PROPOSAL NO. 2
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S
2021 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company’s stockholders are being asked to approve an amendment to the Company’s 2021 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) that will: (a) increase the number of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock available for the grant of awards thereunder by 500,000; (b) revise the provision regarding changes to awarded deferred stock units (which are sometimes referred to as restricted stock units and which we refer to in this proxy statement as “DSUs”) and (c) make changes to certain definitions in the Plan. The Compensation Committee approved the proposed amendments to the 2021 Plan on March 21, 2023, and the Board of Directors adopted the proposed amendment to the 2021 Plan on March 21, 2023, subject to stockholder approval at the Annual Stockholders Meeting.
The proposed amendment has been approved by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors, and is being submitted for a stockholder vote in order to enable the Company to grant, among other equity grants permitted pursuant to the 2016 Plan, options which are incentive stock options (“ISOs”) within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and because such approval may be required or advisable in connection with (i) the provisions set forth in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and (ii) the rules and regulations applicable to New York Stock Exchange-listed companies.
The following description of the 2021 Plan, as proposed to be amended by this Proposal, is a summary, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2021 Plan, as proposed to be amended. A copy of the 2021 Plan, as proposed to be amended by this Proposal, is attached hereto as Exhibit A and has been filed with the SEC with this Proxy Statement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE 2021 PLAN
Pursuant to the 2021 Plan, officers, employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards of options to purchase shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock and restricted shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock. There are approximately 185 employees and directors eligible for grants under the 2021 Plan. Options granted under the 2021 Plan may be ISOs or non-qualified stock options (“NQSOs”). Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and limited stock appreciation rights (“LSARs”) may be granted either alone or simultaneously with the grant of an option. Restricted shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock and deferred stock units may be granted in addition to or in lieu of any other award made under the 2021 Plan.
The maximum number of shares reserved for the grant of awards under the 2021 Plan is 1,500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. Such share reserves are subject to further adjustment in the event of specified changes to the capital structure of the Company. The shares may be made available either from the Company’s authorized but unissued shares of capital stock or from shares of capital stock reacquired by the Company.
The Compensation Committee will administer the 2021 Plan. Subject to the provisions of the 2021 Plan, the Compensation Committee determines the type of awards, when and to whom awards will be granted, the number and class of shares covered by each award and the terms, provisions and kind of consideration payable (if any), with respect to awards. The Compensation Committee may interpret the 2021 Plan and may at any time adopt such rules and regulations for the 2021 Plan as it deems advisable, including the delegation of certain of its authority. In determining the persons to whom awards shall be granted and the number of shares covered by each award, the Compensation Committee takes into account the duties of the respective persons, their present and potential contributions to the success of the Company and such other factors as the Compensation Committee deems relevant.
An option to purchase shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock may be granted on such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may approve, and generally may be exercised for a period of up to ten years from the date of grant. Generally, ISOs will be granted with an exercise price equal to the “Fair Market Value” (as defined in the 2021 Plan) on the date of grant. In the case of ISOs, certain limitations will apply with respect to the aggregate value of option shares which can become exercisable for the first time during any one calendar year, and certain additional limitations will apply to ISOs granted to “Ten Percent Stockholders” of the Company (as defined in the 2021 Plan). The Compensation Committee may provide for the payment of the option
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price in the form of cash, by delivery of shares of Class B Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to such option price, by a combination thereof or by any other method. Stock options granted under the 2021 Plan will become exercisable at such times and under such conditions as the Compensation Committee shall determine, subject to acceleration of the exercisability of options in the event of, among other things, a “Change in Control,” a “Corporate Transaction” or a “Related Entity Disposition” (in each case, as defined in the 2021 Plan).
On each January 5th (or the next business day if January 5th is not a business day), each of the Company’s Independent Directors (as defined in the 2021 Plan) who is determined to be independent shall automatically be awarded 2,920 restricted shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock and, at the sole discretion of the Independent Director, an award of restricted shares of Class B Common Stock equal to up to $50,000 (in lieu of the $50,000 cash compensation component of their annual compensation) based on the average of the high and low trading price of the Class B Common Stock on the trading date prior to the Independent Director grant date. A New Independent Director who first becomes an Independent Director shall receive a pro-rata amount (based on projected quarters of service to the following January 5th) of the annual grant of 2,920 restricted shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock on the date of appointment as an Independent Director. Such awards of restricted shares of Class B Common Stock shall vest in full immediately upon grant.
The 2021 Plan provides for the granting of restricted stock awards, which are awards of shares of Class B Common Stock that may not be disposed of, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, for such period as the Compensation Committee determines (the “restricted period”). The Compensation Committee may also impose such other conditions and restrictions, if any, on the shares as it deems appropriate, including the satisfaction of performance criteria. All restrictions affecting the awarded shares lapse in the event of a Change in Control, a Corporate Transaction or a Related Entity Disposition.
During the restricted period for a restricted stock award, the grantee will be entitled to receive dividends with respect to, and to vote, the shares of restricted stock awarded to him or her. If, during the restricted period, the grantee’s service with the Company terminates, any shares remaining subject to restrictions will be forfeited. The Compensation Committee has the authority to cancel any or all outstanding restrictions prior to the end of the restricted period, including cancellation of restrictions in connection with certain types of termination of service.
The 2021 Plan also permits the Compensation Committee to grant SARs and/or LSARS. Generally, SARs may be exercised at such time or times and only to the extent determined by the Compensation Committee and LSARs may be exercised only (i) during the 90 days immediately following a Change in Control or (ii) immediately prior to the effective date of a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the 2021 Plan). LSARs will be exercisable at such time or times and only to the extent determined by the Compensation Committee. An LSAR granted in connection with an ISO is exercisable only if the Fair Market Value per share of Class B Common Stock on the date of grant exceeds the purchase price specified in the related ISO.
Upon exercise of an SAR, a grantee will receive for each share for which an SAR is exercised, an amount in cash or shares of Class B Common Stock, as determined by the Compensation Committee, equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Class B Common Stock on the date the SAR is exercised, over (ii) the exercise or other base price of the SAR or, if applicable, the exercise price per share of the option to which the SAR relates.
Upon exercise of an LSAR, a grantee will receive for each share for which an LSAR is exercised, an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the greater of (x) the highest Fair Market Value of a share of Class B Common Stock, during the 90-day period ending on the date the LSAR is exercised, and (y) whichever of the following is applicable: (1) the highest per share price paid in any tender or exchange offer which is in effect at any time during the 90 days ending on the date of exercise of the LSAR; (2) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of Class B Common Stock in a merger in which the Company will not continue as the surviving corporation, or upon a consolidation, or a sale, exchange or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, approved by the Company’s stockholders (if such price is determinable on the date of exercise); and (3) the highest price per share of Class B Common Stock shown on Schedule 13D, or any amendment thereto, filed by the holder of the specified percentage of Class B Common Stock, the acquisition of which gives rise to the exercisability of the LSAR over (ii) the exercise or other base price of the LSAR or, if applicable, the exercise price per share of the option to which the LSAR relates. In no event, however, may the holder of an LSAR granted in connection with an ISO receive an amount in excess of the maximum amount which will enable the option to continue to qualify as an ISO.
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When an SAR or LSAR is exercised, the option to which it relates, if any, will cease to be exercisable to the extent of the number of shares with respect to which the SAR or LSAR is exercised, but will be deemed to have been exercised for purposes of determining the number of shares available for the future grant of awards under the 2021 Plan.
The 2021 Plan further provides for the granting of deferred stock units, which are awards providing a right to receive shares of Class B Common Stock on a deferred basis, subject to such restrictions and a restricted period as the Compensation Committee determines. The Compensation Committee may also impose such other conditions and restrictions, if any, on the payment of shares as it deems appropriate, including the satisfaction of performance criteria. All deferred stock awards become fully vested in the event of a Change in Control, a Corporate Transaction or a Related Entity Disposition.
The grantee of a deferred stock unit will not be entitled to receive dividends or vote the underlying shares until the underlying shares are delivered to the grantee. The Compensation Committee has the authority to cancel any or all outstanding restrictions prior to the end of the restricted period, including cancellation of restrictions in connection with certain types of termination of service.
The Board of Directors may, at any time and from time to time, suspend, amend, modify or terminate the 2021 Plan; provided, however, that, to the extent required by any other law, regulation or stock exchange rule, no such change shall be effective without the requisite approval of the Company’s stockholders. In addition, no such change may adversely affect an award previously granted, except with the written consent of the grantee.
