EXHIBIT 10.09
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VERISIGN, INC.
1998 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
As Adopted October 31, 1997
1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to
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attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential
contributions are important to the success of the Company, its Parent and
Subsidiaries, by offering them an opportunity to participate in the Company's
future performance through awards of Options, Restricted Stock and Stock
Bonuses. Capitalized terms not defined in the text are defined in Section 23.
2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.
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2.1 Number of Shares Available. Subject to Sections 2.2 and 18,
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the total number of Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance
pursuant to this Plan will be 2,000,000 Shares. Subject to Sections 2.2 and 18,
Shares that: (a) are subject to issuance upon exercise of an Option but cease to
be subject to such Option for any reason other than exercise of such Option; (b)
are subject to an Award granted hereunder but are forfeited or are repurchased
by the Company at the original issue price; or (c) are subject to an Award that
otherwise terminates without Shares being issued, will again be available for
grant and issuance in connection with future Awards under this Plan. Any
authorized shares not issued or subject to outstanding grants under the
Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan and the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the
"Prior Plans") on the Effective Date (as defined below) and any shares that are
issuable upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the Prior Plans that
expire or become unexercisable for any reason without having been exercised in
full, will no longer be available for grant and issuance under the Prior Plans,
but will be available for grant and issuance under this Plan. In addition, any
shares issued under the Prior Plans which are repurchased or forfeited will be
available for grant and issuance under this Plan. At all times the Company
shall reserve and keep available a sufficient number of Shares as shall be
required to satisfy the requirements of all outstanding Options granted under
this Plan and all other outstanding but unvested Awards granted under this Plan.
2.2 Adjustment of Shares. In the event that the number of
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outstanding shares is changed by a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock
split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or
similar change in the capital structure of the Company without consideration,
then (a) the number of Shares reserved for issuance under this Plan, (b) the
Exercise Prices of and number of Shares subject to outstanding Options, and (c)
the number of Shares subject to other outstanding Awards will be proportionately
adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the stockholders of the
Company and compliance with applicable securities laws; provided, however, that
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fractions of a Share will not be issued but will either be replaced by a cash
payment equal to the Fair Market Value of such fraction of a Share or will be
rounded up to the nearest whole Share, as determined by the Committee.
3. ELIGIBILITY. ISOs (as defined in Section 5 below) may be granted
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only to employees (including officers and directors who are also employees) of
the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. All other Awards may
be granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent
contractors and advisors of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the
Company; provided such consultants, contractors and advisors render bona fide
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services not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-
raising transaction. No person will be eligible to receive more than 400,000
Shares in any calendar year under this Plan pursuant to the grant of Awards
hereunder, other than new employees of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary
of the Company (including new employees who are also officers and directors of
the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company), who are eligible to
receive up to a maximum of 1,000,000 Shares in the calendar year in which they
commence their employment. A person may be granted more than one Award under
this Plan.
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4. ADMINISTRATION.
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4.1 Committee Authority. This Plan will be administered by the
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Committee or by the Board acting as the Committee. Subject to the general
purposes, terms and conditions of this Plan, and to the direction of the Board,
the Committee will have full power to implement and carry out this Plan.
Without limitation, the Committee will have the authority to:
(a) construe and interpret this Plan, any Award Agreement and any
other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Plan;
(b) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to
this Plan or any Award;
(c) select persons to receive Awards;
(d) determine the form and terms of Awards;
(e) determine the number of Shares or other consideration subject to
Awards;
(f) determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination
with, in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to,
other Awards under this Plan or any other incentive or
compensation plan of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of
the Company;
(g) grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions;
(h) determine the vesting, exercisability and payment of Awards;
(i) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any
inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement;
(j) determine whether an Award has been earned; and
(k) make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the
administration of this Plan.
4.2 Committee Discretion. Any determination made by the
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Committee with respect to any Award will be made in its sole discretion at the
time of grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of
this Plan or Award, at any later time, and such determination will be final and
binding on the Company and on all persons having an interest in any Award under
this Plan. The Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company
the authority to grant an Award under this Plan to Participants who are not
Insiders of the Company.
5. OPTIONS. The Committee may grant Options to eligible persons and
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will determine whether such Options will be Incentive Stock Options within the
meaning of the Code ("ISO") or Nonqualified Stock Options ("NQSOs"), the number
of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price of the Option, the period
during which the Option may be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of
the Option, subject to the following:
5.1 Form of Option Grant. Each Option granted under this Plan
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will be evidenced by an Award Agreement which will expressly identify the Option
as an ISO or an NQSO ("Stock Option Agreement"), and will be in such form and
contain such provisions (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the
Committee may from time to time approve, and which will comply with and be
subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.
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5.2 Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option will be the date
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on which the Committee makes the determination to grant such Option, unless
otherwise specified by the Committee. The Stock Option Agreement and a copy of
this Plan will be delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time after
the granting of the Option.
5.3 Exercise Period. Options may be exercisable within the times or
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upon the events determined by the Committee as set forth in the Stock Option
Agreement governing such Option; provided, however, that no Option will be
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exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option is
granted; and provided further that no ISO granted to a person who directly or by
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attribution owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the
Company ("Ten Percent Stockholder") will be exercisable after the expiration of
five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted. The Committee also may provide
for Options to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically
or otherwise, in such number of Shares or percentage of Shares as the Committee
determines.
5.4 Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option will be
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determined by the Committee when the Option is granted and may be not less than
85% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant; provided that:
(i) the Exercise Price of an ISO will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market
Value of the Shares on the date of grant; and (ii) the Exercise Price of any ISO
granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder will not be less than 110% of the Fair
Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. Payment for the Shares
purchased may be made in accordance with Section 8 of this Plan.
5.5 Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised only by delivery to
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the Company of a written stock option exercise agreement (the "Exercise
Agreement") in a form approved by the Committee (which need not be the same for
each Participant), stating the number of Shares being purchased, the
restrictions imposed on the Shares purchased under such Exercise Agreement, if
any, and such representations and agreements regarding Participant's investment
intent and access to information and other matters, if any, as may be required
or desirable by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws, together
with payment in full of the Exercise Price for the number of Shares being
purchased.
