Document:

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                                   EXHIBIT 4.3

                                 SCANSOFT, INC.
                                 2000 STOCK PLAN
                 (AS AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF MARCH 25, 2004)

      1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:

         -  to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of
            substantial responsibility,

         -  to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and
            Consultants, and

         -  to promote the success of the Company's business.

            The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory
Stock Options, Stock Purchase Rights, Stock Appreciation Rights, and Restricted
Stock Units.

      2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

            (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as
shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

            (b) "Affiliated SAR" means an SAR that is granted in connection with
a related Option, and which automatically will be deemed to be exercised at the
same time that the related Option is exercised.

            (c) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the
administration of equity-based awards under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under
the Plan.

            (d) "Award" means, individually or collectively, a grant under the
Plan of Options, Stock Purchase Rights, Stock Appreciation Rights, and
Restricted Stock Units.

            (e) "Award Agreement" means the written or electronic agreement
setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under
the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.

            (f) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (g) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any
reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor
or amended section of the Code.

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            (h) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the
Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

            (i) "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

            (j) "Company" means ScanSoft, Inc. a Delaware corporation.

            (k) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by
the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

            (l) "Director" means a member of the Board.

            (m) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

            (n) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither
service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be
sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

            (o) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

            (p) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

                  (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established
      stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation
      the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq
      Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for
      such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on
      such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The
      Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems
      reliable;

                  (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
      securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market
      Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid
      and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day
      on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or
      such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

                  (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
      Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
      Administrator.

            (q) "Fiscal Year" means the fiscal year of the Company.

            (r) "Freestanding SAR" means an SAR that is granted independent of
any Option.

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            (s) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

            (t) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option that by its terms
does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

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

            (v) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

            (w) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the Plan.

            (x) "Optioned Stock" means the Shares subject to an Award.

            (y) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

            (z) "Participant" means the holder of an outstanding Award, which
shall include an Optionee.

            (aa) "Plan" means this 2000 Stock Plan, as amended and restated.

            (bb) "Restricted Stock" means Shares acquired pursuant to a grant of
Stock Purchase Rights under Section 9 of the Plan or pursuant to the early
exercise of an Option.

            (cc) "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a written agreement
between the Company and the Participant evidencing the terms and restrictions
applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right. The Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
Notice of Grant.

            (dd) "Restricted Stock Unit" means an Award granted to a Participant
pursuant to Section 11.

            (ee) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with
respect to the Plan.

            (ff) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

            (gg) "Service Provider" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

            (hh) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 14 of the Plan.

            (ii) "Stock Appreciation Right" or "SAR" means an Award, granted
alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 10 is designated
as an SAR.

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            (jj) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Shares
pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.

            (kk) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

            (ll) "Tandem SAR" means an SAR that is granted in connection with a
related Option, the exercise of which will require forfeiture of the right to
purchase an equal number of Shares under the related Option (and when a Share is
purchased under the Option, the SAR will be canceled to the same extent).

      3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 14 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 7,250,000 Shares; provided, however, that in no event shall
more than 1,000,000 Shares issuable under the Plan be granted pursuant to Awards
of Stock Purchase Rights and Restricted Stock Units. The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

                  (i) If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without
      having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject
      thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan
      (unless the Plan has terminated); provided, however, that Shares that have
      actually been issued under the Plan, shall not be returned to the Plan and
      shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan, except
      that if unvested Shares are forfeited or repurchased by the Company, such
      Shares shall become available for future grant under the Plan.

      4. Administration of the Plan.

         (a) Procedure.

                  (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with
      respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.

                  (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator
      determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder as
      "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of
      the Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more
      "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

                  (iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify
      transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions
      contemplated hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for
      exemption under Rule 16b-3.

                  (iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the
      Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which
      committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.