No awards may be granted under the 2021 Plan after March 8, 2031, ten years from the Board’s adoption of the 2021 Plan.
ISOs (and any related SARs) are not assignable or transferable except by the laws of descent and distribution. NQSOs (and any SARs or LSARs related thereto) may be transferred to the extent permitted by the Compensation Committee. Holders of NQSOs (and any SARs or LSARs related thereto) are permitted to transfer such NQSOs for no consideration to such holder’s “family members” (as defined in Form S-8) with the prior approval of the Compensation Committee.
Except as set forth in the table below, the Company cannot now determine the number of options to purchase shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock or other awards to be granted in the future under the 2021 Plan to officers, directors, employees and consultants.
New Plan Benefits
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Number of Shares of Stock
|
Independent Directors
|
|
8,760
|
(1)
|
Michael Stein, Chief Executive Officer
|
|
90,000
|
(2)
|
Avi Goldin, Chief Financial Officer
|
|
30,000
|
(2)
|
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group
|
|
170,000
|
(2)
|
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Federal Income Tax Consequences of Awards Granted under the 2021 Plan
The Company believes that, under present law, the following are the U.S. federal income tax consequences generally arising with respect to awards under the 2021 Plan:
Incentive Stock Options. ISOs granted under the 2021 Plan are intended to meet the definitional requirements of Section 422(b) of the Code for “incentive stock options.” A participant who receives an ISO does not recognize any taxable income upon the grant of such ISO. Similarly, the exercise of an ISO generally does not give rise to federal taxable income to the participant, provided that (i) the federal “alternative minimum tax,” which depends on the participant’s particular tax situation, does not apply and (ii) the participant is employed by the Company from the date of grant of the option until three months prior to the exercise thereof, except where such employment or service terminates by reason of disability or death (where the three month period is extended to one year).
Further, if after exercising an ISO, a participant disposes of Class B Common Stock so acquired more than two years from the date of grant and more than one year from the date of transfer of Class B Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of such ISO (the “applicable holding period”), the participant will normally recognize a long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the amount received for the shares and the exercise price. If, however, the participant does not hold the shares so acquired for the applicable holding period — thereby making a “disqualifying disposition” — the participant would realize ordinary income on the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the ISO was exercised over the exercise price, and the balance of income, if any, would be long-term capital gain (provided the holding period for the shares exceeded one year and the participant held such shares as a capital asset at such time).
A participant who exercises an ISO by delivering shares of Class B Common Stock previously acquired pursuant to the exercise of another ISO is treated as making a “disqualifying disposition” of such Class B Common Stock if such shares are delivered before the expiration of their applicable holding period. Upon the exercise of an ISO with previously acquired shares as to which no disqualifying disposition occurs, the participant would not recognize gain or loss with respect to such previously acquired shares. The Company will not be allowed a federal income tax deduction upon the grant or exercise of an ISO or the disposition, after the applicable holding period, of the Class B Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an ISO. In the event of a disqualifying disposition, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant, provided that such amount constitutes an ordinary and necessary business expense to the Company and is reasonable and the limitations of Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code (discussed below) do not apply.
Non-Qualified Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Non-qualified stock options granted under the 2021 Plan are options that do not qualify as ISOs. A participant who receives an NQSO or an SAR (including an LSAR) will not recognize any taxable income upon the grant of such NQSO or SAR. However, the participant generally will recognize ordinary income upon exercise of an NQSO in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of the shares of Class B Common Stock at the time of exercise over (ii) the exercise price. Similarly, upon the receipt of cash or shares pursuant to the exercise of an SAR, the individual generally will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the sum of the cash and the fair market value of the shares received. The ordinary income recognized with respect to the receipt of shares or cash upon exercise of a NQSO or an SAR will be subject to both wage withholding and other employment taxes. In addition to the customary methods of satisfying the withholding tax liabilities that arise upon the exercise of an SAR for shares or of a NQSO, the Company may satisfy the liability in whole or in part by withholding shares of Class B Common Stock from those that otherwise would be issuable to the participant or by the participant tendering other shares owned by him or her, valued at their fair market value as of the date that the tax withholding obligation arises.
A federal income tax deduction generally will be allowed to the Company in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the individual with respect to his or her NQSO or SAR, provided that such amount constitutes an ordinary and necessary business expense to the Company and is reasonable and the limitations of Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code do not apply.
If a participant exercises an NQSO by delivering shares of Class B Common Stock to the Company, other than shares previously acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO which is treated as a “disqualifying disposition” as described above, the participant will not recognize gain or loss with respect to the exchange of such shares, even
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if their then fair market value is different from the participant’s tax basis. The participant, however, will be taxed as described above with respect to the exercise of the NQSO as if he or she had paid the exercise price in cash, and the Company likewise generally will be entitled to an equivalent tax deduction.
Other Awards. With respect to other awards under the 2021 Plan that are settled either in cash or in shares of Class B Common Stock that are either transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (as defined in the Code and the regulations thereunder), participants generally will recognize ordinary income equal to the amount of cash or the fair market value of Class B Common Stock received. Thus, Participants generally will not recognize income upon the grant of a deferred stock unit, and will instead recognize ordinary income when shares of Class B Common Stock are delivered in satisfaction of such award.
With respect to restricted stock awards under the 2021 Plan that are restricted to transferability and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture — absent a written election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code filed with the Internal Revenue Service within 30 days after the date of transfer of such shares pursuant to the award (a “Section 83(b) election”) — a participant will recognize ordinary income at the earlier of the time at which (i) the shares become transferable or (ii) the restrictions that impose a substantial risk of forfeiture of such shares lapse, in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value (on such date) of such shares over the price paid for the award, if any. If a Section 83(b) election is made, the participant will recognize ordinary income, as of the transfer date, in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of Class B Common Stock as of that date over the price paid for such award, if any.
The ordinary income recognized with respect to the receipt of cash, shares of Class B Common Stock or other property under the 2021 Plan will be subject to both wage withholding and other employment taxes. In addition to the customary methods of satisfying withholding tax liabilities that arise with respect to the delivery of cash or property (or vesting thereof), the Company may satisfy the liability in whole or in part by withholding shares of Class B Common Stock from those that would otherwise be issuable to the participant or by the participant tendering other shares owned by him or her, valued at their fair market value as of the date that the tax withholding obligation arises.
The Company generally will be allowed a deduction for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant, provided that such amount constitutes an ordinary and necessary business expense and is reasonable and the limitations of Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code do not apply.
Change in Control. In general, if the total amount of payments to a participant that are contingent upon a “change in control” of the Company (as defined in Section 280G of the Code), including awards under the 2021 Plan that vest upon a “change in control,” equals or exceeds three times the individual’s “base amount” (generally, such participant’s average annual compensation for the five calendar years preceding the change in control), then, subject to certain exceptions, the payments may be treated as “parachute payments” under the Code, in which case a portion of such payments would be non-deductible to the Company and the participant would be subject to a 20% excise tax on such portion of the payments.
Certain Limitations on Deductibility of Executive Compensation. With certain limited exceptions, Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction to publicly held corporations for compensation paid to certain executive officers in excess of $1 million per executive per taxable year (including any deduction with respect to the exercise of an NQSO or SAR or the disqualifying disposition of stock purchased pursuant to an ISO).
On March 31, 2023, the last reported sale price of Class B Common Stock on the NYSE was $13.82 per share.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE 2021 PLAN AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.
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Independent Registered Public Accountants
Zwick CPA, LLC (“Zwick”) has served the Company as its independent registered public accounting firm since September 2022. In 2021, the Company retained Zwick to audit the Company’s subsidiary Genie Retail Energy International, LLC for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has not yet appointed the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Zwick has been retained to review the Company’s financial statements for the first quarter of 2023.
We expect that representatives for Zwick will be present at the Annual Meeting via video or telephonic conference, will be available to respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to make such statements as they may desire.
BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”) served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm from August 20, 2019 to August 24, 2022 as well as previously from July 29, 2013 until July 6, 2018.
On August 24, 2022, BDO informed the Company that it was resigning as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the remainder of Fiscal 2022.
BDO’s report on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the subsequent interim period through August 24, 2022, there were no disagreements between the Company and BDO on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BDO, would have caused BDO to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report on the Company’s financial statements for such periods.
