Exhibit 10.1
PDS BIOTECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
2019 INDUCEMENT PLAN
Amended on January 22, 2024
SECTION 1. GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE PLAN; DEFINITIONS
The name of the plan is the PDS Biotechnology Corporation 2019 Inducement Plan (the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to provide non-qualified stock options to individuals not previously employees or Non-Employee Directors of PDS Biotechnology Company (the “Company”) (or following such individuals’ bona fide period of non-employment with the Company), as an inducement material to the individuals’ entry into employment with the Company within the meaning
of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. It is anticipated that providing such persons with a direct stake in the Company’s welfare will assure a closer identification of their interests with those of the Company and its stockholders,
thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company’s behalf and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.
The following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
“Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Administrator” means either the Board or
the compensation committee of the Board or a similar committee performing the functions of the compensation committee and which is comprised of not less than two Non-Employee Directors who are independent.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the
Company.
“Change of Control” means, unless otherwise
provided in an Option Award Agreement:
(a) the acquisition in one or more transactions (whether by purchase, merger or otherwise) by any "Person" (as such term is used for
purposes of Section 13(d) or Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding, for this purpose, (i) the Company or its Subsidiaries, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, (iii) an entity owned, directly or indirectly,
by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company) of "Beneficial Ownership" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than fifty percent (50%) of the
combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities (the "Voting Securities");
(b) a change in the composition of the Board such that the individuals who as of any date constitute the Board (the "Incumbent
Board") cease to constitute a majority of the Board at any time during the 24-month period immediately following such date; provided, however, that if the election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, of any new director was
approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board, and provided further that any reductions in the size of the Board that are instituted voluntarily by the
Incumbent Board shall not constitute a Change of Control, and after any such reduction the "Incumbent Board" shall mean the Board as so reduced;
(c) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or
(d) the sale of all or substantially all of the Company's and its Subsidiaries' assets (determined on a consolidated basis), other
than to a Person terminated for “Cause” as defined in the Option Award Agreement.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, and any successor Code, and related rules, regulations and interpretations.
“Effective Date” means June 17, 2019.
“Eligible Individual” means any individual
who was not previously an employee or a Non-Employee Director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or who has had a bona fide period of non-employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries) who is hired by the Company or one of its
Subsidiaries.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Fair Market Value” of the Stock means, on
any given date (i) if the shares of Common Stock are then listed on a national securities exchange, including the Nasdaq Global Select Market ("NASDAQ"), the closing sales price per share of Common Stock on the exchange for such date, or if no sale
was made on such date on the exchange, on the last preceding day on which a sale occurred; (ii) if shares of Common Stock are not then listed on a national securities exchange but are then quoted on another stock quotation system, the closing price
for the shares of Common Stock as quoted on such quotation system on such date, or if no sale was made on such date on such quotation system, on the last preceding day on which a sale was made; or (iii) if (i) and (ii) do not apply, such value as
the Committee in its discretion may in good faith determine in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder (and, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, in accordance with Section 422 of the Code and the regulations
thereunder.
“Non-Employee Director” means a member of
the Board who is not also an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
“Non-Qualified Stock Option” means a stock
option that is not intended to be, or does not satisfy all requirements to be, an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code.
“Option Award Agreement” means a written or
electronic document setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to a Non-Qualified Stock Option granted under the Plan. Each Option Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the
Code and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
“Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.00033 per share, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 3.
“Subsidiary” means any corporation or other
entity (other than the Company) in which the Company has at least a 50 percent interest, either directly or indirectly.
SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN; ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORITY TO
SELECT GRANTEES AND DETERMINE NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS
(a) Administration of Plan. The Plan shall be
administered by the Administrator.