5.6 Termination. Notwithstanding the exercise periods set forth in
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the Stock Option Agreement, exercise of an Option will always be subject to the
following:
(a) If the Participant is Terminated for any reason except death or
Disability, then the Participant may exercise such Participant's
Options only to the extent that such Options would have been
exercisable upon the Termination Date no later than three (3)
months after the Termination Date (or such shorter or longer time
period not exceeding five (5) years as may be determined by the
Committee, with any exercise beyond three (3) months after the
Termination Date deemed to be an NQSO), but in any event, no
later than the expiration date of the Options.
(b) If the Participant is Terminated because of Participant's death
or Disability (or the Participant dies within three (3) months
after a Termination other than because of Participant's death or
disability), then Participant's Options may be exercised only to
the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by
Participant on the Termination Date and must be exercised by
Participant (or Participant's legal representative or authorized
assignee) no later than twelve (12) months after the Termination
Date (or such shorter or longer time period not exceeding five
(5) years as may be determined by the Committee, with any such
exercise beyond (a) three (3) months after the Termination Date
when the Termination is for any reason other than the
Participant's death or Disability, or (b) twelve (12) months
after the Termination Date when the Termination is for
Participant's death or Disability, deemed to be an NQSO), but in
any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.
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(c) Notwithstanding the provisions in paragraph 5.6(a) above, if a
Participant is terminated for Cause, neither the Participant, the
Participant's estate nor such other person who may then hold the
Option shall be entitled to exercise any Option with respect to
any Shares whatsoever, after termination of service, whether or
not after termination of service the Participant may receive
payment from the Company or Subsidiary for vacation pay, for
services rendered prior to termination, for services rendered for
the day on which termination occurs, for salary in lieu of
notice, or for any other benefits. In making such determination,
the Board shall give the Participant an opportunity to present to
the Board evidence on his behalf. For the purpose of this
paragraph, termination of service shall be deemed to occur on the
date when the Company dispatches notice or advice to the
Participant that his service is terminated.
5.7 Limitations on Exercise. The Committee may specify a reasonable
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minimum number of Shares that may be purchased on any exercise of an Option,
provided that such minimum number will not prevent Participant from exercising
the Option for the full number of Shares for which it is then exercisable.
5.8 Limitations on ISO. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined
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as of the date of grant) of Shares with respect to which ISO are exercisable for
the first time by a Participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or
under any other incentive stock option plan of the Company, Parent or Subsidiary
of the Company) will not exceed $100,000. If the Fair Market Value of Shares on
the date of grant with respect to which ISO are exercisable for the first time
by a Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, then the Options for
the first $100,000 worth of Shares to become exercisable in such calendar year
will be ISO and the Options for the amount in excess of $100,000 that become
exercisable in that calendar year will be NQSOs. In the event that the Code or
the regulations promulgated thereunder are amended after the Effective Date of
this Plan to provide for a different limit on the Fair Market Value of Shares
permitted to be subject to ISO, such different limit will be automatically
incorporated herein and will apply to any Options granted after the effective
date of such amendment.
5.9 Modification, Extension or Renewal. The Committee may modify,
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extend or renew outstanding Options and authorize the grant of new Options in
substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the
written consent of a Participant, impair any of such Participant's rights under
any Option previously granted. Any outstanding ISO that is modified, extended,
renewed or otherwise altered will be treated in accordance with Section 424(h)
of the Code. The Committee may reduce the Exercise Price of outstanding Options
without the consent of Participants affected by a written notice to them;
provided, however, that the Exercise Price may not be reduced below the minimum
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Exercise Price that would be permitted under Section 5.4 of this Plan for
Options granted on the date the action is taken to reduce the Exercise Price.
5.10 No Disqualification. Notwithstanding any other provision in this
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Plan, no term of this Plan relating to ISO will be interpreted, amended or
altered, nor will any discretion or authority granted under this Plan be
exercised, so as to disqualify this Plan under Section 422 of the Code or,
without the consent of the Participant affected, to disqualify any ISO under
Section 422 of the Code.
6. RESTRICTED STOCK. A Restricted Stock Award is an offer by the
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Company to sell to an eligible person Shares that are subject to restrictions.
The Committee will determine to whom an offer will be made, the number of Shares
the person may purchase, the price to be paid (the "Purchase Price"), the
restrictions to which the Shares will be subject, and all other terms and
conditions of the Restricted Stock Award, subject to the following:
6.1 Form of Restricted Stock Award. All purchases under a
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Restricted Stock Award made pursuant to this Plan will be evidenced by an Award
Agreement ("Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement") that will be in such form
(which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from
time to time approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and
conditions of this Plan. The offer of Restricted Stock will be accepted by the
Participant's execution and delivery of the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement
and full payment for the Shares to the Company within thirty (30) days from the
date the Restricted Stock Purchase Agree-
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ment is delivered to the person. If such person does not execute and deliver the
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement along with full payment for the Shares to
the Company within thirty (30) days, then the offer will terminate, unless
otherwise determined by the Committee.
6.2 Purchase Price. The Purchase Price of Shares sold pursuant to a
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Restricted Stock Award will be determined by the Committee on the date the
Restricted Stock Award is granted, except in the case of a sale to a Ten Percent
Stockholder, in which case the Purchase Price will be 100% of the Fair Market
Value. Payment of the Purchase Price may be made in accordance with Section 8 of
this Plan.
6.3 Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards shall
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be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose. These restrictions
may be based upon completion of a specified number of years of service with the
Company or upon completion of the performance goals as set out in advance in the
Participant's individual Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement. Restricted Stock
Awards may vary from Participant to Participant and between groups of
Participants. Prior to the grant of a Restricted Stock Award, the Committee
shall: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance
Period for the Restricted Stock Award; (b) select from among the Performance
Factors to be used to measure performance goals, if any; and (c) determine the
number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Prior to the payment of
any Restricted Stock Award, the Committee shall determine the extent to which
such Restricted Stock Award has been earned. Performance Periods may overlap and
Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Restricted Stock
Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and having different
performance goals and other criteria.
6.4 Termination During Performance Period. If a Participant is
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Terminated during a Performance Period for any reason, then such Participant
will be entitled to payment (whether in Shares, cash or otherwise) with respect
to the Restricted Stock Award only to the extent earned as of the date of
Termination in accordance with the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, unless
the Committee will determine otherwise.