Other than as set forth below, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the subsequent interim period through August 24, 2022, there were no “reportable events”, as defined in Regulation S-K Item 304(a)(1)(v).
As previously disclosed, in evaluating the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures and the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, management concluded that deficiencies in the design and operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls represented a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and, therefore, that the Company did not maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021, December 31, 2021, March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022. The reported material weakness was as follows:
The Company reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2020, a material weakness in internal control specifically related to management’s review of the income tax provision. During 2021, the Company implemented certain remediation measures related to the material weakness, however, the Company concluded that its internal controls over financial reporting was ineffective as of December 31, 2021. The weakness will not be considered remediated, until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. The Company completed remediation of this material weakness in 2022.
Other than during the period that BDO served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, during the Company’s two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period through August 24, 2022, the Company did not consult BDO with respect to any of the matters or events listed in Regulation S-K Item 304(a)(2).
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Audit and Non-Audit Fees
The following table presents fees billed for professional services rendered by Zwick for Fiscal Years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Year Ended December 31
|
|
2022
|
|
2021
|
Audit Fees
|
|
$
|
193,000
|
(1)
|
|
$
|
149,500
|
(2)
|
Audit Related Fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Tax Fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
5,229
|
|
All Other Fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
154,729
|
|
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation for, and overseeing the work of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, and all such services were approved by the Audit Committee in 2022 and 2021.
The Audit Committee assesses requests for services by the independent registered public accounting firm using several factors. The Audit Committee will consider whether such services are consistent with the PCAOB’s and SEC’s rules on auditor independence. In addition, the Audit Committee will determine whether the independent registered public accounting firm is best positioned to provide the most effective and efficient service based upon the members’ familiarity with the Company’s business, people, culture, accounting systems, risk profile and whether the service might enhance the Company’s ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality.
Report of the Audit Committee
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in its general oversight of the Company’s financial reporting process and internal controls, and the external audit functions. The Audit Committee’s role is more fully described in its charter, which can be found on the Company’s website at www.genie.com/governance.php. The Audit Committee reviews its charter no less frequently than annually. On an annual basis (and if changes are made to the relevant rules or definitions, when those changes are implemented), the Board of Directors (with input from the Corporate Governance Committee and advisors) reviews the NYSE listing standards’ definition of independence for Audit Committee members, questionnaires completed by the Audit Committee members and all information available to the Board of Directors regarding relationships that could reasonably be expected to impact the independence of the members in accordance with those standards. At a meeting held on March 9, 2023, the Corporate Governance Committee determined and recommended to the Board of Directors that it determine, and based in part on that recommendation, the Board of Directors determined, that each member of the Audit Committee meets the relevant standards. In addition, the Corporate Governance Committee annually reviews the relevant definitions of financial literacy and Audit Committee financial expert with the information provided in the completed questionnaires to make determinations and recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, with input from its Corporate Governance Committee, has also determined that each of W. Wesley Perry, Alan Rosenthal and Allan Sass is financially literate in accordance with the NYSE listing standards and that W. Wesley Perry qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.
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The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation, presentation, and integrity of the Company’s financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles, internal controls, and procedures designed to reasonably ensure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws, and regulations. The Company has an Internal Audit Department that reports to the Audit Committee and to the Company’s executive management. That department is responsible for objectively reviewing and evaluating the adequacy, effectiveness, and quality of the Company’s system of internal controls related to, among other matters, the reliability and integrity of the Company’s financial information and the safeguarding of the Company’s assets. The Company has also retained EisnerAmper for certain services related to the internal audit function, particularly with regard to the audit of electronic systems.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2022, Zwick CPA, LLC, is responsible for performing an audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee has ultimate authority and responsibility for selecting, compensating, evaluating and, when appropriate, replacing the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and evaluates its independence. The Audit Committee has the authority to engage its own outside advisors, including experts in particular areas of accounting, as it determines appropriate, apart from counsel or advisors hired by the Company’s management.
Audit Committee members are not professional accountants or auditors, and the function of the Audit Committee is not intended to duplicate or to certify the activities of the Company’s management or independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee cannot certify that the independent registered public accounting firm is “independent” under applicable rules. The Audit Committee serves a Board-level oversight role in which it provides advice, counsel, and direction to the Company’s management and to the auditors on the basis of the information it receives, discussions with the Company’s management and auditors, and the experience of the Audit Committee’s members in business, financial, and accounting matters.
The Audit Committee’s agenda for the course of a fiscal year includes reviewing the Company’s annual and quarterly financial statements, internal controls over financial reporting, and audit and other matters. In each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2022, the Audit Committee met with the Company’s then independent registered public accounting firm and the Company’s management to review the Company’s interim financial results before the publication of the Company’s quarterly earnings news releases and periodic filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s management’s and the independent registered public accounting firm’s presentations to, and discussions with, the Audit Committee cover various topics and events that may have significant financial impact or are the subject of discussions between the Company’s management and the independent audit firm. The Audit Committee discusses with management policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee is responsible for establishing procedures for the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls , or auditing matters, including confidential, anonymous submission by the Company’s employees, received through established procedures, of any concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
Among other matters, the Audit Committee monitors the activities and performance of the Company’s Internal Audit Department and independent registered public accounting firm, including the audit scope, external audit fees, auditor independence matters, and the extent to which the independent registered public accounting firm can be retained to perform non-audit services. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has provided the Audit Committee with the written disclosures and the letter required by the PCAOB regarding those firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with that firm and the Company’s management that firm’s independence. In accordance with the Audit Committee charter and the requirements of law, the Audit Committee pre-approves all services to be provided by the Company’s then independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval is required for audit services, audit-related services, tax services, and other services.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with the Company’s management the audited financial statements of the Company as of, and for the year ended, December 31, 2022, as well as the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. The Audit Committee has also reviewed and discussed with Zwick CPA, LLC the matters required to be discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm by applicable PCAOB rules regarding “Communication with Audit Committees.”
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In reliance on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the Company’s audited financial statements as of, and for the year ended, December 31, 2022 be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
|
|
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
|
|
W. Wesley Perry – Chairman
|
|
|
Alan Rosenthal
|
|
|
Allan Sass
|
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s previous filings under the Act, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as amended, that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the foregoing report, as well as any charters or policies referenced within this Proxy Statement, shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings, nor shall they be deemed to be soliciting material or deemed filed with the SEC under the Act or under the Exchange Act.
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OTHER INFORMATION
Submission of Proposals for the 2024 Meeting of Stockholders
Stockholders who wish to present proposals for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials in connection with the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders must submit such proposals in writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 520 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, which proposals must be received at such address no later than December 9, 2023. In addition, any stockholder proposal submitted with respect to the Company’s 2022 annual meeting of stockholders, which proposal is submitted outside the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and, therefore, will not be included in the relevant proxy materials, will be considered untimely for purposes of Rule 14a-4 and 14a-5 if written notice thereof is received by the Company’s Corporate Secretary after February 23, 2024.
Availability of Annual Report on Form 10-K
Additional copies of the Company’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K may be obtained by contacting Bill Ulrey, Vice President — Investor Relations and External Affairs, by phone at (973) 438-3838, by mail addressed to Bill Ulrey, Vice President — Investor Relations and External Affairs, at 520 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102, or may be requested through the Investor Relations section of our website: https://genie.com/investors/investor-relations/ under the Request Info tab.
Other Matters
The Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that proxies granted will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgments of the persons voting the proxies.
It is important that the proxies be returned promptly and that your shares be represented. Stockholders are urged to fill in, sign and promptly return the accompanying form in the enclosed envelope.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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April 3, 2023
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|
|
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Joyce Mason
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|
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Corporate Secretary
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38
EXHIBIT A
GENIE ENERGY LTD.
2021 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN
(Amended and Restated effective March 21, 2023)
1. Purpose; Types of Awards; Construction.
The purpose of the Genie Energy Ltd. 2021 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to provide incentives to executive officers, employees, directors and consultants of Genie Energy Ltd. (the “Company”), or any subsidiary of the Company which now exists or hereafter is organized or acquired by the Company, to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company, to continue as officers, employees, directors or consultants, to increase their efforts on behalf of the Company and to promote the success of the Company’s business. The provisions of the Plan are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements thereof.
2. Definitions.
As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings indicated:
(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, a Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person.
