bankruptcy of the Company or commencement of any bankruptcy or similar insolvency proceedings of the Company, or (ii) any material breach of this Agreement by the Company not cured by the Company within 10 days after written notice thereof.

     

14.05

Payments on Termination and Survival of Certain Rights and Obligations. 

     

(i) After the Termination Date, the Advisor shall not be entitled to compensation for further services hereunder except it shall be entitled to receive from the Company within 30 days after the effective date of such termination all unpaid reimbursements of expenses and all earned but unpaid fees payable to the Advisor prior to termination of this Agreement.

(ii) The Advisor shall promptly upon termination:

(a) pay over to the Company all money collected pursuant to this Agreement, if any, after deducting any accrued compensation and reimbursement for its expenses to which it is then entitled;

(b) deliver to the Directors a full accounting, including a statement showing all payments collected by it and a statement of all money held by it, covering the period following the date of the last accounting furnished to the Directors;

(c) deliver to the Directors all assets and documents of the Company then in the custody of the Advisor; and

(d) cooperate with the Company to provide an orderly transition of 

advisory functions.

Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, neither party shall have any further rights or obligations under this Agreement, except that Articles 13, 16, 17 and section 9.05 of Article 9 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 15

ASSIGNMENT

This Agreement may be assigned by the Advisor to an Affiliate with the consent of the Company by approval of a majority of the Independent Directors. The Advisor may assign any rights to receive fees or other payments under this Agreement without obtaining the approval of the Board of Directors. This Agreement shall not be assigned by the Company without the consent of the Advisor.

ARTICLE 16

INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

16.01

Indemnification by the Company. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Advisor and its Affiliates, including their respective managers, officers, directors, partners and employees, from all liability, claims, damages or losses arising in the performance of their duties hereunder, and related expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent such liability, claims, damages or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance, subject to any limitations imposed by the laws of the State of Texas, the Articles of Incorporation or Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Company, provided that: (i) the Advisor and its Affiliates have determined that the course of conduct which caused the loss or liability was in the best interests of the Company, (ii) the Advisor and its Affiliates were acting on behalf of or performing services for the Company, (iii) the indemnified claim was not the result of negligence, misconduct, or fraud of the indemnified person or resulted from a breach of the agreement by the Advisor, and (iv) in the event the loss, liability or expense arises from or out of an alleged violation of federal or state securities laws by the Advisor or its Affiliates, the conditions set forth in Section 12.2(e) of the Articles of Incorporation must be satisfied for the Company to provide such indemnification. Any indemnification of the Advisor may be made only out of the net assets of the Company and not from the Shareholders.

16.02

Indemnification by the Advisor. Subject to Section 16.01 above, the Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company from contract or other liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses, including attorneys’ fees, to the extent that such liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance and are incurred by reason of the Advisor’s bad faith, fraud, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of its duties, but the Advisor shall not be held responsible for any action of the Board of Directors in following or declining to follow any of the Advisor’s advice or recommendation. The parties hereto intend that the indemnities set forth in this agreement be construed and applied as written notwithstanding any rule of construction to the contrary. Without limiting the foregoing, the indemnities shall, to the fullest extent allowed by law, and to the extent provided in this agreement, apply notwithstanding any state’s “express negligence rule” or similar rule that would deny coverage based on an indemnified person’s sole, concurrent or contributory active or passive negligence or strict liability or gross negligence. It is the intent of the parties that, to the 

extent provided in this agreement, the indemnities set forth herein shall, to the fullest extent allowed by law, apply to an indemnified person’s sole, concurrent or contributory active or passive negligence or strict liability or gross negligence. The parties agree that this provision is “conspicuous” for purposes of all state laws.

     

16.03 The Advisor’s Liability.

    

(i)  Subject to Section 16.01 above, but notwithstanding any provisions other than Section 16.01 of this Agreement, in no event shall the Company make any claim against the Advisor, or its Affiliates, on account of any good faith interpretation by the Advisor of the provisions of this Agreement (even if such interpretation is later determined to be a breach of this Agreement) or any alleged errors in judgment made in good faith and in accordance with this Agreement in connection with the operation of the operations of the Company hereunder by the Advisor or the performance of any advisory or technical services provided by or arranged by the Advisor. The provisions of this Section 16.03(i) shall not be deemed to release the Advisor from liability for its negligence or misconduct.