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            (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated
by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in
its discretion:

                  (i) to determine the Fair Market Value;

                  (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be
      granted hereunder;

                  (iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each
      Award granted hereunder;

                  (iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

                  (v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent
      with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and
      conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time
      or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance
      criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions,
      and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares
      relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator,
      in its sole discretion, shall determine;

                  (vi) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and
      awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

                  (vii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
      relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to
      sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax
      treatment under foreign tax laws;

                  (viii) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 17(c)
      of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the
      post-termination exercisability period of Awards longer than is otherwise
      provided for in the Plan;

                  (ix) to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax
      obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be
      issued upon exercise of an Award that number of Shares having a Fair
      Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld. The Fair
      Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date
      that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections
      by a participant to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in
      such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem
      necessary or advisable;

                  (x) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the
      Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously
      granted by the Administrator;

                  (xi) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of payment of
      cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such
      Participant under an Award; or

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                  (xii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
      advisable for administering the Plan.

            (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The Administrator's
decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all
Participants and any other holders of Awards.

            5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Purchase Rights,
Stock Appreciation Rights, and Restricted Stock Units may be granted to Service
Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

            6. Limitations.

            (a) Each Option shall be designated in the Award Agreement as either
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year
(under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000,
such Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of
this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the
order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

            (b) The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options and
Stock Appreciation Rights:

                  (i) No Service Provider shall be granted, in any Fiscal Year,
      Options or Stock Appreciation Rights covering more than 750,000 Shares.

                  (ii) In connection with his or her initial service, a Service
      Provider may be granted Options or Stock Appreciation Rights covering up
      to an additional 750,000 Shares, which shall not count against the limit
      set forth in subsection (i) above.

                  (iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
      proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's
      capitalization as described in Section 14.

                  (iv) If an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is cancelled in
      the same fiscal year of the Company in which it was granted (other than in
      connection with a transaction described in Section 14), the cancelled
      Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be counted against the limits set
      forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above. For this purpose, if the exercise
      price of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is reduced, the transaction
      will be treated as a cancellation of the Option or Stock Appreciation
      Right and the grant of a new Option or Stock Appreciation Right.

            (c) The exercise price of any Option or SAR outstanding or to be
granted in the future under the Plan shall not be reduced or cancelled and
re-granted at a lower exercise price (including pursuant to any "6 month and 1
day" cancellation and re-grant scheme), regardless of whether or not the Shares
subject to the cancelled Options or SARs are put back into the available pool
for grant. In addition, the Administrator shall not replace underwater Options
or SARs with restricted stock in an exchange, buy-back or other scheme.
Moreover, the Administrator shall not replace any Options or SARs with new
options or stock appreciation

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rights having a lower exercise price or accelerated vesting schedule in an
exchange, buy-back or other scheme.

            7. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, the Plan shall
become effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for
a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 17 of the Plan.

            8. Stock Options

            (a) Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the
Award Agreement, but in no event shall the term of an Option be more than seven
(7) years from the date of grant. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock
Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is
granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option shall be five (5) years from
the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award
Agreement.

            (b) Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

                  (i) Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the
      Shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall be no less
      than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In the
      case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who, at the time
      the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than
      ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the
      Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be
      no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                  (ii) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option
      is granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option
      may be exercised and shall determine any conditions that must be satisfied
      before the Option may be exercised.

                  (iii) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine
      the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including
      the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
      Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at the
      time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of:

                  (1) cash;

                  (2) check;

                  (3) promissory note;

                  (4) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
      exercise of an option, have been owned by the Participant for more than
      six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on
      the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares
      as to which said Option shall be exercised;

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                  (5) consideration received by the Company under a cashless
      exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

                  (6) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the
      Participant, including any liability attributable to the Participant's
      participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or
      arrangement;

                  (7) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

                  (8) such other consideration and method of payment for the
      issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

            (c) Exercise of Option.

                  (i) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any
      Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of
      the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the
      Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be
      exercised for a fraction of a Share.

                        a) An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company
                 receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in such
                 form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from
                 the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
                 payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is
                 exercised (together with any applicable withholding taxes).
                 Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of
                 payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the
                 Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an
                 Option shall be issued in the name of the Participant or, if
                 requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant
                 and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as
                 evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company
                 or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no
                 right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a
                 stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock,
                 notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall
                 issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
                 Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend
                 or other right for which the record date is prior to the date
                 the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 14 of the
                 Plan.

