bkyi20151203_pre14a.htm

  

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrant

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement 

 ☐

Confidential, for use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

 

 

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definitive Additional Materials

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12

 

 

 

BIO-key International, Inc.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

No fee required.

 

 

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. 

          

  (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
     
  (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
     
 

(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

     
  (4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
     
  (5) Total fee paid:

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

 

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1)

Amount previously paid:

 

 

 

 

(2) 

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

 

 

(3)

Filing Party:

 

 

 

 

(4)

Date Filed:

  

 
 

 

 

BIO-KEY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

3349 Highway 138, Building A, Suite E

Wall, NJ 07719

 

 

December 15, 2015

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of stockholders of BIO-key International, Inc. (the “Company”) on January 27, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of Fox Rothschild LLP, 997 Lenox Drive, Building 3, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 for the following purposes:

 

 

To consider and approve a proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse split of our issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio between 1-for-4 and 1-for-12, with the final decision of whether to proceed with the reverse stock split and the exact ratio and timing of the reverse split to be determined by our board of directors, in its discretion, following stockholder approval (if obtained), but no later than December 30, 2016;

 

 

To consider and approve the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”); and

 

 

To consider and approve such other business matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we hope that you will have your shares represented by signing, dating and returning your proxy in the enclosed envelope as soon as possible. Your shares will be voted in accordance with the instructions you have given in your proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card and return it at your earliest convenience in the enclosed envelope.

 

Our board of directors and management look forward to seeing you at the meeting. Thank you for your continued support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sincerely yours,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael W. DePasquale

 

 

 

Michael W. DePasquale

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 
 

 

  

BIO-KEY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

3349 Highway 138, Building A, Suite E

Wall, NJ 07719

 

Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders

 

You are hereby notified that a special meeting of stockholders of BIO-key International, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on January 27, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of Fox Rothschild LLP, 997 Lenox Drive, Building 3, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, for the following purposes:

 

1.     To consider and approve a proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse split of our issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio between 1-for-4 and 1-for-12, with the final decision of whether to proceed with the reverse stock split and the exact ratio and timing of the reverse split to be determined by our board of directors, in its discretion, following stockholder approval (if obtained), but no later than December 30, 2016;

 

2.     To consider and approve the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”); and

 

3.     To consider and approve such other business matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

Only holders of record of our common stock, Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, and Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock as of the close of business on December 14, 2015 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

 

Your vote is important. Whether or not you Plan to attend the meeting in person, we urge you to complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy CARD and return it promptly IN THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE. THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL ENSURE A QUORUM AND SAVE US THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER SOLICITATION. EACH PROXY GRANTED MAY BE REVOKED BY THE STOCKHOLDER APPOINTING SUCH PROXY AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED. IF YOU RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD BECAUSE YOUR SHARES ARE REGISTERED IN DIFFERENT NAMES OR ADDRESSES, EACH SUCH PROXY CARD SHOULD BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO ASSURE THAT ALL OF YOUR SHARES ARE VOTED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By order of the board of directors,

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael W. DePasquale

 

 

 

Michael W. DePasquale

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 
 

 

  

BIO-KEY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

3349 Highway 138, Building A, Suite E

Wall, NJ 07719

 


 

PROXY STATEMENT

 


 

This proxy statement contains information related to the special meeting of stockholders of BIO-key International, Inc. (the “Company,” “we” or “us”) to be held on January 27, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of Fox Rothschild LLP, 997 Lenox Drive, Building 3, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof, for the purposes set forth in the attached Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders. This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card are first being mailed to our stockholders on or about December 17, 2015.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 27, 2016. THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING FORM OF PROXY CARD ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.PROXYVOTE.COM. In accordance with rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), we are providing access to our proxy materials both by sending you this full set of proxy materials and by notifying you of the availability of our proxy materials on the Internet.

 

VOTING AT THE SPECIAL MEETING

 

Who Can Vote

 

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2015, the record date, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, and at any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof. As of December 14, 2015, 66,098,482 shares of our common stock, par value $.0001 per share, 90,000 shares of our Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, $.0001 par value per share (“Series A-1 Shares”), and 105,000 shares of our Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, $.0001 par value per share (“Series B-1 Shares”), were issued and outstanding. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share for each proposal presented at the meeting. Holders of our Series A-1 Shares are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A-1 Shares on the Record Date for each proposal presented at the meeting. Holders of our Series B-1 Shares are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B-1 Shares on the Record Date for each proposal presented at the meeting. Holders of our Series A-1 Shares and Series B-1 Shares vote together with holders of our common stock as a single class. As of December 14, 2015, holders of our Series A-1 Shares are entitled to an aggregate of 7,262,763 votes and holders of our Series B-1 Shares are entitled to an aggregate of 14,525,526 votes.

