LIVINGSTON ENTERPRISES, INC.
1997 STOCK PLAN
1. PURPOSES OF THE PLAN. The purposes of this Stock 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.
Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or
Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of
grant. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.
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) "APPLICABLE LAWS" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans 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 Options or Stock Purchase Rights
are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(c) "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(e) "COMMITTEE" means a committee of Directors appointed by the
Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(f) "COMMON STOCK" means the common stock of the Company.
(g) "COMPANY" means Livingston Enterprises, Inc., a California
corporation.
(h) "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by
the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.
(i) "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board.
(j) "DISABILITY" means total and permanent disability as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
(k) "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A
Service Provider shall 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, any Subsidiary, or any
successor. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed
ninety 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, on the 181st day of
such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be
treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as
a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a
director's fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute "employment"
by the Company.
(l) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(m) "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
for the last market trading day prior to the time 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 prior to 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.
(n) "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.
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(o) "INSIDE DIRECTOR" means a Director who is an Employee.
(p) "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(q) "NOTICE OF GRANT" means a written or electronic notice
evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Option or Stock
Purchase Right grant. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.
(r) "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.
(s) "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(t) "OPTION AGREEMENT" means an agreement between the Company and
an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option
grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.
(u) "OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM" means a program whereby outstanding
Options are surrendered in exchange for Options with a lower exercise price.
(v) "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or
Stock Purchase Right.
(w) "OPTIONEE" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the Plan.
(x) "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(y) "PLAN" means this 1997 Stock Plan.
(z) "RESTRICTED STOCK" means shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 of the Plan.
(aa) "RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT" means a written agreement
between the Company and the Optionee 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.
(bb) "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.
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(cc) "SECTION 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(dd) "SERVICE PROVIDER" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(ee) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 14 of the Plan.
(ff) "STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT" means the right to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of Grant.
(gg) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Subject to the provisions of Section 14
of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and
sold under the Plan is (i) 1,500,000 Shares, (ii) any Shares which have
been reserved but unissued under the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan (the
"1994 Plan") as of the date of shareholder approval of this Plan and (iii)
any Shares returned to the 1994 Plan as a result of termination of options
under the 1994 Plan, plus an annual increase to be added on each anniversary
date of the adoption of the Plan equal to the lesser of (i) 600,000 Shares,
(ii) 4% of the outstanding Shares on such date or (iii) a lesser amount
determined by the Board. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or
reacquired Common Stock.
If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes
unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered
pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, 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, whether upon exercise of an Option
or Right, shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become available
for future distribution under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted
Stock are repurchased by the Company at their original purchase price, such
Shares shall become available for future grant under the Plan.
4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) PROCEDURE.
(i) MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES. The Plan may be
administered by different Committees with respect to different groups of
Service Providers.
(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.
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(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.
(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 Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to
be covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right 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 Option or Stock Purchase Right granted
hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the
exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights 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 Option or Stock Purchase Right of the shares of
Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the
Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine;
(vi) to reduce the exercise price of any Option or Stock
Purchase Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value
of the Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall have
declined since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted;
(vii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;
(viii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and
awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
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(ix) 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;
(x) to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase Right
(subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority
to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than
is otherwise provided for in the Plan;
(xi) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations
by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares having a
Fair Market Value equal to the 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
an Optionee 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;
(xii) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the
Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right previously granted by the Administrator;
(xiii) 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 Optionees and any other holders of Options or Stock Purchase Rights.
5. ELIGIBILITY. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights
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 Option 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 Optionee 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) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
relationship as a Service Provider with
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the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with the Optionee's right or
the Company's right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or
without cause.
(c) The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options:
(i) No Service Provider shall be granted, in any fiscal year
of the Company, Options to purchase more than 500,000 Shares.
(ii) In connection with his or her initial service, a Service
Provider may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional
250,000 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 13.
(iv) If an Option 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 13), the cancelled Option will be counted
against the limits set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above. For this
purpose, if the exercise price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will
be treated as a cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.
7. TERM OF PLAN. Subject to Section 19 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 15 of
the Plan.
8. TERM OF OPTION. The term of each Option shall be stated in the
Option Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term shall
be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be
provided in the Option Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive
Stock Option granted to an Optionee 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 Option Agreement.
9. OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.
(a) EXERCISE PRICE. The per share exercise price for the Shares to
be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:
(i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A) 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
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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.
(B) granted to any Employee other than an Employee
described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price
shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of
grant.
(ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share
exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator. In the case of a
Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as "performance-based
compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share
on the date of grant.
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted
with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value
per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate
transaction.