(b) Powers of Administrator. The Administrator shall
have the power and authority to grant Non-Qualified Stock Options consistent with the terms of the Plan, including the power and authority:
(i) to select the individuals to whom Non-Qualified Stock Options may from time to time be granted;
(ii) to determine the time or times of grant;
(iii) to determine the number of shares of Stock to be covered by Non-Qualified Stock Options;
(iv) to determine and modify from time to time the terms and conditions, including restrictions, not inconsistent with the terms of
the Plan, of Non-Qualified Stock Options, which terms and conditions may differ among individual Non-Qualified Stock Options and grantees, and to approve the form of Option Award Agreements;
(v) to determine the exercise price shares of Stock to be covered by Non-Qualified Stock Options;
(vi) to accelerate at any time the exercisability or vesting of all or any portion of Non-Qualified Stock Options;
(vii) subject to the provisions of Section 5(b), to extend at any time the period in which a Non-Qualified Stock Option may be
exercised; and
(viii) at any time to adopt, alter and repeal such rules, guidelines and practices for administration of the Plan and for its own
acts and proceedings as it shall deem advisable; to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Non-Qualified Stock Option (including related written instruments); to make all determinations it deems advisable for the administration of
the Plan; to decide all disputes arising in connection with the Plan; and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan. Provided, however, that the Administrator shall be prohibited from effecting a repricing of any outstanding
Non-Qualified Stock Options without shareholder approval
All decisions and interpretations of the Administrator shall be binding on all persons, including the Company, its Subsidiaries, Plan
grantees, and persons claiming rights from or through Plan grantees and shareholders of the Company.
(c) Option Award Agreement. Non-Qualified Stock Options
under the Plan shall be evidenced by Option Award Agreements that set forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each Option which may include, without limitation, the term of a Non-Qualified Stock Option and the provisions applicable in the
event employment or service terminates.
(d) Indemnification. Neither the Board nor the
Administrator, nor any member of either or any delegate thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with the Plan, and the members of the Board and the Administrator
(and any delegate thereof) shall be entitled in all cases to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting
therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under the Company’s articles or bylaws or any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage which may be in effect from time to time and/or any indemnification agreement between such
individual and the Company.
SECTION 3. STOCK ISSUABLE UNDER THE PLAN; MERGERS; SUBSTITUTION
(a) Stock Issuable. The maximum number
of shares of Stock reserved and available for issuance under the Plan shall be 2,100,000 shares (the “Initial Limit”), subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3(b).
For purposes of this limitation, the shares of Stock underlying any Non-Qualified Stock Options that are forfeited, canceled, held back upon exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or settlement of a Non-Qualified Stock Option to cover the
exercise price or tax withholding, reacquired by the Company prior to vesting, satisfied without the issuance of Stock or otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) shall be added back to the shares of Stock available for issuance under the
Plan. In the event the Company repurchases shares of Stock on the open market, such shares shall not be added to the shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan. The shares available for issuance under the Plan may be authorized but
unissued shares of Stock or shares of Stock reacquired by the Company.
(b) Changes in Stock. Subject to Section 3(c) hereof,
if, as a result of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in the Company’s capital stock, the outstanding shares of Stock are increased or decreased or are
exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company, or additional shares or new or different shares or other securities of the Company or other non-cash assets are distributed with respect to such shares of Stock
or other securities, or, if, as a result of any merger or consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the outstanding shares of Stock are converted into or exchanged for securities of the Company or any successor
entity (or a parent or subsidiary thereof), the Administrator shall make an appropriate or proportionate adjustment in (i) the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, (ii) the number and kind of shares or other securities
subject to any then outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Options under the Plan, and (iii) the exercise price for each share subject to any then outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Options, without changing the aggregate exercise price (i.e., the exercise
price multiplied by the number of Non-Qualified Stock Options) as to which such Non-Qualified Stock Options remain exercisable. The Administrator shall also make equitable or proportionate adjustments in the number of shares subject to outstanding
Non-Qualified Stock Options and the exercise price and the terms of outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Options to take into consideration cash dividends paid other than in the ordinary course or any other extraordinary corporate event. The adjustment
by the Administrator shall be final, binding and conclusive. No fractional shares of Stock shall be issued under the Plan resulting from any such adjustment, but the Administrator in its discretion may make a cash payment in lieu of fractional
shares.