 

How to Vote; How Proxies Work

 

Our board of directors is asking for your proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy. Please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy card and return it at your earliest convenience. We will bear the costs incidental to the solicitation and obtaining of proxies, including the costs of reimbursing banks, brokers and other nominees for forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of our common stock. Proxies may be solicited by our officers and employees, without extra compensation, by mail, telephone, telefax, personal interviews and other methods of communication. We reserve the right to engage a proxy solicitation firm to assist in the solicitation of proxies. We expect that the cost for such services will not exceed $10,000.

 

 
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At the meeting, and at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, all shares entitled to vote and represented by properly executed proxies received prior to the meeting and not revoked will be voted as instructed on those proxies. If no instructions are indicated on a properly executed proxy, the shares represented by the proxies will be voted:

 

(i) FOR an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio between 1-for 4 and 1-for-12, with the final decision of whether to proceed with the reverse stock split and the exact ratio and timing of the reverse split to be determined by our board of directors, in its discretion, following stockholder approval (if obtained), but no later than December 30, 2016;

 

(ii) FOR the approval of the 2015 Plan; and

 

(iii) in the discretion of the person named in the enclosed form of proxy, on any other proposals which may properly come before the meeting or any postponement(s), adjournment(s) thereof.

 

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, you will receive instructions from the holder of record on how to vote your shares. You must follow the instructions of your broker or other nominee in order for your shares to be voted. If your shares are not registered in your name and you plan to vote your shares in person at the meeting, you must obtain and bring with you to the meeting a “legal proxy” from the broker or other nominee holding your shares that confirms your beneficial ownership of the shares and gives you the right to vote your shares at the meeting.

 

What Constitutes a Quorum

 

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

 

What Vote is Required

 

In accordance with Delaware law, approval of the reverse stock split proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, Series A-1 Shares and Series B-1 Shares, voting together as a single class.

 

In accordance with Delaware law, approval of the 2015 Plan requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of common stock, Series A-1 Shares and Series B-1 Shares, voting together as a single class, present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

How Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes Are Treated

 

Abstentions will be counted as shares that are present for purposes of determining a quorum. For the approval of the reverse stock split and the 2015 Plan, abstentions have the practical effect of a vote against the proposal.

 

Broker non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” does not give instructions to the broker, bank or other nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed “non-routine.” Generally, if shares are held in street name, the beneficial owner of the shares is entitled to give voting instructions to the nominee holding the shares. If the beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions, the nominee can still vote the shares with respect to matters that are considered to be “routine,” but not with respect to matters that are considered to be “non-routine.” Approval of the reverse stock split is considered a “routine matter” and may be voted upon by your broker if you do not submit voting instructions. Approval of the 2015 Plan is considered a “non-routine” matter and may not be voted upon by your broker if you do not submit voting instructions. We encourage you to provide instructions to your broker regarding the voting of your shares.

 

 
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Broker non-votes will be counted as shares that are present for purposes of determining a quorum. For the approval of the reverse stock split and the 2015 Plan, broker non-votes have the practical effect of a vote against such proposal.

 

Voting of Proxies

 

Our board of directors recommends a vote “FOR” the reverse stock split and “FOR” the approval of the 2015 Plan. Your shares of common stock will be voted in accordance with the instructions contained in your signed proxy card. If you return a signed proxy card without giving specific voting instructions with respect to the reverse stock split, proxies will be voted in favor of the board of directors’ recommendations with respect to such proposal as set forth in this proxy statement.


How to Revoke

 

Any stockholder who has submitted a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted, by written notice addressed to and received by our chief financial officer, by submitting a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by electing to vote in person at the meeting. The mere presence at the meeting of the person appointing a proxy does not, however, revoke the appointment. If you are a stockholder whose shares are not registered in your own name, you will need additional documentation from your record holder to vote personally at the meeting.

 

No Dissenters or Appraisal Rights

 

Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, our Certificate of Incorporation and our bylaws, the holders of common stock, Series A-1 Shares, or Series B-1 Shares will not be entitled to dissenter's rights or appraisal rights in connection with the reverse stock split.

 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN

BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth, as of December 14, 2015, information with respect to the securities holdings of all persons that we, pursuant to filings with the SEC and our stock transfer records, have reason to believe may be deemed the beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of our common stock. The following table also sets forth, as of such date, the beneficial ownership of our common stock by all of our current officers and directors, both individually and as a group.