(b) “Agreement” shall mean a written agreement entered into between the Company and a Grantee in connection with an award under the Plan.
(c) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) “Change in Control” means a change in ownership or control of the Company effected through the following:
any Person, (other than (A) the Company, (B) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (C) any corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of common stock, or (D) directly or directly by: (i) any Person (or one or more Related Parties of such Person) who, together with such Person’s Related Parties on January 1, 2023, owned beneficially or of record securities representing 15% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities, or (ii) as otherwise determined by the Committee), is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates other than in connection with the acquisition by the Company or its Affiliates of a business) representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities.
(e) “Class B Common Stock” shall mean shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company.
(f) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
(g) “Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee as the Board may designate from time to time to administer the Plan.
(h) “Company” shall mean Genie Energy Ltd., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor corporation.
(i) “Continuous Service” means that the provision of services to the Company or a Related Entity in any capacity of officer, employee, director or consultant is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any approved leave of absence, (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or among the Company, any Related Entity or any successor in any capacity of officer, employee, director or consultant, or (iii) any change in status as long as the individual remains in the service of the Company or a Related Entity in any capacity of officer, employee, director or consultant
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(except as otherwise provided in the applicable Agreement). An approved leave of absence shall include sick leave, maternity leave, military leave (including without limitation service in the National Guard or the Army Reserves) or any other personal leave approved by the Committee. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract.
(j) “Corporate Transaction” means any of the following transactions:
(i) a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or other entity, other than (A) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving or parent entity) 80% or more of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving or parent entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person acquired 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or
(ii) a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its assets (or any transaction having a similar effect).
(k) “Deferred Stock Units” mean a Grantee’s rights to receive shares of Class B Common Stock on a deferred basis, subject to such restrictions, forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee.
(l) “Disability” shall mean a Grantee’s inability to perform his or her duties with the Company or any of its Affiliates by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment, as determined by a physician selected by the Grantee and acceptable to the Company.
(m) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
(n) “Fair Market Value” per share as of a particular date shall mean (i) the closing sale price per share of Class B Common Stock on the national securities exchange on which the Class B Common Stock is principally traded for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of Class B Common Stock on such exchange, or (ii) if the shares of Class B Common Stock are then traded in an over-the-counter market, the average of the closing bid and asked prices for the shares of Class B Common Stock in such over-the-counter market for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of Class B Common Stock in such market, or (iii) if the shares of Class B Common Stock are not then listed on a national securities exchange or traded in an over-the-counter market, such value as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine.
(o) “Family Member” shall mean any 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 household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons own more than 50% of the voting interests.
(p) “Grantee” shall mean a person who receives a grant of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Limited Rights, Deferred Stock Units or Restricted Stock under the Plan.
(q) “Incentive Stock Option” shall mean any option intended to be, and designated as, an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(r) “Independent Director” means a member of the Board who has been determined by the Board to be “independent” in accordance with the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and who is not an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
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(s) “Independent Director Annual Grant” shall mean an award of 2,920 shares of Restricted Stock, which equals $20,000 determined on the date that was thirty (30) days following consummation of the Spin-Off.
(t) “Independent Director Grant Date” shall mean January 5 of the applicable year (or the following business day if January 5 is not a business day).
(u) “Insider” shall mean a Grantee who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
(v) “Insider Trading Policy” shall mean the Insider Trading Policy of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.
(w) “Limited Right” shall mean a limited stock appreciation right granted pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.
(x) “Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean any option not designated as an Incentive Stock Option.
(y) “Option” or “Options” shall mean a grant to a Grantee of an option or options to purchase shares of Class B Common Stock.
(z) “Option Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6 of the Plan.
(aa) “Option Price” shall mean the exercise price of the shares of Class B Common Stock covered by an Option.
(bb) “Parent” shall mean any company (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of companies ending with the Company if, at the time of granting an award under the Plan, each of the companies other than the Company owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other companies in such chain.
(cc) “Person” shall have the meaning for such term as used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act
(dd) “Plan” means this Genie Energy Ltd. 2021 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended or restated from time to time.
(ee) “Related Entity” means any Parent, Subsidiary or any business, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary holds a substantial ownership interest, directly or indirectly.
(ff) “Related Entity Disposition” means the sale, distribution or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s interest in any Related Entity effected by a sale, merger or consolidation or other transaction involving such Related Entity or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such Related Entity.
(gg) “Related Person” shall mean as to any Person, (i) an Affiliate of such Person, (ii) one or more trusts solely for the benefit of any such Person and/or any Family Member(s) of such Person or (iii) one or more entities that directly or indirectly control, are controlled by, or are under common control with, such Person or and/or any Family Member(s) of such Person.
(hh) “Restricted Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11(b) of the Plan.
(ii) “Restricted Stock” means shares of Class B Common Stock issued under the Plan to a Grantee for such consideration, if any, and subject to such restrictions on transfer, rights of refusal, repurchase provisions, forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee.
(jj) “Retirement” shall mean a Grantee’s retirement in accordance with the terms of any tax-qualified retirement plan maintained by the Company or any of its Affiliates in which the Grantee participates.
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(kk) “Rule 16b-3” shall mean Rule 16b-3, as from time to time in effect, promulgated under the Exchange Act, including any successor to such Rule.
(ll) “Stock Appreciation Right” shall mean the right, granted to a Grantee under Section 9 of the Plan, to be paid an amount measured by the appreciation in the Fair Market Value of a share of Class B Common Stock from the date of grant to the date of exercise of the right, with payment to be made in cash or Class B Common Stock, as specified in the award or determined by the Committee.
(mm) “Subsidiary” shall mean any company (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of companies beginning with the Company if each of the companies other than the last company in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other companies in such chain.
(nn) “Tax Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17 of the Plan.
(oo) “Ten Percent Stockholder” shall mean a Grantee who at the time an Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary.
3. Administration.
(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, the members of which may be composed of (i) “non-employee directors” under Rule 16b-3 or (ii) any other members of the Board.
(b) The Committee shall have the authority in its discretion, subject to and not inconsistent with the express provisions of the Plan, to administer the Plan and to exercise all the powers and authorities either specifically granted to it under the Plan or necessary or advisable in the administration of the Plan, including, without limitation, the authority to grant Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Limited Rights, Deferred Stock Units and Restricted Stock; to determine which options shall constitute Incentive Stock Options and which Options shall constitute Nonqualified Stock Options; to determine which Options (if any) shall be accompanied by Limited Rights; to determine the purchase price of the shares of Class B Common Stock covered by each Option; to determine the persons to whom, and the time or times at which awards shall be granted; to determine the number of shares to be covered by each award; to interpret the Plan and any award under the Plan; to reconcile any inconsistent terms in the Plan or any award under the Plan; to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of the Agreements (which need not be identical) and to cancel or suspend awards, as necessary; and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
(c) All decisions, determination and interpretations of the Committee shall be final and binding on all Grantees of any awards under the Plan. No member of the Board or Committee shall be liable for any action taken or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any award granted hereunder.
(d) The Committee may delegate to one or more executive officers of the Company the authority to (i) grant awards under the Plan to employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are not officers or directors of the Company, (ii) execute and deliver documents or take such other ministerial actions on behalf of the Committee with respect to awards and (iii) to make interpretations of the Plan. The grant of authority in this Section 3(d) shall be subject to such conditions and limitations as may be determined by the Committee. If the Committee delegates authority to any such executive officer or executive officers of the Company pursuant to this Section 3(d), and such executive officer or executive officers grant awards pursuant to such delegated authority, references in the Plan to the “Committee” as they relate to such awards shall be deemed to refer to such executive officer or executive officers, as applicable.
4. Eligibility.
Awards may be granted to executive officers, employees, directors and consultants of the Company or of any Subsidiary. In addition to any other awards granted to Independent Directors hereunder, awards shall be granted to Independent Directors pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan. In determining the persons to whom awards shall be granted and the number of shares to be covered by each award, the Committee shall take into account the duties of the respective persons, their present and potential contributions to the success of the Company and such other factors as the Committee shall deem relevant in connection with accomplishing the purposes of the Plan.
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5. Stock.
(a) The maximum number of shares of Class B Common Stock reserved for the grant of awards under the Plan shall be one million five hundred thousand (1,500,000), all of which may be granted as Incentive Stock Options, subject to adjustment as provided below and in Section 13 of the Plan. Such shares may, in whole or in part, be authorized but unissued shares or shares that shall have been or may be reacquired by the Company.