(c) Mergers and Other Transactions. Except as the
Administrator may otherwise specify with respect to particular Non-Qualified Stock Options in the relevant Option Award Agreement, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Administrator, in its discretion, may take one or more of the
following actions with respect to Non-Qualified Stock Options that are outstanding as of such Change in Control: (a) cancel any outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Options in exchange for a cash payment in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the
Fair Market Value of the Stock underlying the unexercised portion of the Non-Qualified Stock Option as of the date of the Change in Control over the exercise price or grant price, as the case may be, of such portion, provided that any Non-Qualified
Stock Option with an exercise price or grant price, as the case may be, that equals or exceeds the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of such Change in Control shall be cancelled with no payment due the Plan grantee; (b) terminate any
Non-Qualified Stock Option, effectively immediately prior to the Change in Control, provided that the Company provides the Plan grantee an opportunity to exercise such Non-Qualified Stock Option within a specified period following the Plan
grantee's receipt of a written notice of such Change in Control and the Company's intention to terminate such Non-Qualified Stock Options, effective immediately prior to such Change in Control; (c) require the successor or acquiring company (or its
parents or subsidiaries), following a Change in Control, to assume any outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option and to substitute such Non-Qualified Stock Option with awards involving the common equity securities of such company on terms and
conditions necessary to preserve the rights of Plan grantees with respect to such Non-Qualified Stock Options or (e) take such other actions as the Committee believes may be appropriate.
(d) Substitute Non-Qualified Stock Options. The
Administrator may grant Non-Qualified Stock Options under the Plan in substitution for stock and stock based awards held by employees, directors or other key persons of another corporation in connection with the merger or consolidation of the
employing corporation with the Company or a Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of property or stock of the employing corporation. The Administrator may direct that the substitute awards be granted on such terms and
conditions as the Administrator considers appropriate in the circumstances. Any substitute Non-Qualified Stock Options granted under the Plan shall not count against the share limitation set forth in Section 3(a).
SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY
Grantees under the Plan will be such Eligible Individuals as are selected from time to time by the Administrator in its sole
discretion.
SECTION 5. NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS
Any Non-Qualified Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be in such form as the Administrator may from time to time approve.
Non-Qualified Stock Options granted pursuant to this Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain
such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable.
(a) Exercise Price. The exercise price per share for
the Stock covered by a Non-Qualified Stock Option shall be determined by the Administrator at the time of grant but shall not be less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant.
(b) Option Term. The term of each Non-Qualified Stock
Options shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Stock Option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the Stock Option is granted.
(c) Exercisability; Rights of a Stockholder.
Non-Qualified Stock Options shall become exercisable at such time or times, whether or not in installments, as shall be determined by the Administrator at or after the grant date. The Administrator may at any time accelerate the exercisability of
all or any portion of any Non-Qualified Stock Option. A grantee shall have the rights of a stockholder only as to shares acquired upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option and not as to unexercised Non-Qualified Stock Options.
(d) Method of Exercise. Each Option Award Agreement
with respect to a Non-Qualified Stock Option shall specify the time or times at which an Non-Qualified Stock Option may be exercised in whole or in part and the terms and conditions applicable thereto, including (i) a vesting schedule (ii) whether
the exercise price for a Non-Qualified Stock Option shall be paid in cash, with shares of Stock, with any combination of cash and shares of Stock, or with other legal consideration that the Administrator may deem appropriate, (iii) the methods of
payment, which may include payment through cashless and net exercise arrangements, to the extent permitted by applicable law and (iv) the methods by which, or the time or times at which, Stock will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Plan
grantee upon the exercise of such Non-Qualified Stock Option. Payment of the exercise price shall in all events be made within three days after the date of exercise of an Option. With respect to any Plan grantee who is subject to Section 16 of the
Exchange Act, such Plan grantee may direct the Company to reduce the number of shares that would otherwise be deliverable upon the exercise of his or her Non-Qualified Stock Option having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the
exercise price of the portion of the Non-Qualified Stock Option then being exercised.