 

The beneficial owners and amount of securities beneficially owned have been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and, in accordance therewith, includes all shares of our common stock that may be acquired by such beneficial owners within 60 days of December 14, 2015 upon the exercise or conversion of any options, warrants or other convertible securities. This table has been prepared based on 66,098,482 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 14, 2015. Unless otherwise indicated, each person or entity named below has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by that person or entity, subject to the matters set forth in the footnotes to the table below, and has an address of c/o BIO-key International, Inc., 3349 Highway 138, Building A, Suite E, Wall, NJ 07719.

 

 
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount and

Nature
of Beneficial
Ownership (1)

 

Percentage
of Class (1)

 

Michael W. DePasquale

  691,665 (2)    1.0

%

Mira LaCous

  299,666 (3)    *  

Cecilia Welch

  175,000 (4)    *  

John Schoenherr

  107,638 (5)    *  

Charles P. Romeo

  71,527 (6)    *  

Thomas E. Bush, III

  35,417 (7)    *  

Thomas Gilley

  92,472 (7)    *  

Wong Kwok Fong

Flat C, 27/F, Block 5

Grand Pacific Views

Siu Lam, Hong Kong N7

  7,262,763 (8)    9.9

%

Yao Jianhui

Suites 2601-2, 26/F Tower 2, Nina Tower

8 Yeung UK Road

Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong TWTL 353

  -- (9)       

Perkins Capital Management Inc.

  4,825,000 (10)    6.9

%

730 Lake St. E Wayzata, MN 55391

           
Giant Leap International, Ltd.   7,262,763  (11)    9.9 %

Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive

P.O. Box 2681

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY7-1111

         

Micron Technology Development Limited

5/F., SPA Centre, 53-55 Lockhart Road

Wanchai, Hong Kong 999077

  7,262,763 (11)    9.9 %
             

All officers and directors as a group (9) persons

  8,736,148     11.4

%

 


* Less than 1%.

 

(1)

The securities “beneficially owned” by an individual are determined in accordance with the definition of “beneficial ownership” set forth in the regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, accordingly, may include securities owned by or for, among others, the spouse and/or minor children of an individual and any other relative who has the same home as such individual, as well as, other securities as to which the individual has or shares voting or investment power or which each person has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of options or otherwise. Beneficial ownership may be disclaimed as to certain of the securities. This table has been prepared based on 66,098,482 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 14, 2015.

 
     
(2) Includes 666,665 issuable on exercise of options and 25,000 shares of common stock. Does not include 583,335 shares issuable upon exercise of options subject to vesting.  
     
(3) Consists of shares issuable upon exercise of options. Does not include 220,834 shares issuable upon exercise of options subject to vesting.  
     
(4) Consists of shares issuable upon exercise of options. Does not include 225,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options subject to vesting.  
     
(5) Includes 70,166 shares issuable upon exercise of options. Does not include 58,334 shares issuable upon exercise of options subject to vesting.  

  

 
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(6) Includes 54,166 shares issuable upon exercise of options. Does not include 58,334 shares issuable upon exercise of options subject to vesting.  
     
(7) Includes 12,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options. Does not include 50,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options subject to vesting.  
     
(8) Consists of shares issuable upon conversion of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock.  
     
(9) Does not include 7,262,673 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock owned of record by Giant Leap International, Ltd. Also does not include 1,066,500 shares of common stock owed of record by China Goldjoy Limited, the parent company of Giant Leap International, Ltd. As the chairman of the board of directors of China Goldjoy Limited, Mr. Yao shares voting and dispositive power over these shares.  
     
(10) Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2015, Richard W. Perkins has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares. Includes, 125,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants.  
     
(11) Consists of shares issuable upon conversion of Series B-1 Convertible Preferred Stock.  

 

 

PROPOSAL 1

 

APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

 

General

 

Our board of directors has unanimously approved, and recommended that our stockholders approve, an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, in substantially the form attached hereto as Appendix A (the "Certificate of Amendment"), to effect the reverse stock split at a ratio of between 1-for-4 and 1-for-12, with the final decision of whether to proceed with the reverse stock split and the exact ratio of the reverse stock split to be determined by our board of directors, in its discretion. If the stockholders approve the reverse stock split, and the board of directors decides to implement it, the reverse stock split will become effective upon the filing of the Certificate of Amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State.

 

The reverse stock split will be realized simultaneously for all outstanding common stock. The reverse stock split will affect all holders of common stock uniformly and each stockholder will hold the same percentage of common stock outstanding immediately following the reverse stock split as that stockholder held immediately prior to the reverse stock split, except for immaterial adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares as described below. The Certificate of Amendment will not reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock (which will remain at 170,000,000) and will not change the par value of the common stock (which will remain at $0.0001 per share).