7. STOCK BONUSES.
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7.1 Awards of Stock Bonuses. A Stock Bonus is an award of
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Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock) for services rendered to the
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Stock Bonus may be awarded
for past services already rendered to the Company, or any Parent or Subsidiary
of the Company pursuant to an Award Agreement (the "Stock Bonus Agreement") that
will be in such form (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the
Committee will from time to time approve, and will comply with and be subject to
the terms and conditions of this Plan. A Stock Bonus may be awarded upon
satisfaction of such performance goals as are set out in advance in the
Participant's individual Award Agreement (the "Performance Stock Bonus
Agreement") that will be in such form (which need not be the same for each
Participant) as the Committee will from time to time approve, and will comply
with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. Stock Bonuses may
vary from Participant to Participant and between groups of Participants, and may
be based upon the achievement of the Company, Parent or Subsidiary and/or
individual performance factors or upon such other criteria as the Committee may
determine.
7.2 Terms of Stock Bonuses. The Committee will determine the number
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of Shares to be awarded to the Participant. If the Stock Bonus is being earned
upon the satisfaction of performance goals pursuant to a Performance Stock Bonus
Agreement, then the Committee will: (a) determine the nature, length and
starting date of any Performance Period for each Stock Bonus; (b) select from
among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any; and
(c) determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Prior
to the payment of any Stock Bonus, the Committee shall determine the extent to
which such Stock Bonuses have been earned. Performance Periods may overlap and
Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Stock Bonuses that
are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and
other criteria. The number of Shares may be fixed or may vary in accordance with
such performance goals and criteria as may be determined by the Committee. The
Committee may adjust the performance goals applicable to the Stock Bonuses to
take into account changes in law and accounting or tax rules and to make such
adjustments as
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the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the impact of
extraordinary or unusual items, events or circumstances to avoid windfalls or
hardships.
7.3 Form of Payment. The earned portion of a Stock Bonus may be paid
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currently or on a deferred basis with such interest or dividend equivalent, if
any, as the Committee may determine. Payment may be made in the form of cash or
whole Shares or a combination thereof, either in a lump sum payment or in
installments, all as the Committee will determine.
8. PAYMENT FOR SHARE PURCHASES.
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8.1 Payment. Payment for Shares purchased pursuant to this Plan
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may be made in cash (by check) or, where expressly approved for the Participant
by the Committee and where permitted by law:
(a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the
Participant;
(b) by surrender of shares that either: (1) have been owned by
Participant for more than six (6) months and have been paid for
within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 (and, if such shares were
purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note
has been fully paid with respect to such shares); or (2) were
obtained by Participant in the public market;
(c) by tender of a full recourse promissory note having such terms as
may be approved by the Committee and bearing interest at a rate
sufficient to avoid imputation of income under Sections 483 and
1274 of the Code; provided, however, that Participants who are
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not employees or directors of the Company will not be entitled to
purchase Shares with a promissory note unless the note is
adequately secured by collateral other than the Shares;
(d) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for
services rendered;
(e) with respect only to purchases upon exercise of an Option, and
provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists:
(1) through a "same day sale" commitment from the Participant
and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD Dealer") whereby
the Participant irrevocably elects to exercise the Option
and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to pay for
the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably
commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise
Price directly to the Company; or
(2) through a "margin" commitment from the Participant and a
NASD Dealer whereby the Participant irrevocably elects to
exercise the Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to
the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan
from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the Exercise Price,
and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt
of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the
Company; or
(f) by any combination of the foregoing.
8.2 Loan Guarantees. The Committee may help the Participant pay
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for Shares purchased under this Plan by authorizing a guarantee by the Company
of a third-party loan to the Participant.
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9. WITHHOLDING TAXES.
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9.1 Withholding Generally. Whenever Shares are to be issued in
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satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan, the Company may require the
Participant to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy federal,
state and local withholding tax requirements prior to the delivery of any
certificate or certificates for such Shares. Whenever, under this Plan,
payments in satisfaction of Awards are to be made in cash, such payment will be
net of an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local withholding tax
requirements.
9.2 Stock Withholding. When, under applicable tax laws, a
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Participant incurs tax liability in connection with the exercise or vesting of
any Award that is subject to tax withholding and the Participant is obligated to
pay the Company the amount required to be withheld, the Committee may in its
sole discretion allow the Participant to satisfy the minimum withholding tax
obligation by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued
that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount
required to be withheld, 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 will be made in accordance with the requirements
established by the Committee and be in writing in a form acceptable to the
Committee.
10. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP.
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10.1 Voting and Dividends. No Participant will have any of the
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rights of a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the Shares are issued
to the Participant. After Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant
will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to
such Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other
distributions made or paid with respect to such Shares; provided, that if such
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Shares are Restricted Stock, then any new, additional or different securities
the Participant may become entitled to receive with respect to such Shares by
virtue of a stock dividend, stock split or any other change in the corporate or
capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the
Restricted Stock; provided, further, that the Participant will have no right to
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retain such stock dividends or stock distributions with respect to Shares that
are repurchased at the Participant's Purchase Price or Exercise Price pursuant
to Section 12.
10.2 Financial Statements. The Company will provide financial
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statements to each Participant prior to such Participant's purchase of Shares
under this Plan, and to each Participant annually during the period such
Participant has Awards outstanding; provided, however, the Company will not be
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required to provide such financial statements to Participants whose services in
connection with the Company assure them access to equivalent information.
11. TRANSFERABILITY. Awards granted under this Plan, and any
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interest therein, will not be transferable or assignable by Participant, and may
not be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process, otherwise than
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or as determined by the
Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement with respect to Awards that are
not ISOs. During the lifetime of the Participant an Award will be exercisable
only by the Participant, and any elections with respect to an Award may be made
only by the Participant unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set
forth in the Award Agreement with respect to Awards that are not ISOs.
12. RESTRICTIONS ON SHARES. At the discretion of the Committee, the
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Company may reserve to itself and/or its assignee(s) in the Award Agreement a
right to repurchase a portion of or all Unvested Shares held by a Participant
following such Participant's Termination at any time within ninety (90) days
after the later of Participant's Termination Date and the date Participant
purchases Shares under this Plan, for cash and/or cancellation of purchase money
indebtedness, at the Participant's Exercise Price or Purchase Price, as the case
may be.
13. CERTIFICATES. All certificates for Shares or other securities
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delivered under this Plan will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends
and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or
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advisable, including restrictions under any applicable federal, state or foreign
securities law, or any rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC or
any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be
listed or quoted.