SECTION 6. TRANSFERABILITY
(a) Transferability. Except as provided in Section 6(b)
below, during a grantee’s lifetime, his or her Non-Qualified Stock Options shall be exercisable only by the grantee, or by the grantee’s legal representative or guardian in the event of the grantee’s incapacity. No Non-Qualified Stock Options shall
be sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise encumbered or disposed of by a grantee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a domestic relations order. No Non-Qualified Stock Options shall be subject, in whole or
in part, to attachment, execution, or levy of any kind, and any purported transfer in violation hereof shall be null and void.
(b) Administrator Action. Notwithstanding Section 6(a),
the Administrator, in its discretion, may provide either in the Option Award Agreement regarding a given Non-Qualified Stock Option or by subsequent written approval that the grantee may transfer his or her Non-Qualified Stock Options to his or her
immediate family members, to trusts for the benefit of such family members, or to partnerships in which such family members are the only partners, provided that the transferee agrees in writing with the Company to be bound by all of the terms and
conditions of this Plan and the applicable Non-Qualified Stock Option. In no event may a Non-Qualified Stock Option be transferred by a grantee for value.
(c) Family Member. For purposes of Section 6(b),
“family member” shall mean a grantee’s child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law,
including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the grantee’s household (other than a tenant of the grantee), a trust for the benefit of such family members and to partnerships in which such family members are the only partners (any vesting
conditions shall be unaffected by such transfer).
(d) Designation of Beneficiary. Each grantee to whom a
Non-Qualified Stock Option has been made under the Plan may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to exercise any Non-Qualified Stock Option or receive any payment under any Non-Qualified Stock Option payable on or after the grantee’s death. Any
such designation shall be on a form provided for that purpose by the Administrator and shall not be effective until received by the Administrator. If no beneficiary has been designated by a deceased grantee, or if the designated beneficiaries have
predeceased the grantee, the beneficiary shall be the grantee’s estate.
SECTION 7. TAX WITHHOLDING
(a) Payment by Grantee. Each grantee shall, no later
than the date as of which the value of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or of any Stock or other amounts received thereunder first becomes includable in the gross income of the grantee for Federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make
arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator regarding payment of, any Federal, state, or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld by the Company with respect to such income. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall, to the extent
permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the grantee. The Company’s obligation to deliver evidence of book entry (or stock certificates) to any grantee is subject to and conditioned on
tax withholding obligations being satisfied by the grantee.
(b) Payment in Stock. Subject to approval by the
Administrator, a grantee may elect to have the Company’s minimum required tax withholding obligation satisfied, in whole or in part, by authorizing the Company to withhold from shares of Stock to be issued pursuant to any Non-Qualified Stock Option
a number of shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date the withholding is effected) that would satisfy the withholding amount due.
SECTION 8. SECTION 409A AWARDS
To the extent that any Non-Qualified Stock Option is determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning
of Section 409A (a “409A Award”), the Non-Qualified Stock Option shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Administrator from time to
time in order to comply with Section 409A. In this regard, if any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A) to a grantee who is then considered a “specified employee” (within the
meaning of Section 409A), then no such payment shall be made prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the grantee’s separation from service, or (ii) the grantee’s death, but only to the extent such delay is
necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to interest, penalties and/or additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A. Further, the settlement of any such Non-Qualified Stock Option may not be accelerated except to the extent permitted
by Section 409A.
SECTION 9. TRANSFER, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, ETC.
For purposes of the Plan, the following events shall not be deemed a termination of employment:
(a) a transfer to the employment of the Company from a Subsidiary or from the Company to a Subsidiary, or from one Subsidiary to
another; or
(b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the
employee’s right to re-employment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Administrator otherwise so provides in writing.