 

Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split

 

Our board of directors believes that the reverse stock split, if completed, would make our common stock more attractive to a broader range of institutional and other investors.  Many brokerage houses and institutional investors have internal policies and practices that prohibit or discourage them from investing in low-priced stocks or recommending such stocks to their customers because of the trading volatility often associated with such stocks.  Some of those policies and practices pertain to the payment of brokers’ commissions and to time-consuming procedures that function to make the handling of low-priced stocks unattractive to brokers from an economic standpoint.  In addition, the analysts at many brokerage firms do not monitor the trading activity or otherwise provide research coverage on low-priced stocks.  Moreover, because brokers’ commissions on lower priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher priced stocks, the current share price of our common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction costs (commissions, markups or markdowns) that are a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price was substantially higher.  Our board of directors believes that the combination of increased interest from brokerage houses, institutional investors and analysts and lower transaction costs could improve the trading liquidity of our common stock.

 

 
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Our board of directors further believes that a higher market price per share would help us meet the initial listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market, or other national securities exchange. Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTCQB. While we currently satisfy some of the initial listing requirements to be listed on a national securities exchange, the per share market price of our common stock has been too low to meet the initial listing standards. See “October and November Private Placements” below.

 

Our board of directors also believes that a higher market price per share for our common stock may help us attract and retain employees.  Our board of directors believes that some potential employees are less likely to work for a company with a low stock price, especially below $1.00 per share, regardless of the company’s market capitalization.

 

In addition, our board of directors believes that the reverse stock split, if completed, would result in increased visibility for our net income/(loss) per share.  For example, if the weighted-average number of our outstanding shares of common stock is 100,000,000, each $1,000,000 of net income will result in $0.01 of earnings per share and net income of less than $500,000 will result in no earnings per share as a result of rounding.  If we implement the reverse stock split using a ratio of 1-for-10, the weighted average number of shares outstanding will be reduced to 10,000,000.  Accordingly, each $100,000 of net income will result in $0.01 earnings per share and any change in net income of $50,000 or more will be visible in earnings per share, making it easier to reflect changes in our quarterly and annual results of operations, whether up or down, in our net income / (loss) per share calculations.

 

October and November 2015 Private Placements. On October 22 and 29 and November 11, 2015, we issued an aggregate of 90,000 Series A-1 Shares and 10,500 Series B-1 Shares. In connection with these transactions, we agreed to seek stockholder approval to affect a reverse split of our outstanding shares of common stock with a view to satisfying the initial listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market. In the event that such split is effective and we otherwise satisfy the initial listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause our shares to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

Future Issuances. In addition to the foregoing, the reverse stock split will provide us with the ability to support our present capital needs and future anticipated growth. As discussed below under the caption "Effect on Authorized but Unissued Shares," we have a limited number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and the reverse stock split will have the effect of significantly increasing the number of shares of common stock that we are authorized to issue. We have historically met our capital needs primarily through the sale of our debt and equity securities. The availability of additional shares of common stock would provide us with the flexibility to consider and respond to future business opportunities and needs as they arise, including public or private financings, subscription rights offerings, mergers, acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits and the granting of equity incentive awards. The reverse stock split would permit us to undertake certain of the foregoing actions without the delay and expense associated with holding a meeting of stockholders to obtain stockholder approval each time such an opportunity arises that would require the issuance of shares of our common stock.

 

 
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We have no specific plans, arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, to issue any additional shares.

 

We do not intend to use the reverse stock split as a part of or a first step in a "going private" transaction within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act. There is no plan or contemplated plan by us to take ourselves private at the date of this proxy statement.

 

Consequences of Not Obtaining Stockholder Approval of the Reverse Stock Split

 

If stockholder approval for the reverse stock split is not obtained, the number of shares of our common stock that are issued and outstanding will not change and the anticipated benefits of the reverse split described above under “Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split” will not be achieved.

 

Principal Effects of the Reverse Stock Split

 

A reverse stock split refers to a reduction in the number of outstanding shares of a class of a corporation's capital stock, which may be accomplished, as in this case, by reclassifying and combining all of our outstanding shares of common stock into a proportionately smaller number of shares. Each stockholder's proportionate ownership of outstanding shares of common stock would remain the same, subject to immaterial adjustments due to the issuance of an additional share in lieu of a fractional share. All shares of common stock will remain validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

After the effective date of the reverse stock split, our common stock will have a new committee on uniform securities identification procedures number, also known as a CUSIP number, which is a number used to identify our common stock. The common stock is currently registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, and we are subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The proposed reverse stock split will not affect the registration of our common stock under the Exchange Act.