14. ESCROW; PLEDGE OF SHARES. To enforce any restrictions on a
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Participant's Shares, the Committee may require the Participant to deposit all
certificates representing Shares, together with stock powers or other
instruments of transfer approved by the Committee, appropriately endorsed in
blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow
until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a
legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the
certificates. Any Participant who is permitted to execute a promissory note as
partial or full consideration for the purchase of Shares under this Plan will be
required to pledge and deposit with the Company all or part of the Shares so
purchased as collateral to secure the payment of Participant's obligation to the
Company under the promissory note; provided, however, that the Committee may
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require or accept other or additional forms of collateral to secure the payment
of such obligation and, in any event, the Company will have full recourse
against the Participant under the promissory note notwithstanding any pledge of
the Participant's Shares or other collateral. In connection with any pledge of
the Shares, Participant will be required to execute and deliver a written pledge
agreement in such form as the Committee will from time to time approve. The
Shares purchased with the promissory note may be released from the pledge on a
pro rata basis as the promissory note is paid.
15. EXCHANGE AND BUYOUT OF AWARDS. The Committee may, at any time or
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from time to time, authorize the Company, with the consent of the respective
Participants, to issue new Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation
of any or all outstanding Awards. The Committee may at any time buy from a
Participant an Award previously granted with payment in cash, Shares (including
Restricted Stock) or other consideration, based on such terms and conditions as
the Committee and the Participant may agree.
16. SECURITIES LAW AND OTHER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. An Award will
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not be effective unless such Award is in compliance with all applicable federal
and state securities laws, rules and regulations of any governmental body, and
the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which
the Shares may then be listed or quoted, as they are in effect on the date of
grant of the Award and also on the date of exercise or other issuance.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no
obligation to issue or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to:
(a) obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company
determines are necessary or advisable; and/or (b) completion of any registration
or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal law or ruling
of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or
advisable. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with
the SEC or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification or listing
requirements of any state securities laws, stock exchange or automated quotation
system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to
do so.
17. NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY. Nothing in this Plan or any Award
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granted under this Plan will confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant
any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship
with, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company or limit in any way
the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to terminate
Participant's employment or other relationship at any time, with or without
cause.
18. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS.
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18.1 Assumption or Replacement of Awards by Successor. In the
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event of (a) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (b) a merger or
consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than
a merger or consolidation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, a reincorporation of
the Company in a different jurisdiction, or other transaction in which there is
no substantial change in the stockholders of the Company or their relative stock
holdings and the Awards granted under this Plan are assumed, converted or
replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption will be binding on all
Participants), (c) a merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation
but after which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to
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such merger (other than any stockholder that merges, or which owns or controls
another corporation that merges, with the Company in such merger) cease to own
their shares or other equity interest in the Company, (d) the sale of
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (e) the acquisition, sale, or
transfer of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company by tender
offer or similar transaction, any or all outstanding Awards may be assumed,
converted or replaced by the successor corporation (if any), which assumption,
conversion or replacement will be binding on all Participants. In the
alternative, the successor corporation may substitute equivalent Awards or
provide substantially similar consideration to Participants as was provided to
stockholders (after taking into account the existing provisions of the Awards).
The successor corporation may also issue, in place of outstanding Shares of the
Company held by the Participant, substantially similar shares or other property
subject to repurchase restrictions no less favorable to the Participant. In the
event such successor corporation (if any) refuses to assume or substitute
Awards, as provided above, pursuant to a transaction described in this
Subsection 18.1, such Awards will expire on such transaction at such time and on
such conditions as the Committee will determine; provided, however, that the
-------- -------
Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide that the vesting of any or all
Awards granted pursuant to this Plan will accelerate. If the Committee exercises
such discretion with respect to Options, such Options will become exercisable in
full prior to the consummation of such event at such time and on such conditions
as the Committee determines, and if such Options are not exercised prior to the
consummation of the corporate transaction, they shall terminate at such time as
determined by the Committee.
18.2 Other Treatment of Awards. Subject to any greater rights granted
-------------------------
to Participants under the foregoing provisions of this Section 18, in the event
of the occurrence of any transaction described in Section 18.1, any outstanding
Awards will be treated as provided in the applicable agreement or plan of
merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, or sale of assets.
18.3 Assumption of Awards by the Company. The Company, from time to
-----------------------------------
time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another
company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or
otherwise, by either; (a) granting an Award under this Plan in substitution of
such other company's award; or (b) assuming such award as if it had been granted
under this Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to an Award
granted under this Plan. Such substitution or assumption will be permissible if
the holder of the substituted or assumed award would have been eligible to be
granted an Award under this Plan if the other company had applied the rules of
this Plan to such grant. In the event the Company assumes an award granted by
another company, the terms and conditions of such award will remain unchanged
(except that the exercise price and the number and nature of Shares issuable
------
upon exercise of any such option will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to
Section 424(a) of the Code). In the event the Company elects to grant a new
Option rather than assuming an existing option, such new Option may be granted
with a similarly adjusted Exercise Price.
19. ADOPTION AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan will become
---------------------------------
effective on the date on which the registration statement filed by the Company
with the SEC under the Securities Act registering the initial public offering of
the Company's Common Stock is declared effective by the SEC (the "Effective
Date"). This Plan shall be approved by the stockholders of the Company
(excluding Shares issued pursuant to this Plan), consistent with applicable
laws, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by
the Board. Upon the Effective Date, the Committee may grant Awards pursuant to
this Plan; provided, however, that: (a) no Option may be exercised prior to
-------- -------
initial stockholder approval of this Plan; (b) no Option granted pursuant to an
increase in the number of Shares subject to this Plan approved by the Board will
be exercised prior to the time such increase has been approved by the
stockholders of the Company; and (c) in the event that stockholder approval of
such increase is not obtained within the time period provided herein, all Awards
granted pursuant to such increase will be canceled, any Shares issued pursuant
to any Award granted pursuant to such increase will be canceled, and any
purchase of Shares pursuant to such increase will be rescinded.
20. TERM OF PLAN/GOVERNING LAW. Unless earlier terminated as
--------------------------
provided herein, this Plan will terminate ten (10) years from the date this Plan
is adopted by the Board or, if earlier, the date of stockholder approval. This
Plan and all agreements thereunder shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of California.
-9-
VeriSign, Inc.
1998 Equity Incentive Plan
21. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Board may at any time
--------------------------------
terminate or amend this Plan in any respect, including without limitation
amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant
to this Plan; provided, however, that the Board will not, without the approval
-------- -------
of the stockholders of the Company, amend this Plan in any manner that requires
such stockholder approval.
22. NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN. Neither the adoption of this Plan by
--------------------------
the Board, the submission of this Plan to the stockholders of the Company for
approval, nor any provision of this Plan will be construed as creating any
limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such additional compensation
arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the
granting of stock options and bonuses otherwise than under this Plan, and such
arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific
cases.
23. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan, the following terms will have
-----------
the following meanings:
"Award" means any award under this Plan, including any Option,
Restricted Stock or Stock Bonus.
"Award Agreement" means, with respect to each Award, the signed
written agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the
terms and conditions of the Award.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Cause" means the commission of an act of theft, embezzlement,
fraud, dishonesty or a breach of fiduciary duty to the Company or a Parent or
Subsidiary of the Company.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
"Company" means VeriSign, Inc. or any successor corporation.
"Disability" means a disability, whether temporary or permanent,
partial or total, within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as
determined by the Committee.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
"Exercise Price" means the price at which a holder of an Option
may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option.
"Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of a share
of the Company's Common Stock determined as follows:
(a) if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market, its closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on the
date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal;
-----------------------
(b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a
national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of
determination on the principal national securities exchange on
which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as
reported in The Wall Street Journal;
-----------------------
-10-
VeriSign, Inc.
1998 Equity Incentive Plan
(c) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is not quoted on the
Nasdaq National Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a
national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and
asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall
--------
Street Journal;
--------------
(d) in the case of an Award made on the Effective Date, the price per
share at which shares of the Company's Common Stock are initially
offered for sale to the public by the Company's underwriters in
the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock
pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC under the
Securities Act; or
(d) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Committee in good
faith.
"Insider" means an officer or director of the Company or any
other person whose transactions in the Company's Common Stock are subject to
Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
"Option" means an award of an option to purchase Shares pursuant
to Section 5.
"Parent" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if each of such
corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other
corporations in such chain.
"Participant" means a person who receives an Award under this
Plan.
"Performance Factors" means the factors selected by the Committee
from among the following measures to determine whether the performance goals
established by the Committee and applicable to Awards have been satisfied:
(a) Net revenue and/or net revenue growth;
(b) Earnings before income taxes and amortization and/or
earnings before income taxes and amortization growth;
(c) Operating income and/or operating income growth;
(d) Net income and/or net income growth;
(e) Earnings per share and/or earnings per share growth;
(f) Total shareholder return and/or total shareholder return
growth;
(g) Return on equity;
(h) Operating cash flow return on income;
(i) Adjusted operating cash flow return on income;
(j) Economic value added; and
(k) Individual confidential business objectives.
"Performance Period" means the period of service determined by
the Committee, not to exceed five years, during which years of service or
performance is to be measured for Restricted Stock Awards or Stock Bonuses.
-11-
VeriSign, Inc.
1998 Equity Incentive Plan
"Plan" means this VeriSign, Inc. 1998 Equity Incentive Plan, as
amended from time to time.
"Restricted Stock Award" means an award of Shares pursuant to
Section 6.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Shares" means shares of the Company's Common Stock reserved for
issuance under this Plan, as adjusted pursuant to Sections 2 and 18, and any
successor security.
"Stock Bonus" means an award of Shares, or cash in lieu of
Shares, pursuant to Section 7.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the
corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock
possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
"Termination" or "Terminated" means, for purposes of this Plan
with respect to a Participant, that the Participant has for any reason ceased to
provide services as an employee, officer, director, consultant, independent
contractor, or advisor to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
An employee will not be deemed to have ceased to provide services in the case of
(i) sick leave, (ii) military leave, or (iii) any other leave of absence
approved by the Committee, provided, that such leave is for a period of not more
than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is
guaranteed by contract or statute or unless provided otherwise pursuant to
formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and
promulgated to employees in writing. In the case of any employee on an approved
leave of absence, the Committee may make such provisions respecting suspension
of vesting of the Award while on leave from the employ of the Company or a
Subsidiary as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event may an Option be
exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the Option agreement.
The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has
ceased to provide services and the effective date on which the Participant
ceased to provide services (the "Termination Date").
"Unvested Shares" means "Unvested Shares" as defined in the Award
Agreement.
"Vested Shares" means "Vested Shares" as defined in the Award
Agreement.
-12-
NO. ______
VERISIGN, INC.
1998 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
----------------------
This Stock Option Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is made and entered
into as of the date of grant set forth below (the "DATE OF GRANT") by and
between VeriSign, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), and the
participant named below ("OPTIONEE"). Capitalized terms not defined herein
shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Company's 1998 Equity Incentive
Plan, as amended (the "PLAN").
OPTIONEE: ___________________________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: ___________________________________________________
OPTIONEE'S ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
TOTAL OPTION SHARES: ___________________________________________________
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE: ___________________________________________________
DATE OF GRANT: ___________________________________________________
VESTING START DATE: ___________________________________________________
EXPIRATION DATE: ___________________________________________________
TYPE OF STOCK OPTION
(CHECK ONE): [ ] INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION
[ ] NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION
1. GRANT OF OPTION. The Company hereby grants to Optionee an option
---------------
(this "OPTION") to purchase up to the total number of shares of Common Stock of
the Company set forth above (collectively, the "SHARES") at the Exercise Price
Per Share set forth above (the "EXERCISE PRICE"), subject to all of the terms
and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan. If designated as an Incentive
Stock Option above, this Option is intended to qualify as an "incentive stock
option" ("ISO") within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "CODE").
2. VESTING; EXERCISE PERIOD.
------------------------
2.1 Vesting of Shares. [ALTERNATIVE #1: (IMMEDIATELY
-----------------
EXERCISABLE)] This Option is immediately exercisable, subject to repurchase
pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan and Section 6 of this Agreement. Subject to
the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, this Option shall vest
with respect to ____ of the Shares on ______________ following the Date of
Grant, provided the Optionee has not been Terminated as of such date and has
continuously provided services to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of
NO. ______
VERISIGN, INC.
1998 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
----------------------
This Stock Option Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is made and entered
into as of the date of grant set forth below (the "DATE OF GRANT") by and
between VeriSign, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), and the
participant named below ("OPTIONEE"). Capitalized terms not defined herein
shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Company's 1998 Equity Incentive
Plan, as amended (the "PLAN").