(b) 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 which must be satisfied
before the Option may be exercised.
(c) 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:
(i) cash;
(ii) check;
(iii) promissory note;
(iv) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee 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;
(v) consideration received by the Company under a cashless
exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;
(vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to
the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's
participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or
arrangement;
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(vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment;
or
(viii) such other consideration and method of payment for
the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
10. EXERCISE OF OPTION.
(a) PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. 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 Option Agreement. Unless the Administrator provides
otherwise, vesting of Options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any
unpaid leave of absence. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a
Share.
An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by
the Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares
issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee
or, if requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee 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
shareholder 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 13 of the Plan.
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.
(b) TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER. If an
Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's
death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such
period of time as is specified in the Option 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 Option Agreement).
In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall
remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination.
If, on the date of termination, the Optionee 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 Optionee 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.
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(c) DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise
his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option
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 Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option
Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months
following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the
Optionee 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 Optionee 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.
(d) DEATH OF OPTIONEE. If an Optionee dies while a Service
Provider, the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is
specified in the Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration
of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the
Optionee'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
Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months
following the Optionee's termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee
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 Optionee's
estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Option under
the Optionee'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.
(e) 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 Optionee at the time that such offer is made.
11. 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, by means of a Notice of
Grant, of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer,
including the number of Shares that the offeree shall be entitled to
purchase, 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.
(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
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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 SHAREHOLDER. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder 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 13 of the Plan.
12. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS. Unless
determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option or Stock Purchase Right
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 Optionee, only by the
Optionee. If the Administrator makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right
transferable, such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall contain such
additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
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13. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, DISSOLUTION, MERGER OR
ASSET SALE.
(a) CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. Subject to any required action by
the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered
by each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares
of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as
to which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which
have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option
or Stock Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock
covered by each such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be
proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued
shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split,
stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any
other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock
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 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 of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock Purchase Right.
(b) DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify
each Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such
proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an
Optionee to have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days
prior to such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby,
including Shares as to which the Option 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 Option or Stock
Purchase Right 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 Option
or Stock Purchase Right 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 Option and Stock Purchase Right 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
Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the
right to exercise the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the
Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested
or exercisable. If an Option or Stock Purchase Right becomes fully vested
and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a
merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee in
writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be
fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date
of such notice, and the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon
the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the
Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed if, following the
merger or sale of assets, the
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option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of
Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately
prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock,
cash, or other securities or property) 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 the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned
Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely common
stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value
to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the
merger or sale of assets.
14. DATE OF GRANT. The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase
Right shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes
the determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other
later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the
determination shall be provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time
after the date of such grant.
15. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. The Company shall obtain shareholder
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
Optionee, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the
Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee
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
Options granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
16. CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.
(a) LEGAL COMPLIANCE. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such
Option or Stock Purchase Right 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 Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the person
exercising such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at
the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for
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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.
17. 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.
18. RESERVATION OF SHARES. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall
be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
19. SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan
is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the manner and to
the degree required under Applicable Laws.
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LIVINGSTON ENTERPRISES, INC.
1997 STOCK PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.
I. NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
[Optionee's Name and Address]
You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as
follows:
Grant Number _________________________
Date of Grant _________________________
Vesting Commencement Date _________________________
Exercise Price per Share $________________________
Total Number of Shares Granted _________________________
Total Exercise Price $_________________________
Type of Option: ___ Incentive Stock Option
___ Nonstatutory Stock Option
Term/Expiration Date: _________________________
VESTING SCHEDULE:
This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the
following schedule:
[25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest twelve months after
the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/48 of the Shares subject to the Option
shall vest each month thereafter, subject to the Optionee continuing to be
a Service Provider on such dates].
TERMINATION PERIOD:
This Option may be exercised for [three months] after Optionee ceases to
be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this
Option may be exercised for [one year] after Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the
Term/Expiration Date as provided above.
II. AGREEMENT
1. GRANT OF OPTION. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby
grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of
this Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the
number of Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price
per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to
the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by
reference. Subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict
between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of
this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option
("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option
under Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an
Incentive Stock Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of
Code Section 422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option
("NSO").
2. EXERCISE OF OPTION.
(a) RIGHT TO EXERCISE. This Option is exercisable during its term
in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and
the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.
(b) METHOD OF EXERCISE. This Option is exercisable by delivery of
an exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise
Notice"), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number
of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised
Shares"), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by
the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice
shall be completed by the Optionee and delivered to [Secretary] of the
Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the
aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be
deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed
Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price.