(b) If any outstanding award under the Plan should, for any reason expire, be canceled or be forfeited (other than in connection with the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right or a Limited Right), without having been exercised in full, the shares of Class B Common Stock allocable to the unexercised, canceled or terminated portion of such award shall (unless the Plan shall have been terminated) become available for subsequent grants of awards under the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.
6. Terms and Conditions of Options.
(a) OPTION AGREEMENT. Each Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by a written agreement between the Company and the Grantee (the “Option Agreement”), in such form and containing such terms and conditions as the Committee shall from time to time approve, which Option Agreement shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions, unless otherwise specifically provided in such Option Agreement.
(b) NUMBER OF SHARES. Each Option Agreement shall state the number of shares of Class B Common Stock to which the Option relates.
(c) TYPE OF OPTION. Each Option Agreement shall specifically state that the Option constitutes an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option. In the absence of such designation, the Option will be deemed to be a Nonqualified Stock Option.
(d) OPTION PRICE. Each Option Agreement shall state the Option Price, which, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Class B Common Stock covered by the Option on the date of grant. The Option Price shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
(e) MEDIUM AND TIME OF PAYMENT. The Option Price shall be paid in full, at the time of exercise, in cash or in shares of Class B Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to such Option Price or in a combination of cash and Class B Common Stock including a cashless exercise procedure through a broker-dealer; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the medium of payment shall be determined at the time of grant and set forth in the applicable Option Agreement.
(f) TERM AND EXERCISABILITY OF OPTIONS. Each Option Agreement shall provide the exercise schedule for the Option as determined by the Committee, provided, that, the Committee shall have the authority to accelerate the exercisability of any outstanding option at such time and under such circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. The exercise period will be ten (10) years from the date of the grant of the option unless otherwise determined by the Committee; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, such exercise period shall not exceed ten (10) years from the date of grant of such Option. The exercise period shall be subject to earlier termination as provided in Sections 6(g) and 6(h) of the Plan. An Option may be exercised, as to any or all full shares of Class B Common Stock as to which the Option has become exercisable, by written notice delivered in person or by mail to the administrator designated by the Company, specifying the number of shares of Class B Common Stock with respect to which the Option is being exercised.
(g) TERMINATION. Except as provided in this Section 6(g) and in Section 6(h) of the Plan, an Option may not be exercised unless the Grantee is then in the employ of or maintaining a director or consultant relationship with the Company or a Subsidiary thereof (or a company or a Parent or Subsidiary of such company issuing or assuming the Option in a transaction to which Section 424(a) of the Code applies), and unless the Grantee has remained in Continuous Service with the Company or any Subsidiary since the date
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of grant of the Option. In the event that the employment or consultant relationship of a Grantee shall terminate (other than by reason of death, Disability or Retirement), all Options of such Grantee that are exercisable at the time of Grantee’s termination may, unless earlier terminated in accordance with their terms, be exercised within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of termination (or such different period as the Committee shall prescribe).
(h) DEATH, DISABILITY OR RETIREMENT OF GRANTEE. If a Grantee shall die while employed by, or maintaining a director or consultant relationship with, the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, or within thirty (30) days after the date of termination of such Grantee’s employment, director or consultant relationship (or within such different period as the Committee may have provided pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Plan), or if the Grantee’s employment, director or consultant relationship shall terminate by reason of Disability, all Options theretofore granted to such Grantee (to the extent otherwise exercisable) may, unless earlier terminated in accordance with their terms, be exercised by the Grantee or by the Grantee’s estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise such Options by bequest or inheritance or otherwise by result of death or Disability of the Grantee, at any time within one hundred eighty (180) days after the death or Disability of the Grantee (or such different period as the Committee shall prescribe). In the event that an Option granted hereunder shall be exercised by the legal representatives of a deceased or former Grantee, written notice of such exercise shall be accompanied by a certified copy of letters testamentary or equivalent proof of the right of such legal representative to exercise such Option. In the event that the employment, director or consultant relationship of a Grantee shall terminate on account of such Grantee’s Retirement, all Options of such Grantee that are exercisable at the time of such Retirement may, unless earlier terminated in accordance with their terms, be exercised at any time within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of such Retirement (or such different period as the Committee shall prescribe).
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Committee may reprice (or undertake any program or other action that is considered to be a repricing under formal or informal guidance issued by the exchange or market on which the Company’s Class B Common Stock then trades or is quoted) any Option without the approval of the stockholders of the Company. For this purpose, “reprice” means: (i) lowering the Option Price of an Option after it is granted when its Option Price exceeds the then Fair Market Value of a share of Class B Common Stock, (ii) canceling an Option at a time when its Option Price exceeds the then Fair Market Value of a share of , in exchange for another Option, Restricted Stock, payments in cash or any combination of another Option, Restricted Stock or payments in cash, or (iii) other action or series of actions that has the same or similar effect to the foregoing.
(j) OTHER PROVISIONS. The Option Agreements evidencing awards under the Plan shall contain such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee may determine.
7. Nonqualified Stock Options.
Options granted pursuant to this Section 7 are intended to constitute Nonqualified Stock Options and shall be subject only to the general terms and conditions specified in Section 6 of the Plan.
8. Incentive Stock Options.
Options granted pursuant to this Section 8 are intended to constitute Incentive Stock Options and shall be subject to the following special terms and conditions, in addition to the general terms and conditions specified in Section 6 of the Plan:
(a) LIMITATION ON VALUE OF SHARES. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Class B Common Stock subject to Options designated as Incentive Stock Options which become exercisable for the first time by a Grantee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options, to the extent of the shares covered thereby in excess of the foregoing limitation, shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. For this purpose, Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of the shares of Class B Common Stock shall be determined as of the date that the Option with respect to such shares was granted.
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(b) TEN PERCENT STOCKHOLDER. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, (i) the Option Price shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Class B Common Stock on the date of grant of such Incentive Stock Option, and (ii) the exercise period shall not exceed five (5) years from the date of grant of such Incentive Stock Option.
9. Stock Appreciation Rights.
The Committee shall have authority to grant a Stock Appreciation Right, either alone or in tandem with any Option. A Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem with an Option shall, except as provided in this Section 9 or as may be determined by the Committee, be subject to the same terms and conditions as the related Option. Each Stock Appreciation Right granted pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Agreement between the Company and the Grantee in such form as the Committee shall from time to time approve, which Agreement shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions, unless otherwise specifically provided in such Agreement:
(a) TIME OF GRANT. A Stock Appreciation Right may be granted at such time or times as may be determined by the Committee.
(b) PAYMENT. A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle the holder thereof, upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right or any portion thereof, to receive payment of an amount computed pursuant to Section 9(d) of the Plan.
(c) EXERCISE. A Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable at such time or times and only to the extent determined by the Committee, and will not be transferable. A Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with an Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable only if the Fair Market Value of a share of Class B Common Stock on the date of exercise exceeds the purchase price specified in the related Incentive Stock Option. Unless otherwise approved by the Committee, no Grantee shall be permitted to exercise any Stock Appreciation Right during the period beginning two weeks prior to the end of each of the Company’s fiscal quarters and ending on the second business day following the day on which the Company releases to the public a summary of its fiscal results for such period.
(d) AMOUNT PAYABLE. Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Optionee shall be entitled to receive an amount determined by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Class B Common Stock on the date of exercise of such Stock Appreciation Right over the exercise or other base price of the Stock Appreciation Right or, if applicable, the Option Price of the related Option, by (ii) the number of shares of Class B Common Stock as to which such Stock Appreciation Right is being exercised.
(e) TREATMENT OF RELATED OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS UPON EXERCISE. Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the related Option, if any, shall be canceled to the extent of the number of shares of Class B Common Stock as to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised. Upon the exercise or surrender of an option granted in connection with a Stock Appreciation Right, the Stock Appreciation Right shall be canceled to the extent of the number of shares of Class B Common Stock as to which the Option is exercised or surrendered.
(f) METHOD OF EXERCISE. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercised by a Grantee only by a written notice delivered to the Company in accordance with procedures specified by the Company from time to time. Such notice shall state the number of shares of Class B Common Stock with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is being exercised. A Grantee may also be required to deliver to the Company the underlying Agreement evidencing the Stock Appreciation Right being exercised and any related Option Agreement so that a notation of such exercise may be made thereon, and such Agreements shall then be returned to the Grantee.