                        b) Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the
                 number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the
                 Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as
                 to which the Option is exercised.

                  (ii) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a
      Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the
      Participant's death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her
      Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement
      to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in
      no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth
      in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award
      Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months
      following the Participant's termination. If, on the date of termination,
      the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares
      covered by the unvested portion of the Option

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            shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Participant
            does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the
            Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
            such Option shall revert to the Plan.

                  (iii) Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be
            a Service Provider as a result of the Participant's Disability, the
            Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of
            time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option
            is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the
            expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award
            Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award
            Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12)
            months following the Participant's termination. If, on the date of
            termination, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire
            Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option
            shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the participant
            does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified
            herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such
            Option shall revert to the Plan.

                  (iv) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a
            Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the
            Participant's death within such period of time as is specified in
            the Award Agreement (but in no event may the Option be exercised
            later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in
            the Award Agreement), by the Participant's estate or by a person who
            acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance,
            but only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of
            death. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement,
            the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following
            the Participant's termination. If,

                  at the time of death, the Participant is not vested as to his
            or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of
            the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Option may be
            exercised by the executor or administrator of the Participant's
            estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Option
            under the Participant's will or the laws of descent or distribution.
            If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein,
            the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option
            shall revert to the Plan.

                  (v) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer
            to buy out

                  for a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted
            based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall
            establish and communicate to the Participant at the time that such
            offer is made.

                  9. Stock Purchase Rights.

                  (a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued
      either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other Awards granted under
      the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the
      Administrator determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under
      the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in writing or electronically, of the
      terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the
      number of Shares that the offeree shall be entitled to purchase (subject
      to the limits set forth in Section 3), the price to be paid, and the time
      within which the offeree must accept such offer. The offer shall be
      accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form
      determined by the Administrator.

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                  (b) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator determines
      otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company
      a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary
      termination of the purchaser's service with the Company for any reason
      (including death or Disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased
      pursuant to the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be the original
      price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any
      indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall
      lapse at a rate determined by the Administrator.

                  (c) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement
      shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent
      with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole
      discretion.

                  (d) Rights as a Stockholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
      exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
      stockholder, and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is
      entered upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the
      Company. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for
      which the record date is prior to the date the Stock Purchase Right is
      exercised, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

                  10. Stock Appreciation Rights

                  (a) Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the
      Plan, an SAR may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time
      to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole
      discretion. The Administrator may grant Affiliated SARs, Freestanding
      SARs, Tandem SARs, or any combination thereof.

                  (b) Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete
      discretion to determine the number of SARs granted to any Service
      Provider.

                  (c) Exercise Price and Other Terms. The Administrator, subject
      to the provisions of the Plan, will determine the terms and conditions of
      SARs granted under the Plan; provided, that, the exercise price of an SAR
      is at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the
      SAR; provided, further, the exercise price of Tandem or Affiliated SARs
      will equal the exercise price of the related Option.

                  (d) Exercise of Tandem SARs. Tandem SARs may be exercised for
      all or part of the Shares subject to the related Option upon the surrender
      of the right to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option. A
      Tandem SAR may be exercised only with respect to the Shares for which its
      related Option is then exercisable. With respect to a Tandem SAR granted
      in connection with an Incentive Stock Option: (i) the Tandem SAR will
      expire no later than the expiration of the underlying Incentive Stock
      Option; (ii) the value of the payout with respect to the Tandem SAR will
      be for no more than one hundred percent (100%) of the difference between
      the exercise price of the underlying Incentive Stock Option and the Fair
      Market Value of the Shares subject to the underlying Incentive Stock
      Option at the time the Tandem SAR is exercised; and

            (iii) the Tandem SAR will be exercisable only when the Fair Market
      Value of the Shares subject to the Incentive Stock Option exceeds the
      Exercise Price of the incentive Stock Option.