No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming
such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be
considered transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised
with respect to such Exercised Shares.
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3. METHOD OF PAYMENT. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be
by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the
Optionee:
(a) cash; or
(b) check; or
(c) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
(d) surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six (6) months on the date of surrender, AND (ii) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the
Exercised Shares.
4. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. This Option may not be transferred
in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or
distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the
Optionee. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding
upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the
Optionee.
5. TERM OF OPTION. This Option may be exercised only within the term
set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.
6. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Some of the federal tax consequences relating to
this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS
SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE
EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.
(a) EXERCISING THE OPTION.
(i) NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION. The Optionee may incur regular
federal income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO. The 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
Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price.
If the Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be
required to withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee
and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a
percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise, and may
refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding
amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.
(ii) INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. If this Option qualifies as an
ISO, the Optionee will have no regular federal income tax liability upon its
exercise, although the excess, if any, of the Fair
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Market Value of the Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their
aggregate Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to alternative
minimum taxable income for federal tax purposes and may subject the Optionee
to alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise. In the event that the
Optionee ceases to be an Employee but remains a Service Provider, any
Incentive Stock Option of the Optionee that remains unexercised shall cease
to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes
as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the date three (3) months and one (1) day
following such change of status.
(b) DISPOSITION OF SHARES.
(i) NSO. If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one
year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as
long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.
(ii) ISO. If the Optionee holds ISO Shares for at least one
year after exercise and two years after the grant date, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for
federal income tax purposes. If the Optionee disposes of ISO Shares within
one year after exercise or two years after the grant date, 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 lesser of
(A) the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Shares acquired on
the date of exercise and the aggregate Exercise Price, or (B) the difference
between the sale price of such Shares and the aggregate Exercise Price. Any
additional gain will be taxed as capital gain, short-term or long-term
depending on the period that the ISO Shares were held.
(c) NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF ISO SHARES. If the
Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant
to an ISO on or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or
(ii) one year after the exercise date, the Optionee shall immediately notify
the Company in writing of such disposition. The Optionee agrees that he or
she may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the
compensation income recognized from such early disposition of ISO Shares by
payment in cash or out of the current earnings paid to the Optionee.
7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW. The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the
Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not
be modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing
signed by the Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by the
internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.
8. NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE. OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED
ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT
THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES
HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT,
THE TRANSACTIONS
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CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT
CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE
PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT
INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE
OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.
By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and
governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.
Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety,
has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing
this Option Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and
Option Agreement. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and
final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any
questions relating to the Plan and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees
to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated
below.
OPTIONEE: LIVINGSTON ENTERPRISES, INC.
___________________________________ _________________________________
Signature By
____________________________________ _________________________________
Print Name Title
____________________________________
Residence Address
____________________________________
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CONSENT OF SPOUSE
The undersigned spouse of Optionee has read and hereby approves the terms
and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In consideration of
the Company's granting his or her spouse the right to purchase Shares as set
forth in the Plan and this Option Agreement, the undersigned hereby agrees to
be irrevocably bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement and further agrees that any community property interest shall be
similarly bound. The undersigned hereby appoints the undersigned's spouse as
attorney-in-fact for the undersigned with respect to any amendment or
exercise of rights under the Plan or this Option Agreement.
_______________________________________
Spouse of Optionee
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EXHIBIT A
1997 STOCK PLAN
EXERCISE NOTICE
Livingston Enterprises, Inc.
4464 Willow Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Attention: [Secretary]
1. EXERCISE OF OPTION. Effective as of today, ________________, 199__,
the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares
(the "Shares") of the Common Stock of Livingston Enterprises, Inc. (the
"Company") under and pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the
Stock Option Agreement dated ______________ , 19___ (the "Option Agreement").
The purchase price for the Shares shall be $ ______________ , as required by
the Option Agreement.
2. DELIVERY OF PAYMENT. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
full purchase price for the Shares.
3. REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASER. Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser
has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and
agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.
4. RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDER. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized
transfer agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive
dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to
the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares
so acquired shall be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after
exercise of the Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other
right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance, except as
provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
5. TAX CONSULTATION. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition
of the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any
tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company
for any tax advice.
6. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW. The Plan and Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings
and agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject
matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest
except by means of a writing
signed by the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is governed by the
internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.
Submitted by: Accepted by:
PURCHASER: LIVINGSTON ENTERPRISES, INC.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Signature By
__________________________________ __________________________________
Print Name Its
ADDRESS: ADDRESS:
Livingston Enterprises, Inc.
4464 Willow Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
_____________________________________
Date Received
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