(g) FORM OF PAYMENT. Payment of the amount determined under Section 9(d) of the Plan may be made solely in whole shares of Class B Common Stock in a number based upon their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right or, alternatively, at the sole discretion of the Committee, solely in cash, or in a combination of cash and shares of Class B Common Stock as the Committee deems advisable. If the Committee decides to make full payment in shares of Class B Common Stock and the amount payable results in a fractional share, payment for the fractional share will be made in cash.
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10. Limited Stock Appreciation Rights.
The Committee shall have authority to grant a Limited Right, either alone or in tandem with any Option. Each Limited Right granted pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Agreement between the Company and the Grantee in such form as the Committee shall from time to time approve, which Agreement shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions, unless otherwise specifically provided in such Agreement:
(a) TIME OF GRANT. A Limited Right may be granted at such time or times as may be determined by the Committee.
(b) EXERCISE. A Limited Right may be exercised only (i) during the ninety-day period following the occurrence of a Change in Control or (ii) immediately prior to the effective date of a Corporate Transaction. A Limited Right shall be exercisable at such time or times and only to the extent determined by the Committee, and will not be transferable except to the extent any related Option is transferable or as otherwise determined by the Committee. A Limited Right granted in connection with an Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable only if the Fair Market Value of a share of Class B Common Stock on the date of exercise exceeds the purchase price specified in the related Incentive Stock Option.
(c) AMOUNT PAYABLE. Upon the exercise of a Limited Right, the Grantee thereof shall receive in cash whichever of the following amounts is applicable:
(i) in the case of the realization of Limited Rights by reason of an acquisition of common stock described in clause (i) of the definition of “Change in Control” (Section 2(c) above), an amount equal to the Acquisition Spread as defined in Section 10(d)(ii) below; or
(ii) in the case of the realization of Limited Rights by reason of stockholder approval of an agreement or plan described in clause (i) of the definition of “Corporate Transaction” (Section 2(i) above), an amount equal to the Merger Spread as defined in Section 10(d)(iv) below; or
(iii) in the case of the realization of Limited Rights by reason of the change in composition of the Board described in clause (ii) of the definition of “Change in Control” or stockholder approval of a plan or agreement described in clause (ii) of the definition of Corporate Transaction, an amount equal to the Spread as defined in Section 10(d)(v) below.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 10(c) (or unless otherwise approved by the Committee), in the case of a Limited Right granted in respect of an Incentive Stock Option, the Grantee may not receive an amount in excess of the maximum amount that will enable such option to continue to qualify under the Code as an Incentive Stock Option.
(d) DETERMINATION OF AMOUNTS PAYABLE. The amounts to be paid to a Grantee pursuant to Section 10 (c) shall be determined as follows:
(i) The term “Acquisition Price per Share” as used herein shall mean, with respect to the exercise of any Limited Right by reason of an acquisition of common stock described in clause (i) of the definition of Change in Control, the greatest of (A) the highest price per share shown on the Statement on Schedule 13D or amendment thereto filed by the holder of 25% or more of the voting power of the Company that gives rise to the exercise of such Limited Right, (B) the highest price paid in any tender or exchange offer which is in effect at any time during the ninety-day period ending on the date of exercise of the Limited Right, or (C) the highest Fair Market Value per share of common stock during the ninety day period ending on the date the Limited Right is exercised.
(ii) The term “Acquisition Spread” as used herein shall mean an amount equal to the product computed by multiplying (A) the excess of (1) the Acquisition Price per Share over (2) the exercise or other base price of the Limited Right or, if applicable, the Option Price per share of common stock at which the related Option is exercisable, by (B) the number of shares of common stock with respect to which such Limited Right is being exercised.
(iii) The term “Merger Price per Share” as used herein shall mean, with respect to the exercise of any Limited Right by reason of stockholder approval of an agreement described in clause (i) of the definition of Corporate Transaction, the greatest of (A) the fixed or formula price for
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the acquisition of shares of common stock specified in such agreement, if such fixed or formula price is determinable on the date on which such Limited Right is exercised, (B) the highest price paid in any tender or exchange offer which is in effect at any time during the ninety-day period ending on the date of exercise of the Limited Right, (C) the highest Fair Market Value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date on which such Limited Right is exercised.
(iv) The term “Merger Spread” as used herein shall mean an amount equal to the product. computed by multiplying (A) the excess of (1) the Merger Price per Share over (2) the exercise or other base price of the Limited Right or, if applicable, the Option Price per share of common stock at which the related Option is exercisable, by (B) the number of shares of common stock with respect to which such Limited Right is being exercised.
(v) The term “Spread” as used herein shall mean, with respect to the exercise of any Limited Right by reason of a change in the composition of the Board described in clause (ii) of the definition of Change in Control or stockholder approval of a plan or agreement described in clause (ii) of the definition of Corporate Transaction, an amount equal to the product computed by multiplying (i) the excess of (A) the greater of (1) the highest price paid in any tender or exchange offer which is in effect at any time during the ninety-day period ending on the date of exercise of the Limited Right or (2) the highest Fair Market Value per share of common stock during the ninety day period ending on the date the Limited Right is exercised over (B) the exercise or other base price of the Limited Right or, if applicable, the Option Price per share of common stock at which the related Option is exercisable, by (ii) the number of shares of common stock with respect to which the Limited Right is being exercised.
(e) TREATMENT OF RELATED OPTIONS AND LIMITED RIGHTS UPON EXERCISE. Upon the exercise of a Limited Right, the related Option, if any, shall cease to be exercisable to the extent of the shares of Class B Common Stock with respect to which such Limited Right is exercised but shall be considered to have been exercised to that extent for purposes of determining the number of shares of Class B Common Stock available for the grant of future awards pursuant to the Plan. Upon the exercise or termination of a related Option, if any, the Limited Right with respect to such related Option shall terminate to the extent of the shares of Class B Common Stock with respect to which the related Option was exercised or terminated.
(f) METHOD OF EXERCISE. To exercise a Limited Right, the Grantee shall (i) deliver written notice to the Company specifying the number of shares of Class B Common Stock with respect to which the Limited Right is being exercised, and (ii) if requested by the Committee, deliver to the Company the Agreement evidencing the Limited Rights being exercised and, if applicable, the Option Agreement evidencing the related Option; the Company shall endorse thereon a notation of such exercise and return such Agreements to the Grantee. The date of exercise of a Limited Right that is validly exercised shall be deemed to be the date on which there shall have been delivered the instruments referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph (f).
11. Restricted Stock.
The Committee may award shares of Restricted Stock to any eligible employee, director or consultant of the Company or of any Subsidiary. Each award of Restricted Stock under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Agreement between the Company and the Grantee, in such form as the Committee shall from time to time approve, which Agreement shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions, unless otherwise specifically provided in such Agreement:
(a) NUMBER OF SHARES. Each Agreement shall state the number of shares of Restricted Stock to be subject to an award.
(b) RESTRICTIONS. Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, for such period as the Committee shall determine from the date on which the award is granted (the “Restricted Period”). The Committee may also impose such additional or alternative restrictions and conditions on the shares as it deems appropriate including, but not limited to, the satisfaction of performance criteria. Such performance criteria may include sales, earnings before interest and taxes, return on investment, earnings per share, any combination of the foregoing or rate of growth of any of the foregoing, as determined by the Committee. The Company may, at its option, maintain issued shares in book entry form. Certificates, if any, for shares of stock
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issued pursuant to Restricted Stock awards shall bear an appropriate legend referring to such restrictions, and any attempt to dispose of any such shares of stock in contravention of such restrictions shall be null and void and without effect. During the Restricted Period, any such certificates shall be held in escrow by an escrow agent appointed by the Committee. In determining the Restricted Period of an award, the Committee may provide that the foregoing restrictions shall lapse with respect to specified percentages of the awarded shares on successive anniversaries of the date of such award.
(c) FORFEITURE. Subject to such exceptions as may be determined by the Committee, if the Grantee’s Continuous Service with the Company or any Subsidiary shall terminate for any reason prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period of an award, any shares remaining subject to restrictions (after taking into account the provisions of Subsection (e) of this Section 11) shall thereupon be forfeited by the Grantee and transferred to, and retired by, the Company without cost to the Company or such Subsidiary, and such shares shall become available for subsequent grants of awards under the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.