(ii) The Company shall not object to any expenditures made by the Advisor in good faith in the course of its performance of its obligations under this Agreement or in settlement of any claim arising out of the operation of the Company unless such expenditure is specifically prohibited by this Agreement. The provisions of this Section 16.03(ii) shall not be deemed to release the Advisor from liability for its negligence or misconduct.

(iii) in no event will either party be liable for damages based on loss of income, profit or savings or indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary, punitive or special damages of the other party or person, including third parties, even if such party has been advised of the possibility of such damages in advance, and all such damages are expressly disclaimed. In no event will the Advisor’s aggregate liability under this agreement ever exceed the total amount of fees it actually receives from the Company pursuant to Article 9.

(iv) the parties hereto intend that the release from liability set forth in section 16.03 be construed and applied as written notwithstanding any rule of construction to the contrary. Without limiting the foregoing, the release from liability shall, to the fullest extent allowed by law, apply notwithstanding any state’s “express negligence rule” or similar rule that would deny coverage based on a person’s sole, concurrent or contributory active or passive negligence or strict liability. It is the intent of the parties that, to the extent provided in section 16.03, the release from liability set forth herein shall, to the fullest extent allowed by law, apply to a released person’s sole, concurrent or contributory active or passive negligence or strict liability. The parties agree that this provision is “conspicuous” for purposes of all state laws.

ARTICLE 17

MISCELLANEOUS

17.01

Notices. Any notice, report or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing unless some other method of giving such notice, report or other communication is required by the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws, or accepted by the party to whom it is given, and shall be given by being delivered by hand or by overnight mail or other overnight delivery service to the addresses set forth herein:

     

To the Company, the Operating Partnership or the Directors:

Hartman Short Term Income Properties XX, Inc.

2909 Hillcroft Suite 420 

Houston, Texas 77057-5815     

To the Advisor:

Hartman Advisors, LLC

2909 Hillcroft Suite 420 

Houston, Texas 77057-5815     

Either party may at any time give notice in writing to the other party of a change in its address for the purposes of this Section 17.01.

17.02

Modification. This Agreement shall not be changed, modified, terminated, or discharged, in whole or in part, except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto, or their respective successors or assignees.

17.03

Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are independent of and severable from each other, and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part.

     

17.04

Construction. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

    

17.05

Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever with respect to the subject matter hereof. The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing.

     

17.06

Waiver. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

17.07

Gender. Words used herein regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires.

     

17.08

Titles Not to Affect Interpretation. The titles of Articles and Sections contained in this Agreement are for convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation hereof.

     

17.09

Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Advisory Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

ADVISOR

HARTMAN ADVISORS, LLC

  

/s/ Allen R. Hartman  

  

  

  

 

By: _________________________________________  

  

      Allen R. Hartman, Manager

COMPANY

  

HARTMAN SHORT TERM INCOME PROPERTIES XX, INC.