OPTIONEE: ___________________________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: ___________________________________________________
OPTIONEE'S ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
TOTAL OPTION SHARES: ___________________________________________________
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE: ___________________________________________________
DATE OF GRANT: ___________________________________________________
VESTING START DATE: ___________________________________________________
EXPIRATION DATE: ___________________________________________________
TYPE OF STOCK OPTION
(CHECK ONE): [ ] INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION
[ ] NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION
1. GRANT OF OPTION. The Company hereby grants to Optionee an option
---------------
(this "OPTION") to purchase up to the total number of shares of Common Stock of
the Company set forth above (collectively, the "SHARES") at the Exercise Price
Per Share set forth above (the "EXERCISE PRICE"), subject to all of the terms
and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan. If designated as an Incentive
Stock Option above, this Option is intended to qualify as an "incentive stock
option" ("ISO") within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "CODE").
2. VESTING; EXERCISE PERIOD.
------------------------
2.1 Vesting of Shares. [ALTERNATIVE #1: (IMMEDIATELY
-----------------
EXERCISABLE)] This Option is immediately exercisable, subject to repurchase
pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan and Section 6 of this Agreement. Subject to
the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, this Option shall vest
with respect to ____ of the Shares on ______________ following the Date of
Grant, provided the Optionee has not been Terminated as of such date and has
continuously provided services to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of
VeriSign, Inc.
Stock Option Agreement
the Company. [ALTERNATIVE #2: (EXERCISABLE AS OPTION VESTS)]: Subject to the
terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, this Option shall become
exercisable with respect to ____ of the Shares on _____________ of the Date of
Grant (the "FIRST VESTING DATE") and with respect to _______ of the Shares on
______________________ following the First Vesting Date, provided the Optionee
has not been Terminated and has continuously provided services to the Company or
a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
[IF IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE:
2.2 Vesting of Options. Shares that are vested pursuant to the
------------------
schedule set forth in Section 2.1 are "VESTED SHARES." Shares that are not
vested pursuant to the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 are "UNVESTED SHARES."
Unvested Shares may not be sold or otherwise transferred by Optionee without
Optionee's prior written consent.]
2.3 Expiration. This Option shall expire on the Expiration Date
----------
set forth above and must be exercised, if at all, on or before the earlier of
the Expiration Date or the date on which this Option is earlier terminated in
accordance with the provisions of Section 3.
3. TERMINATION.
-----------
3.1 Termination for Any Reason Except Death, Disability or Cause.
------------------------------------------------------------
If Optionee is Terminated for any reason except Optionee's death, Disability or
Cause (as defined in the Plan), then this Option, to the extent (and only to the
extent) that it is vested in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section
2.1 of this Agreement on the date of Termination, may be exercised by Optionee
no later than three (3) months after the date of Termination, but in any event
no later than the Expiration Date.
3.2 Termination Because of Death or Disability. If Optionee is
------------------------------------------
Terminated because of death or Disability of Optionee (or the Optionee dies
within three (3) months after a Termination other than because of death or
disability), then this Option, to the extent that it is vested in accordance
with the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 of this Agreement on the date of
Termination, may be exercised by Optionee (or Optionee's legal representative)
no later than twelve (12) months after the date of Termination, but in any event
no later than the Expiration Date.
3.3 Termination for Cause. If Optionee is Terminated for Cause
---------------------
(as defined in the Plan), this Option will expire on the Optionee's date of
Termination.
3.4 No Obligation to Employ. Nothing in the Plan or this
-----------------------
Agreement shall confer on Optionee any right to continue in the employ of, or
other relationship with, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company,
or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the
Company to terminate Optionee's employment or other relationship at any time,
with or without Cause.
-2-
VeriSign, Inc.
Stock Option Agreement
4. MANNER OF EXERCISE.
------------------
4.1 Stock Option Exercise Agreement. To exercise this Option,
-------------------------------
Optionee (or in the case of exercise after Optionee's death, Optionee's
executor, administrator, heir or legatee, as the case may be) must deliver to
the Company an executed stock option exercise agreement in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A, or in such other form as may be approved by the Company
---------
from time to time (the "EXERCISE AGREEMENT"), which shall set forth, inter alia,
----- ----
Optionee's election to exercise this Option, the number of shares being
purchased, any restrictions imposed on the Shares and any representations,
warranties and agreements regarding Optionee's investment intent and access to
information as may be required by the Company to comply with applicable
securities laws. If someone other than Optionee exercises this Option, then
such person must submit documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company that
such person has the right to exercise this Option.
4.2 Limitations on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised
-----------------------
unless such exercise is in compliance with all applicable federal and state
securities laws, as they are in effect on the date of exercise. This Option may
not be exercised as to fewer than 100 Shares unless it is exercised as to all
Shares as to which this Option is then exercisable.
4.3 Payment. The Exercise Agreement shall be accompanied by full
-------
payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased in cash (by check),
or where permitted by law [AND ONLY IF PERMITTED BY THE COMMITTEE]:
[(a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Optionee;
(b) by surrender of shares of the Company's Common Stock that either: (1)
have been owned by Optionee for more than six (6) months and have been
paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 (and, if such shares were
purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note has
been fully paid with respect to such shares); or (2) were obtained by
Optionee in the open public market; and (3) are clear of all liens,
---
claims, encumbrances or security interests;
(c) IF PERMITTED BY THE COMMITTEE, by tender of a full recourse promissory
note having such terms as may be approved by the Committee and bearing
interest at a rate sufficient to avoid imputation of income under
Sections 483 and 1274 of the Code; provided, however, that Optionees
-------- -------
who are not employees or directors of the Company shall not be entitled
to purchase Shares with a promissory note unless the note is adequately
secured by collateral other than the Shares;
(d) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to Optionee for services
rendered;
(e) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists: (1)
through a "same day sale" commitment from Optionee and a broker-dealer
that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (an
"NASD DEALER") whereby Optionee
-3-
VeriSign, Inc.
Stock Option Agreement
irrevocably elects to exercise this Option and to sell a portion of the
Shares so purchased to pay for the exercise price and whereby the NASD
Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the
exercise price directly to the Company; or (2) through a "margin"
--
commitment from Optionee and a NASD Dealer whereby Optionee irrevocably
elects to exercise this Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to
the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the
NASD Dealer in the amount of the exercise price, and whereby the NASD
Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the
exercise price directly to the Company; or
(f) by any combination of the foregoing.]