(d) OWNERSHIP. During the Restricted Period, the Grantee shall possess all incidents of ownership of such shares, subject to Subsection (b) of this Section 11, including the right to receive dividends with respect to such shares and to vote such shares.
(e) ACCELERATED LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS. Upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 14 of the Plan (and subject to the conditions set forth therein), all restrictions then outstanding on any shares of Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan shall lapse as of the applicable date set forth in Section 14. The Committee shall have the authority (and the Agreement may so provide) to cancel all or any portion of any outstanding restrictions prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any or all of the shares of Restricted Stock awarded on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate.
12. Independent Director Restricted Stock.
The provisions of this Section 12 shall apply only to certain grants of Restricted Stock to Independent Directors, as provided below. Except as set forth in this Section 12, the other provisions of the Plan shall apply to grants of Restricted Stock to Independent Directors to the extent not inconsistent with this Section.
(a) GENERAL. Independent Directors shall receive Restricted Stock in accordance with this Section 12. Restricted Stock granted pursuant to this Section 12 shall be subject to the terms of such section and shall not be subject to discretionary acceleration of vesting by the Committee. Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, Independent Directors shall not receive separate and additional grants hereunder for being an Independent Director of (i) the Company and a Subsidiary or (ii) more than one Subsidiary.
(b) INITIAL GRANTS OF RESTRICTED STOCK. An Independent Director who first becomes an Independent Director shall receive a pro-rata amount (based on projected quarters of service to the following Independent Director Grant Date) of an Independent Director Annual Grant on his date of appointment as an Independent Director.
(c) ANNUAL GRANTS OF RESTRICTED STOCK. On each Independent Director Grant Date, each Independent Director shall receive an Independent Director Annual Grant and, at the option of the Independent Director, an award of Restricted Stock equal to up to $50,000 (in lieu of Independent Director cash compensation) based on the average of the high and low trading price of the Class B Common Stock on the trading date prior to the Independent Director Grant Date.
(d) VESTING OF RESTRICTED STOCK. Restricted Stock granted under this Section 12 shall be fully vested on the date of grant.
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13. Deferred Stock Units.
The Committee may award Deferred Stock Units to any outside director, eligible employee or consultant of the Company or of any Subsidiary. Each award of Deferred Stock Units under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Agreement between the Company and the Grantee, in such form as the Committee shall from time to time approve, which Agreement shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions, unless otherwise specifically provided in such Agreement:
(a) NUMBER OF SHARES. Each Agreement for Deferred Stock Units shall state the number of shares of Class B Common Stock to be subject to an award.
(b) RESTRICTIONS. Deferred Stock Units may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, until shares of Class B Common Stock are payable with respect to an award. The Committee may impose such vesting restrictions and conditions on the payment of shares as it deems appropriate including the satisfaction of performance criteria. Such performance criteria may include sales, earnings before interest and taxes, return on investment, earnings per share, any combination of the foregoing or rate of growth of any of the foregoing, as determined by the Committee.
(c) FORFEITURE. Subject to such exceptions as may be determined by the Committee, if the Grantee’s Continuous Service with the Company or any Subsidiary shall terminate for any reason prior to the Grantee becoming fully vested in the award, then the Grantee’s rights under any unvested Deferred Stock Units shall be forfeited without cost to the Company or such Subsidiary.
(d) OWNERSHIP. Until shares are delivered with respect to Deferred Stock Units, the Grantee shall not possess any incidents of ownership of such shares, including the right to receive dividends with respect to such shares and to vote such shares.
(e) ACCELERATED LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS. Upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 15 of the Plan (and subject to the conditions set forth therein), all restrictions then outstanding on any Deferred Stock Units awarded under the Plan shall lapse as of the applicable date set forth in Section 15. The Committee shall have the authority, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (and the Agreement may so provide) to amend or cancel all or any portion of any outstanding restrictions, including, but not limited to, restrictions in connection with certain performance criteria and/or types of termination of service, prior to the expiration of any restricted period with respect to any or all of the shares of Deferred Stock Units awarded on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate.
14. Effect of Certain Changes.
(a) ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. In the event of any extraordinary dividend, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, stock split, warrant or rights issuance, or combination or exchange of such shares, or other similar transactions, the Committee shall equitably adjust (i) the maximum number of Options or shares of Restricted Stock that may be awarded to a Grantee in any calendar year (as provided in Section 5 hereof), (ii) the number of shares of Class B Common Stock available for awards under the Plan, (iii) the number and/or kind of shares covered by outstanding awards and (iv) the price per share of Options or the applicable market value of Stock Appreciation Rights or Limited Rights, in each such case so as to reflect such event and preserve the value of such awards; provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from such adjustment shall be eliminated.
(b) CHANGE IN CLASS B COMMON STOCK. In the event of a change in the Class B Common Stock as presently constituted that is limited to a change of all of its authorized shares of Class B Common Stock, into the same number of shares with a different par value or without par value, the shares resulting from any such change shall be deemed to be the Class B Common Stock within the meaning of the Plan.
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15. Corporate Transaction; Change in Control; Related Entity Disposition.
(a) CORPORATE TRANSACTION. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, each award which is at the time outstanding under the Plan shall automatically become fully vested and exercisable and, in the case of an award of Restricted Stock or an award of Deferred Stock Units, shall be released from any restrictions on transfer (except with regard to the Insider Trading Policy and such other agreements between the Grantee and the Company) and repurchase or forfeiture rights, immediately prior to the specified effective date of such Corporate Transaction. Effective upon the consummation of the Corporate Transaction, all outstanding awards of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Limited Rights under the Plan shall terminate, unless otherwise determined by the Committee. However, all such awards shall not terminate if the awards are, in connection with the Corporate Transaction, assumed by the successor corporation or Parent thereof.
(b) CHANGE IN CONTROL. In the event of a Change in Control (other than a Change in Control which is also a Corporate Transaction), each award which is at the time outstanding under the Plan automatically shall become fully vested and exercisable and, in the case of an award of Restricted Stock or an award of Deferred Stock Units, shall be released from any restrictions on transfer and repurchase or forfeiture rights, immediately prior to the specified effective date of such Change in Control.
(c) RELATED ENTITY DISPOSITION. The Continuous Service of each Grantee (who is primarily engaged in service to a Related Entity at the time it is involved in a Related Entity Disposition) shall terminate effective upon the consummation of such Related Entity Disposition, and each outstanding award of such Grantee under the Plan shall become fully vested and exercisable and, in the case of an award of Restricted Stock or an award of Deferred Stock Units, shall be released from any restrictions on transfer (except with regard to the Insider Trading Policy and such other agreements between the Grantee and the Company). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Continuous Service of a Grantee shall not be deemed to terminate (and each outstanding award of such Grantee under the Plan shall not become fully vested and exercisable and, in the case of an award of Restricted Stock or an award of Deferred Stock Units, shall not be released from any restrictions on transfer) if (i) a Related Entity Disposition involves the spin-off of a Related Entity, for so long as such Grantee continues to remain in the service of such entity that constituted the Related Entity immediately prior to the consummation of such Related Entity Disposition (“SpinCo”) in any capacity of officer, employee, director or consultant or (ii) an outstanding award is assumed by the surviving corporation (whether SpinCo or otherwise) or its parent entity in connection with a Related Entity Disposition.
(d) SUBSTITUTE AWARDS. The Committee may grant awards under the Plan in substitution of stock-based incentive awards held by employees, consultants or directors of another entity who become employees, consultants or directors of the Company or any Subsidiary by reason of a merger or consolidation of such entity with the Company or any Subsidiary, or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of property or equity of such entity, upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine, and such awards shall not count against the share limitation set forth in Section 5 of the Plan.
16. Period During which Awards May Be Granted.
Awards may be granted pursuant to the Plan, from time to time, until March 8, 2031 which is within a period of ten (10) years from the date the Board adopted the Plan.
17. Transferability of Awards.
(a) Incentive Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner other than by the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Grantee, only by the Grantee or his or her guardian or legal representative.
(b) Nonqualified Stock Options shall be transferable in the manner and to the extent acceptable to the Committee, as evidenced by a writing signed by the Company and the Grantee. Nonqualified Stock Options (together with any Stock Appreciation Rights or Limited Rights related thereto) shall be transferable by
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a Grantee as a gift to the Grantee’s “family members” (as defined in Form S-8) under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Committee; provided that the Grantee receives no consideration for the transfer. Notwithstanding the transfer by a Grantee of a Nonqualified Stock Option, the transferred Nonqualified Stock Option shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the Nonqualified Stock Option immediately before the transfer (including, without limitation, the Insider Trading Policy) and the Grantee will continue to remain subject to the withholding tax requirements set forth in Section 18 hereof.