            /s/ Allen R. Hartman

By: ________________________________________

                  Allen R. Hartman, PresidentExhibit

Exhibit 10.1

H&R BLOCK, INC.
2018 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
DEFERRED STOCK UNITS
AWARD AGREEMENT
This Award Agreement is entered into by and between H&R Block, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“H&R Block”), and [Participant Name] (“Participant”).
WHEREAS, under the H&R Block, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), H&R Block provides certain deferred equity incentive awards (“Awards”) to its non-employee Directors (as such term is defined in the Plan) to further align Director and shareholder interests; 
WHEREAS, the Plan provides that Awards may be made to Directors in the form of deferred stock units; and
WHEREAS, receipt of this Award is conditioned upon Participant’s execution of this Award Agreement, within 180 days of [Grant Date], wherein Participant agrees to abide by certain terms and conditions authorized by the Compensation Committee of the Board.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the parties’ promises and agreements set forth in this Award Agreement, the sufficiency of which the parties hereby acknowledge,
IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1.    Deferred Stock Units.
1.1    Grant of Units.  As of [Grant Date] (the “Grant Date”), H&R Block hereby awards [Number of Units Granted] Deferred Stock Units (the “Units”) to Participant, as evidenced by this Award Agreement. Each Unit under this Award Agreement represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock on the delivery date set forth in Section 1.3, plus dividend equivalents as set forth in Section 1.4(b).
1.2    No Future Service Requirement.  Participant’s interest in the Units is granted as consideration for Participant’s service to H&R Block as a Director, is fully vested upon the Grant Date, and shall be subject to the terms of this Award Agreement. 
1.3    Delivery of Common Stock.  Delivery of the shares of Common Stock relating to settlement of the Units shall occur on the first trading date of the New York Stock Exchange (or any successor exchange or market on which shares of Common Stock are traded) that is concurrent with or next following the date that is six months after the date Participant separates from service with H&R Block as a Director, or if earlier, as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than 90 days following, the date of Participant’s death.  At the time of delivery, the Company shall transfer shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Units issued under this Award Agreement, plus any shares attributable to dividend equivalents (with any fractional share rounded to the next whole share), into a brokerage account established for Participant at a financial institution the Committee shall select at its discretion (the “Financial Institution”) or delivered to Participant in certificate form, such method to be selected by the Committee in its discretion. Participant agrees to complete any documentation for Company or the Financial Institution which is necessary to effect the transfer of shares of Common Stock to the Financial Institution. 

1.4    No Shareholder Privileges; Dividend Equivalents. 

(a)    Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through him or her shall be, or have any of the rights or privileges of, a shareholder of H&R Block (including the right to vote shares or to receive dividends) with respect to any of the Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Award Agreement, unless and until such shares of Common Stock shall have been duly issued and delivered to Participant.

(b)    Notwithstanding Section 1.4(a), dividend equivalents will accrue with respect to the Units, and will be paid as additional whole shares of Common Stock (unless the Committee in its discretion determines to pay the value of the accrued dividend equivalents in cash) upon the date shares of Common Stock are delivered pursuant to Section 1.3.  Dividend equivalents will apply to all cash dividends (excluding dividends for which an adjustment to the Award was or will be made pursuant to Section 3.2) and will be deemed reinvested in shares of Common Stock based on the Closing Price of the Common Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date applicable to such dividend. Future dividend equivalents will apply to the shares of Common Stock relating to the reinvested dividend equivalents for each dividend record date that occurs before actual delivery of the shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee retains discretion at any time, upon notice to Participant, to revise whether, and in what manner, dividend equivalents will be deemed reinvested with respect to any future dividends.
2.    Non-Transferability of Award.  This Award (including all rights, privileges and benefits conferred under such Award) shall not be transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and shall not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of this Award, or of any right or privilege conferred hereby, contrary to the provisions hereof, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment, or similar process upon the rights and privileges hereby granted, then and in any such event this Award and the rights and privileges hereby granted shall immediately become null and void. 
3.    Miscellaneous. 
3.1    No Employment Contract.  This Award Agreement does not confer on Participant any right to employment or service with Company (whether as a Director or otherwise) for any period of time, and is not an employment contract.
3.2    Adjustment of the Units.  If any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, dividend or distribution (whether in cash, shares or other property, other than a regular cash dividend), stock split, reverse stock split, spin-off or similar transaction or other change in corporate structure affects the Common Stock or the value thereof, the Committee shall make such adjustments and other substitutions to this Award Agreement as the Committee determines necessary or appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Award Agreement, in a manner the Committee deems equitable or appropriate, taking into consideration the accounting and tax consequences, including such adjustments in the aggregate number, class and kind of securities that may be delivered under the Plan, and in the number, class, kind and option or exercise price of securities subject to the Award Agreement (including, if the Committee deems appropriate, the substitution of awards denominated in the shares of another company).