4.4 Tax Withholding. Prior to the issuance of the Shares upon
---------------
exercise of this Option, Optionee must pay or provide for any applicable federal
or state withholding obligations of the Company. If the Committee permits,
Optionee may provide for payment of withholding taxes upon exercise of this
Option by requesting that the Company retain Shares with a Fair Market Value
equal to the minimum amount of taxes required to be withheld. In such case, the
Company shall issue the net number of Shares to the Optionee by deducting the
Shares retained from the Shares issuable upon exercise.
4.5 Issuance of Shares. Provided that the Exercise Agreement and
------------------
payment are in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, the
Company shall issue the Shares registered in the name of Optionee, Optionee's
authorized assignee, or Optionee's legal representative, and shall deliver
certificates representing the Shares with the appropriate legends affixed
thereto.
5. NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF ISO SHARES. If this Option
-------------------------------------------------
is an ISO, and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares
acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (a) the date two (2)
years after the Date of Grant, and (b) the date one (1) year after transfer of
such Shares to Optionee upon exercise of this Option, then Optionee shall
immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition.
[IF IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE:
6. REPURCHASE RIGHT. The Company shall have the right to repurchase
----------------
all Unvested Shares held by Optionee if Optionee is Terminated. The Company
shall exercise such repurchase right, if at all, within 90 days after the
Optionee's date of Termination for cash or cancellation of purchase money
indebtedness at the Optionee's original exercise price.]
7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS. The exercise of this Option
------------------------------------
and the issuance and transfer of Shares shall be subject to compliance by the
Company and Optionee with all applicable requirements of federal and state
securities laws and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange on
which the Company's Common Stock may be listed at the time of such issuance or
transfer. Optionee understands that the Company is under no obligation
-4-
VeriSign, Inc.
Stock Option Agreement
to register or qualify the Shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
any state securities commission or any stock exchange to effect such compliance.
8. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. This Option may not be transferred
----------------------------
in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee. The terms of
this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, successors and
assigns of Optionee.
9. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the
----------------
date the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Plan of some of the
federal and California tax consequences of exercise of this Option and
disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX
LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX
ADVISOR BEFORE EXERCISING THE OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.
9.1 Exercise of ISO. If this Option qualifies as an ISO, there
---------------
will be no regular federal or California income tax liability upon the exercise
of this Option, although the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price will be treated as a tax
preference item for federal income tax purposes and may subject the Optionee to
the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise.
9.2 Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. If this Option does
-------------------------------------
not qualify as an ISO, there may be a regular federal and California income tax
liability upon the exercise of this Option. Optionee will be treated as having
received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the
excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise
over the Exercise Price. The Company will be required to withhold from
Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable
taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income
at the time of exercise.
[IF IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE:
9.3 Section 83(b) Election for Unvested Shares. With respect to
------------------------------------------
Unvested Shares which are subject to repurchase pursuant to Section 6 of this
Agreement, unless an election is filed by the Optionee with the Internal Revenue
Service (and, if necessary, the proper state taxing authorities), within 30 days
--------------
of the purchase of the Unvested Shares, electing pursuant to Code Section 83(b)
(and similar state tax provisions, if applicable) to be taxed currently on any
difference between the exercise price of the Unvested Shares and their Fair
Market Value on the date of exercise, there may be a recognition of taxable
income (including, where applicable, alternative minimum taxable income) to the
Optionee, measured by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the
Unvested Shares at the time they cease to be Unvested Shares, over the Exercise
Price of the Unvested Shares.]
9.4 Disposition of Shares. The following tax consequences may
---------------------
apply upon disposition of the Shares.
-5-
VeriSign, Inc.
Stock Option Agreement
a. Incentive Stock Options. If the Shares are held for
-----------------------
more than twelve (12) months after the date of the transfer of the Shares
pursuant to the exercise of an ISO and are disposed of more than two (2) years
after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be
treated as capital gain for federal and California income tax purposes. The
maximum federal capital gain tax rates are twenty eight percent (28%) for Shares
held more than twelve (12) months, but not more than eighteen (18) months ("MID-
TERM CAPITAL GAIN"), and twenty percent (20%) for Shares held for more than
eighteen (18) months ("LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAIN"). If Shares purchased under an
ISO are disposed of within the applicable one (1) year or two (2) year period,
any gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation income
(taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the excess, if any, of the
Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price.
b. Nonqualified Stock Options. If the Shares are held for
--------------------------
more than twelve (12) months after the date of the transfer of the Shares
pursuant to the exercise of an NQSO, any gain realized on disposition of the
Shares will be treated as Mid-Term Capital Gain or Long-Term Capital Gain, as
the case may be.
c. Withholding. The Company may be required to withhold
-----------
from Participant's compensation or collect from the Participant and pay to the
applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this
compensation income.
10. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. Optionee shall not have any of the
-----------------------------
rights of a shareholder with respect to any Shares until Optionee exercises this
Option and pays the Exercise Price.
11. INTERPRETATION. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this
--------------
Agreement shall be submitted by Optionee or the Company to the Committee for
review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee shall be final and
binding on the Company and Optionee.
12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference.
----------------
This Agreement and the Plan and the Exercise Agreement constitute the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings and agreements with respect
to such subject matter.
13. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given or delivered to the
-------
Company under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to
the Corporate Secretary of the Company at its principal corporate offices. Any
notice required to be given or delivered to Optionee shall be in writing and
addressed to Optionee at the address indicated above or to such other address as
such party may designate in writing from time to time to the Company. All
notices shall be deemed to have been given or delivered upon: personal
delivery; three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail by certified or
registered mail (return receipt requested); one (1) business day after deposit
with any return receipt express courier (prepaid); or one (1) business day after
transmission by rapifax or telecopier.
-6-
VeriSign, Inc.
Stock Option Agreement
14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The Company may assign any of its rights
----------------------
under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the
restrictions on transfer set forth herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon
Optionee and Optionee's heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives,
successors and assigns.
15. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
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in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard
to that body of law pertaining to choice of law or conflict of law.
16. ACCEPTANCE. Optionee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the
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Plan and this Agreement. Optionee has read and understands the terms and
provisions thereof, and accepts this Option subject to all the terms and
conditions of the Plan and this Agreement. Optionee acknowledges that there may
be adverse tax consequences upon exercise of this Option or disposition of the
Shares and that the Company has advised Optionee to consult a tax advisor prior
to such exercise or disposition.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed
in duplicate by its duly authorized representative and Optionee has executed
this Agreement in duplicate as of the Date of Grant.