(c) The terms of any award granted under the Plan, including the transferability of any such award, shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs and successors of the Grantee.
(d) Restricted Stock shall remain subject to the Insider Trading Policy after the expiration of the Restricted Period. Deferred Stock Units shall remain subject to the Insider Trading Policy after payment thereof.
18. Agreement by Grantee regarding Withholding Taxes.
If the Committee shall so require, as a condition of exercise of an Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Limited Right, the expiration of a Restricted Period or payment of a Deferred Stock Unit (each, a “Tax Event”), each Grantee shall agree that no later than the date of the Tax Event, the Grantee will pay to the Company or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee regarding payment of any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld upon the Tax Event. Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, a Grantee shall permit, to the extent permitted or required by law, the Company to withhold federal, state and local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld upon the Tax Event from any payment of any kind due to the Grantee. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, any such above-described withholding obligation may, in the discretion of the Company, be satisfied by the withholding by the Company or delivery to the Company of Class B Common Stock.
19. Rights as a Stockholder.
Except as provided in Section 11(d) of the Plan, a Grantee or a transferee of an award shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by the award until the date of the issuance of such shares to him or her. No adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distribution of other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such shares are issued, except as provided in Section 14(a) of the Plan.
20. No Rights to Employment; Forfeiture of Gains.
Nothing in the Plan or in any award granted or Agreement entered into pursuant hereto shall confer upon any Grantee the right to continue as a director of, in the employ of, or in a consultant relationship with, the Company or any Subsidiary or to be entitled to any remuneration or benefits not set forth in the Plan or such Agreement or to interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any such Subsidiary to terminate such Grantee’s employment or consulting relationship. Awards granted under the Plan shall not be affected by any change in duties or position of a Grantee as long as such Grantee continues to be employed by, or in a consultant relationship with, or a director of the Company or any Subsidiary. The Agreement for any award under the Plan may require the Grantee to pay to the Company any financial gain realized from the prior exercise, vesting or payment of the award in the event that the Grantee engages in conduct that violates any non-compete, non-solicitation or non-disclosure obligation of the Grantee under any agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary, including, without limitation, any such obligations provided in the Agreement.
21. Beneficiary.
A Grantee may file with the Committee a written designation of a beneficiary on such form as may be prescribed by the Committee and may, from time to time, amend or revoke such designation. If no designated beneficiary survives the Grantee, the executor or administrator of the Grantee’s estate shall be deemed to be the Grantee’s beneficiary.
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22. Approval; Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) APPROVAL. The Plan initially became effective when adopted by the Board on March 8, 2021 and shall terminate on the tenth anniversary of such date. The Plan was ratified by the Company’s sole stockholder on May 12, 2021. The Board amended the Plan on March 21, 2023 to increase the amount of authorized shares under the Plan to 1,500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock and to change the definition of Change in Control. The Company’s stockholders ratified such amendments to the Plan on May 10, 2023.
(b) AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. The Board, or the Committee if so delegated by the Board, at any time and from time to time may suspend, terminate, modify or amend the Plan; however, unless otherwise determined by the Board, or the Committee if applicable, an amendment that requires stockholder approval in order for the Plan to continue to comply with any law, regulation or stock exchange requirement shall not be effective unless approved by the requisite vote of stockholders. Except as provided in Section 14(a) of the Plan, no suspension, termination, modification or amendment of the Plan may adversely affect any award previously granted, unless the written consent of the Grantee is obtained.
23. Governing Law.
The Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.
24. Section 409A of the Code.
It is the intention of the Company that no award shall be “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, unless and to the extent that the Committee specifically determines otherwise as provided in this Section 24, and the Plan and the terms and conditions of all awards shall be interpreted accordingly. The terms and conditions governing any awards that the Committee determines will be subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be set forth in the applicable award Agreement and shall comply in all respects with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, if one or more of the payments or benefits received or to be received by a Grantee pursuant to an award would cause the Grantee to incur any additional tax or interest under Section 409A of the Code, the Committee may reform such provision to maintain to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A of the Code. Although the Company intends to administer the Plan so that Awards will be exempt from, or will comply with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the Company does not warrant that any Award under the Plan will qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 409A of the Code or any other provision of federal, state, local or foreign law. The Company shall not be liable to any Grantee for any tax, interest, or penalties that Grantee might owe as a result of the grant, holding, vesting, exercise, or payment of any award under the Plan.
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF GENIE ENERGY LTD. May 10, 2023 GO GREEN e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy material, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter and paper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoy online access. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders Meeting to be Held on May 10, 2023: The Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the 2022 Annual Report are available at: https://genie.com/investors/investor-relations/ Please sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible. Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. 00003333330000001000 2 051023 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS VOTES “FOR” THE LISTED NOMINEES AND “FOR” PROPOSAL 2. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company before the execution of this proxy of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the 2022 Annual Report. Electronic Distribution If you would like to receive future GENIE ENERGY LTD. proxy statements and annual reports electronically, please visit www.astfinancial.com. Click on Shareholder Account Access to enroll. Please enter your account number and tax identification number to log in, then select Receive Company Mailings via E-Mail and provide your e-mail address. To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN Election of Directors: Howard S. Jonas Joyce J. Mason W. Wesley Perry Alan Rosenthal Allan Sass To approve an amendment to the Genie Energy Ltd. Stock Option and Incentive Plan that will: (a) increase the number of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock available for the grant of awards thereunder by 500,000; (b) revise the provision regarding changes to awarded deferred stock units (which are sometimes referred to as restricted stock units and which we refer to in the proxy statement to which this Proxy Card is attached as “DSUs”); and (c) make changes to certain definitions in the Plan. Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date: Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. MARK “X” HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GENIE ENERGY LTD. 520 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102 (973) 438-3500 PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS To Be Held May 10, 2023 The undersigned appoints Michael Stein and Joyce J. Mason, or either one of them, as the proxy of the undersigned with full power of substitution to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Genie Energy Ltd. to be held at Genie Energy Ltd.’s offices at 520 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102 on May 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting, according to the number of votes the undersigned would be entitled to cast if personally present, for or against any proposal, including the election of members of the Board of Directors, and any and all other business that may come before the Annual Meeting, except as otherwise indicated on the reverse side of this card. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO SUCH DIRECTIONS ARE MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND “FOR” PROPOSAL 2. (Continued and to be signed on 1.1 the reverse side)
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF GENIE ENERGY LTD. May 10, 2023 INTERNET - Access “www.voteproxy.com” and follow the on-screen instructions or scan the QR code with your smartphone. Have your proxy card available when you access the web page. Vote online until 11:59 PM EST the day before the meeting. MAIL - Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible. IN PERSON - You may vote your shares in person by attending the Annual Meeting. GO GREEN - e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy material, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter and paper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoy online access. PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS COMPANY NUMBER ACCOUNT NUMBER Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Genie Energy Ltd. Stockholders Meeting to be Held on May 10, 2023: The Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the 2022 Annual Report are available at: https://genie.com/investors/investor-relations/ Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via the Internet. 00003333330000001000 2 051023 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS VOTES “FOR” THE LISTED NOMINEES AND “FOR” PROPOSAL 2. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company before the execution of this proxy of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the 2022 Annual Report. Electronic Distribution If you would like to receive future GENIE ENERGY LTD. proxy statements and annual reports electronically, please visit www.astfinancial.com. Click on Shareholder Account Access to enroll. Please enter your account number and tax identification number to log in, then select Receive Company Mailings via E-Mail and provide your e-mail address. To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. Howard S. Jonas Joyce J. Mason W. Wesley Perry Alan Rosenthal Allan Sass 2. To approve an amendment to the Genie Energy Ltd. Stock Option and Incentive Plan that will: (a) increase the number of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock available for the grant of awards thereunder by 500,000; (b) revise the provision regarding changes to awarded deferred stock units (which are sometimes referred to as restricted stock units and which we refer to in the proxy statement to which this Proxy Card is attached as “DSUs”); and (c) make changes to certain definitions in the Plan. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN MARK “X” HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date: Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.