3.3    Merger, Consolidation, Reorganization, Liquidation, etc. If H&R Block shall become a party to any corporate merger, consolidation, major acquisition of property for stock, reorganization, or liquidation, all Plan awards outstanding on the effective date of the consummation of the transaction shall be treated in the manner the Committee, in its discretion, deems equitable and appropriate after taking into consideration relevant facts, including the accounting and tax consequences. Such treatment need not treat all Awards (or all portions of an Award) in an identical manner. Such treatment may include, but is not limited to, the substitution of new Awards, or for any Awards then outstanding, the assumption of any such Awards or the cancellation of such Awards for a payment to Participant in cash or other property in an amount equitably determined by the Committee (and, for the avoidance of doubt, such cancellation may be without any payment to Participant in the event the Committee determines that the intrinsic value of the Award is zero or negative).  Any such arrangements shall be binding upon Participant and any action taken under this Section 3.3 shall either preserve an Award’s status as exempt from Code Section 409A or comply with Code Section 409A.
3.4    Interpretation and Regulations.  The Committee shall have the full power and authority provided by delegation by the Board, subject to the terms of the Plan, and subject to such orders or resolutions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as may from time to time be adopted by the Board. Such power and authority shall include, but not be limited to, the power and authority to: (a) interpret and administer the Plan, the Award Agreement, and any instrument or agreement entered into under or in connection with the Plan; (b) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or the Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent that the Committee shall deem desirable to carry it into effect; (c) establish such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan and Award; (d) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan and Award; (e) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances the Award shall be canceled or suspended; and (f) determine, for purposes of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the date and circumstances that constitute a cessation or termination of service. 
3.5    Reservation of Rights.  If at any time Company determines that qualification or registration of the Units or any shares of Common Stock subject to the Units under any federal, state or other applicable securities law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory authority, is necessary or desirable as a condition of executing an Award or providing a benefit under the Plan, then such action may not be taken, in whole or in part, unless and until such qualification, registration, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions Company deems unacceptable. 
3.6    Withholding of Taxes.  Company shall make the delivery of shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Award Agreement without withholding any amounts to account for federal, state, local or foreign taxes (unless required to be paid or withheld as a result of the vesting or delivery of shares of Common Stock).  
3.7    Reasonableness of Restrictions, Severability and Court Modification.  Participant and Company agree that the restrictions contained in this Award Agreement are reasonable, but, should any provision of this Award Agreement be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable or unreasonable in scope, the validity, legality and 

enforceability of the other provisions of this Award Agreement will not be affected thereby, and the provision found invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable or unreasonable will be considered by Company and Participant to be amended in whatever manner is considered reasonable by that court and, as so amended, will be enforced.
3.8    Waiver.  The failure of Company to enforce at any time any terms, covenants or conditions of this Award Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of such terms, covenants or conditions or of any other provision. Any waiver or modification of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Award Agreement shall only be effective if reduced to writing and signed by both Participant and, on behalf of H&R Block, an officer of H&R Block.
3.9    Plan Control.  The terms of this Award Agreement are governed by the terms of the Plan, as it exists on the Grant Date (except to the extent the Plan is amended from time to time and such amendment is intended to have retroactive effect). Except where the Plan expressly permits an award agreement to provide for different terms, if any provisions of this Award Agreement conflict with any provisions of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
3.10    Notices.  Any notice to be given to Company or election to be made under the terms of this Award Agreement shall be addressed to Company (Attention: Long Term Incentive Department) at One H&R Block Way, Kansas City Missouri 64105, or at such other address or by such other means as Company may hereafter designate in writing to Participant. Any notice to be given to Participant shall be addressed to Participant at the last address of record with Company or at such other address as Participant may hereafter designate in writing to Company. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been duly given when deposited in the United States mail via regular or certified mail, addressed as aforesaid, postage prepaid.  
3.11    Choice of Law.  This Award Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri without reference to principles of conflicts of laws.
3.12    Choice of Forum and Jurisdiction.  Participant and Company agree that any proceedings to enforce the obligations and rights under this Award Agreement must be brought in the Missouri District Court located in Jackson County, Missouri, or in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri in Kansas City, Missouri.  Participant agrees and submits to personal jurisdiction in either court.  Participant and Company further agree that this Choice of Forum and Jurisdiction is binding on all matters related to Awards under the Plan and may not be altered or amended by any other arrangement or agreement (including an employment agreement) without the express written consent of Participant and H&R Block.
3.13    Compliance with Section 409A.  Notwithstanding any provision in this Award Agreement or the Plan to the contrary, this Award Agreement shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with Code Section 409A and regulations and other guidance issued thereunder (“Section 409A”).  For purposes of determining whether any payment made pursuant to this Award Agreement results in a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b), H&R Block shall maximize the exemptions described in such section, as applicable.  Any reference to a “termination of employment” or similar term or phrase shall be interpreted as a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.  If any deferred compensation payment is payable while Participant is a “specified employee” under Section 409A, and payment is due because of separation from service for any reason other than death, then payment of such 