SECTION 10. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
The Board may, at any time, amend or discontinue the Plan and the Administrator may, at any time, amend or cancel any outstanding
Non-Qualified Stock Option for the purpose of satisfying changes in law or for any other lawful purpose, but no such action shall adversely affect rights under any outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option without the holder’s consent. Except as
provided in Section 3(c) or 3(d), without prior stockholder approval, in no event may the Administrator exercise its discretion to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Options or effect repricing through cancellation and
re-grants or cancellation of Non-Qualified Stock Options in exchange for cash. To the extent required under the rules of any securities exchange or market system on which the Stock is listed, Plan amendments shall be subject to approval by the
Company stockholders entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders. Nothing in this Section 10 shall limit the Administrator’s authority to take any action permitted pursuant to Section 3(c) or 3(d).
SECTION 11. STATUS OF PLAN
With respect to the portion of any Non-Qualified Stock Option that has not been exercised and any payments in cash, Stock or other
consideration not received by a grantee, a grantee shall have no rights greater than those of a general creditor of the Company unless the Administrator shall otherwise expressly determine in connection with any Non-Qualified Stock Option or
Non-Qualified Stock Options. In its sole discretion, the Administrator may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the Company’s obligations to deliver Stock or make payments with respect to Non-Qualified Stock Options
hereunder, provided that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the foregoing sentence.
SECTION 12. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a) No Distribution. The Administrator may require each
person acquiring Stock pursuant to a Non-Qualified Stock Option to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the shares without a view to distribution thereof.
(b) Delivery of Stock Certificates. Stock certificates
to grantees under this Plan shall be deemed delivered for all purposes when the Company or a stock transfer agent of the Company provides electronic evidence of book entry (or stock certificates) to any grantee. Uncertificated Stock shall be deemed
delivered for all purposes when the Company or a Stock transfer agent of the Company shall have given to the grantee by electronic mail (with proof of receipt), notice of issuance and recorded the issuance in its records (which may include
electronic “book entry” records). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates evidencing shares of Stock pursuant to the exercise of any Non-Qualified Stock Option, unless
and until the Administrator has determined, with advice of counsel (to the extent the Administrator deems such advice necessary or advisable), that the issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all applicable laws,
regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any exchange on which the shares of Stock are listed, quoted or traded. All Stock certificates delivered pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to any stop-transfer
orders and other restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with federal, state or foreign jurisdiction, securities or other laws, rules and quotation system on which the Stock is listed, quoted or traded. The
Administrator may place legends on any Stock certificate to reference restrictions applicable to the Stock. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Administrator may require that an individual make such reasonable covenants,
agreements, and representations as the Administrator, in its discretion, deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements. The Administrator shall have the right to require any individual to comply
with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of any Non-Qualified Stock Option, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Administrator.
(c) Stockholder Rights. Until Stock is deemed delivered
in accordance with Section 12(b), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights of a stockholder will exist with respect to shares of Stock to be issued in connection with a Non-Qualified Stock Option, notwithstanding the exercise of a
Non-Qualified Stock Option or any other action by the grantee with respect to a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
(d) Other Compensation Arrangements; No Employment Rights.
Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, including trusts, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. The adoption of
this Plan and the grant of Non-Qualified Stock Options do not confer upon any employee any right to continued employment with the Company or any Subsidiary.
(e) Trading Policy Restrictions. Option exercises and
other Non-Qualified Stock Options under the Plan shall be subject to the Company’s insider trading policies and procedures, as in effect from time to time.
(f) Company Documents and Policies. This Plan and all
Non-Qualified Stock Options granted hereunder are subject to the corporate articles and by-laws of the Company, as they may be amended from time to time, and all other Company policies duly adopted by the Board or the Administrator and as in effect
from time to time regarding the acquisition, ownership or sale of Stock by employees, including without limitation policies intended to limit the potential for insider trading and to avoid or recover compensation payable or paid on the basis of
inaccurate financial results or statements, employee conduct, and other similar events.
SECTION 13. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
This Plan shall become effective upon the Effective Date.
SECTION 14. GOVERNING LAW
This Plan and all Non-Qualified Stock Options and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of Delaware, applied without regard to conflict of law principles.