VERISIGN, INC. OPTIONEE
By:
___________________________ ___________________________________
(Signature)
______________________________ ___________________________________
(Please print name) (Please print name)
______________________________
(Please print title)
-7-
EXHIBIT A
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STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT A
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VERISIGN, INC.
1998 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (THE "PLAN")
STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT
-------------------------------
I hereby elect to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock of
VERISIGN, INC. (the "Company") as set forth below:
Optionee_______________________________________ Number of Shares Purchased:___________________________
Social Security Number:________________________ Purchase Price per Share:_____________________________
Address:_______________________________________ Aggregate Purchase Price:_____________________________
_______________________________________ Date of Option Agreement:_____________________________
Type of Option: [ ] Incentive Stock Option Exact Name of Title to Shares:________________________
[ ] Nonqualified Stock Option ______________________________________________________
1. Delivery of Purchase Price. Optionee hereby delivers to the Company the
Aggregate Purchase Price, to the extent permitted in the Option Agreement (the
"Option Agreement") as follows (check as applicable and complete):
[ ] in cash (by check) in the amount of $_____________________, receipt of which
is acknowledged by the Company;
IF THE COMMITTEE ALLOWED PAYMENT BY OTHER MEANS IN THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT,
ADD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING, AS APPLICABLE:
[ ] by cancellation of indebtedness of the company to optionee in the amount
of $___________________________________;
[ ] by delivery of ______________________________ fully-paid, nonassessable
and vested shares of the Common Stock of the Company owned by Optionee for
at least six (6) months prior to the date hereof (and which have been paid
for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144), or obtained by Optionee in the
open public market, and owned free and clear of all liens, claims,
encumbrances or security interests, valued at the current Fair Market Value
of $____________________ per share;
[ ] by the waiver hereby of compensation due or accrued to Optionee for
services rendered in the amount of $____________________________________ ;
[ ] by tender of a full recourse promissory note in the principal amount of
$__________________________, secured by a Pledge Agreement of even date
herewith (the par value of the Shares is tendered in cash (by check)
receipt of which is acknowledged by the Company);
[ ] through a "same-day-sale" commitment, delivered herewith, from Optionee
and the NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of
$_______________________________; or
[ ] through a "margin" commitment, delivered herewith from Optionee and the
NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of
$_________________________________________.
2. MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. Optionee, if requested by the Company and an
underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, agrees not to
sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Common Stock (or other securities)
of the Company held by Optionee during the period requested by the managing
underwriter following the effective date of a registration statement of the
Company filed under the Securities Act, provided that all officers and directors
of the Company are required to enter into similar agreements. Such agreement
shall be in writing in a form satisfactory to the Company and such underwriter.
The company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares (or
other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of such
period.
3. TAX CONSEQUENCES. OPTIONEE UNDERSTANDS THAT OPTIONEE MAY SUFFER ADVERSE
TAX CONSEQUENCES AS A RESULT OF OPTIONEE'S PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE
SHARES. OPTIONEE REPRESENTS THAT OPTIONEE HAS CONSULTED WITH ANY TAX
CONSULTANT(S) OPTIONEE DEEMS ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR
DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES AND THAT OPTIONEE IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY FOR
ANY TAX ADVICE. IN PARTICULAR, IF THE SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO REPURCHASE BY THE
COMPANY, OPTIONEE REPRESENTS THAT OPTIONEE HAS CONSULTED WITH OPTIONEE'S TAX
ADVISER CONCERNING THE ADVISABILITY OF FILING THE ATTACHED 83(B) ELECTION WITH
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by
reference. This Exercise Agreement, the Plan and the Option Agreement
constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersede
in their entirety all prior understandings and agreements of the Company and
Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and are governed by
California law except for that body of law pertaining to choice of law or
conflict of law.
Date:_________________________ ---------------------
SIGNATURE OF OPTIONEE
Spousal Consent
I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Stock Option Exercise
Agreement (the "Agreement") and that I know its contents. I hereby consent to
and approve all the provisions of the Agreement, and agree that the shares of
the Common Stock of VeriSign, Inc. purchased thereunder (the "Shares") and any
interest I may have in such Shares are subject to all the provisions of the
Agreement. I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the
Agreement on these Shares or any interest I may have in or to them.
Date:__________________
__________________________________
SIGNATURE OF OPTIONEE'S SPOUSE
__________________________________
SPOUSE'S NAME - TYPED OR PRINTED
___________________________________
OPTIONEE'S NAME - TYPED OR PRINTED
[FOR REGULAR INCOME TAX - NONQUALIFIED OPTIONS]
[FOR AMT AND DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION PURPOSES - INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION]
ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(B) OF THE
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
The undersigned Taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include the excess, if any, of the
fair market value of the property described below at the time of transfer over
the amount paid for such property, as compensation for services in the
calculation of: (1) regular gross income; (2) alternative minimum taxable income
or (3) disqualifying disposition gross income, as the case may be.
1. TAXPAYER'S NAME: ____________________________
TAXPAYER'S ADDRESS: ____________________________
____________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: ____________________________
2. The property with respect to which the election is made is described as
follows: _______ shares of Common Stock of ____________, a _________
corporation which were transferred upon exercise of an option (the
"COMPANY"), which is Taxpayer's employer or the corporation for whom the
Taxpayer performs services.
3. The date on which the shares were transferred pursuant to the exercise of
the option was ________, 199__ and this election is made for calendar year
199__.
4. The shares received upon exercise of the option are subject to the following
restrictions: The Company may repurchase all or a portion of the shares at
the Taxpayer's original purchase price under certain conditions at the time
of Taxpayer's termination of employment or services.
5. The fair market value of the shares (without regard to restrictions other
than restrictions which by their terms will never lapse) was $___ per share
at the time of exercise of the option.
6. The amount paid for such shares upon exercise of the option was $___ per
share.
7. The Taxpayer has submitted a copy of this statement to the Company.
THIS ELECTION MUST BE FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ("IRS"), AT THE
OFFICE WHERE THE TAXPAYER FILES ANNUAL INCOME TAX RETURNS, WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER
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THE DATE OF TRANSFER OF THE SHARES, AND MUST ALSO BE FILED WITH THE TAXPAYER'S
INCOME TAX RETURNS FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR. THE ELECTION CANNOT BE REVOKED
WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE IRS.
Dated: ________________ ____________________________________
Taxpayer's Signature