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                  (e) Exercise of Affiliated SARs. An Affiliated SAR will be
      deemed to be exercised upon the exercise of the related Option. The deemed
      exercise of an Affiliated SAR will not necessitate a reduction in the
      number of Shares subject to the related Option.

                  (f) Exercise of Freestanding SARs. Freestanding SARs will be
      exercisable on such terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole
      discretion, will determine.

                  (g) SAR Agreement. Each SAR grant will be evidenced by an
      Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the SAR,
      the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the
      Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

                  (h) Expiration of SARs. An SAR granted under the Plan will
      expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole
      discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the
      foregoing, the rules of Section 8(c) also will apply to SARs.

                  (i) Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of an SAR, a
      Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an
      amount determined by multiplying:

                        (i) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a
            Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times

                        (ii) The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR
            is exercised.

                  At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon SAR
      exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some
      combination thereof.

                  11. Restricted Stock Units.

                  (a) Grant of Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Units
      may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as
      will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The
      Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of
      Restricted Stock Units granted to each Participant, subject to the limits
      set forth in Section 3 of the Plan.

                  (b) Value of Restricted Stock Units. Each Restricted Stock
      Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator
      on or before the date of grant.

                  (c) Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator
      will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions (including,
      without limitation, continued status as a Service Provider) in its
      discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will
      determine the number or value of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid
      out to the Service Providers. The time period during which the performance
      objectives or other vesting provisions must be met will be called the
      "Performance Period." Each award of Restricted Stock Units will be
      evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period,
      and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole
      discretion, will determine. The administrator may set performance
      objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, or
      individual goals, applicable federal or state securities laws, or any
      other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.

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                  (d) Earning of Restricted Stock Units. After the applicable
      Performance Period has ended, the holder of Restricted Stock Units will be
      entitled to receive a payout of the number of Restricted Stock Units
      earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as
      a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives
      or other vesting provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a
      Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may
      reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for
      such Restricted Stock Unit.

                  (e) Form and Timing of Payment of Restricted Stock Units.
      Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as
      practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period. The
      Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Restricted Stock
      Units in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market
      Value equal to the value of the earned Restricted Stock Units at the close
      of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.

                  (f) Cancellation of Restricted Stock Units. On the date set
      forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Restricted Stock
      Units will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for
      grant under the Plan.

                  12. Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator provides
      otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during
      any unpaid leave of absence. A Service Provider will not cease to be an
      Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company
      or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company,
      its Parent, or any Subsidiary. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no
      such leave may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon
      expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If
      reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company
      is not so guaranteed, then three months following the 91st day of such
      leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be
      treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes
      as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

                  13. Non-Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise
      by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned,
      hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will
      or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the
      lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator
      makes an Award transferable, such Award shall contain such additional
      terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.

                  14. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution,
      Merger or Asset Sale.

                  (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action
      by the stockholders of the Company, the number and class of Shares that
      may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of
      Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits
      in Sections 3 and 6 of the Plan, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
      increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting from a stock
      split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
      reclassification of the Shares, or any other increase or decrease in the
      number of issued Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the
      Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities
      of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt
      of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the

<PAGE>

      board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and
      conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the
      Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into
      shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason
      thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares
      subject to an Award.

                  (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
      dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify
      each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of
      such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide
      for a Participant to have the right to exercise his or her Award until ten
      (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock
      covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Award would not
      otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may provide that
      any Company repurchase option applicable to any Shares purchased upon
      exercise of an Award shall lapse as to all such Shares, provided the
      proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the
      manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised,
      an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such
      proposed action.