amount shall be delayed for a period of six months and paid in a lump sum on the first payroll payment date following the earlier of the expiration of such six month period or Participant’s death.  To the extent any payments under this Award Agreement are made in installments, each installment shall be deemed a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder.  Participant or his or her beneficiary, as applicable, shall be solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on Participant or his or her beneficiary in connection with any payments to Participant or his or her beneficiary pursuant to this Award Agreement, including but not limited to any taxes, interest and penalties under Section 409A, and neither H&R Block nor any of its affiliates shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold Participant or his or her beneficiary harmless from any and all of such taxes and penalties.   
3.14    Attorneys Fees.  Participant and Company agree that in the event of litigation to enforce the terms and obligations under this Award Agreement, the party prevailing in any such cause of action will be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable attorneys fees.
3.15    Relationship of the Parties.  Participant acknowledges that this Award Agreement is between H&R Block and Participant.  Participant further acknowledges that H&R Block is a holding company and that Participant is not an employee of either H&R Block or a Subsidiary thereof.
3.16    Headings.  The section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not be considered in construing this Award Agreement.
3.17    Amendment.  No amendment, supplement, or waiver to this Award Agreement is valid or binding unless in writing and signed on behalf of H&R Block by an officer of H&R Block, and, if materially adverse to Participant, signed by Participant.
3.18    Execution of Agreement.  This Award Agreement shall not be enforceable by either party, and Participant shall have no rights with respect to the Awards made hereunder, unless and until it has been (a) signed by Participant within 180 days of [Grant Date], (b) signed on behalf of H&R Block by an officer of H&R Block, and (c) returned to H&R Block.
This Award Agreement may be signed by the parties via facsimile or electronic signature, as acceptable to Company, and may be signed by H&R Block via stamped signature. 
3.19    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. PARTICIPANT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING, ACTION OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.
4.    Definitions.  Whenever a term is used in this Award Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below or as set forth in the Plan unless the context plainly requires a different meaning, and when a defined meaning is intended, the term is capitalized.
4.1    Board. Board means the Board of Directors of H&R Block.
4.2    Closing Price.  Closing Price means the last reported market price for one share of Common Stock, regular way, on the New York Stock Exchange (or any successor exchange or stock market on which such last reported market price is reported) on the day in question.  If the exchange is closed on the day on which the Closing Price is to be determined or if there were no sales reported on such date, the Closing Price shall be computed as of the last date preceding such date on which the exchange was open and a sale was reported.

4.3    Code.  Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
4.4    Committee.  Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such committee of the Board of Directors to whom authority for this Award has been delegated pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. 
4.5    Common Stock.  Common Stock means the common stock of H&R Block, without par value.
4.6    Company.  Company means H&R Block, Inc., a Missouri corporation, and includes its “subsidiary corporations” (as defined in Code Section 424(f)) and their respective divisions, departments and subsidiaries and the respective divisions, departments and subsidiaries of such subsidiaries.
4.7    Deferred Stock Units.  Deferred Stock Units means an award providing the right to receive one share of Common Stock for each unit awarded, on a specified delivery date, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine. Deferred Stock Units are a form of Other Share-Based Award described under the Plan. 
5.    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS AND WAIVERS. 
5.1    Participant understands and acknowledges that this Award Agreement confers both rights and obligations upon Participant. 
5.2    Participant has reviewed this Award Agreement in its entirety and understands that by signing this Award Agreement, Participant agrees to all of its terms, including, but not limited to, the Choice of Forum and Jurisdiction, and the Waiver of Jury Trial set forth in Section 3 of this Award Agreement.
5.3    Participant acknowledges that Company has advised Participant to seek his or her own legal counsel before signing this Award Agreement and that Participant has consulted or has had the opportunity to consult with his or her personal attorney before executing this Award Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows.] 

In consideration of said Award and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree to the terms set forth above.

     The parties hereto have executed this Award Agreement.

Participant Name:     [Participant Name]

_________________________________

Date Signed:  _____________________

H&R BLOCK, INC. 

By: 

[Authorized Officer]

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