                  (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the
      Company with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all
      of the assets of the Company, each outstanding Award shall be assumed or
      an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or
      a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the
      successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Award, the
      Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his
      or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares
      as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all
      restrictions on Restricted Stock will lapse, and, with respect to
      Restricted Stock Units, all performance goals or other vesting criteria
      will be deemed achieved at target levels and all other terms and
      conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right
      becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution
      in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator will notify
      the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock
      Appreciation Right will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of 15
      days from the date of such notice, and the Option or Stock Appreciation
      Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

                  For the purposes of this paragraph, the Award shall be
      considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the Award
      confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the
      Award immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration
      (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) or, in the case of
      a Stock Appreciation Right upon the exercise of which the Administrator
      determines to pay cash or a Restricted Stock Unit which the Administrator
      can determine to pay in cash, the fair market value of the consideration
      received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for
      each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders
      were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen
      by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided,
      however, that if such consideration received in the merger or sale of
      assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its
      Parent, the

                  Administrator may, with the consent of the successor
      corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the
      exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a
      Restricted Stock Unit, for each Share subject to such Award (or in the
      case of Restricted Stock Units, the number of implied shares determined by
      dividing the value of the Restricted Stock Units by the per Share
      consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
      assets), to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its

<PAGE>

      Parent equal in fair market value to the per Share consideration received
      by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets.

                  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 14(c) to the
      contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction
      of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the
      Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without
      the Participant's consent; provided, however, a modification to such
      performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation's corporate
      structure post-merger or post-sale of assets will not be deemed to
      invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.

                  15. No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor
      any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to
      continuing the Participant's relationship as a Service Provider with the
      Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant's right
      or the Company's right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or
      without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

                  16. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award shall be, for
      all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination
      granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the
      Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be provided to each
      Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

                  17. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

                  (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time
      amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

                  (b) Stockholder Approval. The Company shall obtain stockholder
      approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to
      comply with Applicable Laws.

                  (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment,
      alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights
      of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the
      Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and
      signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan shall
      not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise the powers granted to
      it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the
      date of such termination.

                  18. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

                  (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to
      the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the
      issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and
      shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with
      respect to such compliance.

                  (b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise
      of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to
      represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are
      being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to
      sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the
      Company, such a representation is required.

<PAGE>

                  19. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the
      Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction,
      which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the
      lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the
      Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such
      Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

                  20. Stockholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to
      approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months
      after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be
      obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.EXHIBIT 10.1

                  Fourth Amendment to the SunTrust Banks, Inc.
                     Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
                (Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2001)

         WHEREAS, SunTrust Banks, Inc. (the "Corporation") has adopted and
sponsors the SunTrust Banks, Inc. Retirement Plan (the "SERP"); and

         WHEREAS, ss. 11 of the SERP authorizes the Compensation Committee of
the Corporation's Board to amend the SERP from time to time; and

         WHEREAS, on February 7, 2005, the Compensation Committee approved an
amendment to the definition of SERP Compensation to limit the maximum amount of
Performance Unit Plan awards for that may be included for Tier 1 Participants.

         NOW, THEREFORE, IN WITNESS WHEREOF, as authorized by the Committee, the
Human Resources Director hereby adopts the following amendment to the SERP,
effective January 1, 2005:

         The definition of SERP Compensation in ss. 2.17 is further amended by
         revising ss. 2.17(a)(ii) to read as follows:

                  (ii) the amount of the cash bonuses such Participant earns
         under the MIP and the PUP for the year, without regard to whether any
         such bonus may be subject to elective or mandatory deferral or, if not
         deferred, may be paid in the year following the calendar year in which
         such bonus is earned. Notwithstanding the preceding provision, the
         amount of the PUP that may be included in SERP Compensation for any
         calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2005, shall not exceed
         the corresponding payout level (at minimum, target or maximum)
         established for the Tier 1 Participant's February 2004 PUP award. As
         allowed by ss. 2.12, the Committee has designated a substitute plan to
         be treated as though it were the PUP award earned for the 2003-2005
         cycle as described in the following sentence. The fair market value on
         the date of vesting of a Tier 1 Participant's February 11, 2003
         restricted stock grant shall be used in the same manner in calculating
         such Participant's SERP Compensation as if it were the amount of the
         PUP cash award earned for the cycle including 2003-2005.

         EXECUTED this 10th day of February, 2005.

SunTrust Banks, Inc.                        Attest

By:   /s/ Mary T. Steele                    By:
     ---------------------------                -----------------------
      Mary T. Steele
      Human Resources Director              Title:
                                                  ---------------------

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