 

Effect on Authorized but Unissued Shares

 

The reverse stock split will have the effect of significantly increasing the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock available for issuance. The number of shares of common stock that we are authorized to issue will not be decreased and will remain at 170,000,000. Because the number of outstanding shares will be reduced as a result of the reverse stock split, the number of shares available for future issuance by us will be increased. We currently have 103,901,518 authorized and unissued shares, of which 90,038,417 are currently reserved for issuance. Assuming a reverse stock split ratio of 1-for-5, upon completion of the reverse stock split we expect to have approximately 156,780,304 authorized and unissued shares, of which approximately 18,007,683 shares will be reserved for issuance.

 

Certain Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split

 

A reverse stock split could result in a significant devaluation of our market capitalization and the trading price of our common stock.

 

We cannot assure you that the reverse stock split, if implemented, will increase the market price of our common stock in proportion to the reduction in the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock or result in a permanent increase in the market price. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock after the reverse stock split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the reverse stock split and, in the future, the market price of our common stock following the reverse stock split may not exceed or remain higher than the market price prior to the reverse stock split.

 

 
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The effect the reverse stock split may have upon the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and the history of similar reverse stock splits for companies in similar circumstances to ours is varied. The market price of our common stock is dependent on many factors, including our business and financial performance, general market conditions, prospects for future success and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC. If the reverse stock split is implemented and the market price of our common stock declines, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of the reverse stock split.

 

The reverse stock split may result in some stockholders owning "odd lots" that may be more difficult to sell or require greater transaction costs per share to sell.

 

The reverse stock split may result in some stockholders owning "odd lots" of less than 100 shares of common stock on a post-split basis. These odd lots may be more difficult to sell, or require greater transaction costs per share to sell, than shares in "round lots" of even multiples of 100 shares.

 

The reduced number of shares of common stock resulting from a reverse stock split could adversely affect the liquidity of our common stock.

 

Although our board of directors believes that the decrease in the number of shares of common stock outstanding as a consequence of the reverse stock split and the anticipated increase in the market price of common stock could encourage interest in our common stock and possibly promote greater liquidity for our stockholders, such liquidity could also be adversely affected by the reduced number of shares outstanding after the reverse stock split.

 

Ratio for the Reverse Stock Split

 

Our board of directors believes that stockholder approval of a range of potential exchange ratios, rather than a single exchange ratio, is in the best interests of our stockholders because it provides our board of directors with the flexibility to achieve the desired results of the reverse stock split, and because it is not possible to predict market conditions at the time the reverse stock split would be implemented. If the stockholders approve this proposal, our board of directors will carry out a reverse stock split only upon our board of directors’ determination that a reverse stock split would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders at that time.  Our board of directors would then set the ratio for the reverse stock split in an amount that it determines is advisable and in the best interests of our stockholders considering relevant market conditions at the time the reverse stock split is to be implemented.

 

In determining the ratio, following receipt of stockholder approval (if received), our board of directors may consider, among other things:

 

 

the historical prices and trading volume of our common stock;

 

 

the then-prevailing trading price and trading volume of our common stock;

 

 

the anticipated impact of the reverse stock split on the trading market for our common stock;

 

 

the outlook for the trading price of our common stock;

 

 

the historic and then-prevailing trading prices of our competitors’ common stock;

  

 
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any threshold prices of brokerage houses or institutional investors that could impact their ability to invest or recommend investments in our common stock; and

 

 

then-prevailing market and economic conditions.

 

Our board of directors intends to select a reverse stock split ratio that it believes will be most likely to achieve the anticipated benefits of the reverse stock split described above.

 

Our board of directors considered all of the foregoing factors and determined that affecting a reverse stock split is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.  As noted above, even if our stockholders approve Proposal No. 1, thereby authorizing our board of directors to effect the reverse stock split, our board of directors reserves the right to not affect the reverse stock split if our board of directors determines that not proceeding with the reverse stock split is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

 

Anti-Takeover and Dilutive Effects

 

The purpose of maintaining our authorized common stock at 170,000,000 after the reverse stock split is to facilitate our ability to raise additional capital to support our operations or for other corporate purposes, not to establish any barriers to a change of control or acquisition of the Company. Shares of common stock that are authorized but unissued provide us with flexibility to effect, among other transactions, public or private financings, subscription rights offerings, mergers, acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits and the granting of equity incentive awards. However, the increase in the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance could, under certain circumstances, be construed as having an anti-takeover effect. For example, in the event a person seeks to effect a change in the composition of our board of directors or contemplates a tender offer or other transaction involving the combination of our Company with another company, it may be possible for us to impede the attempt by issuing additional shares of common stock, thereby diluting the voting power of the other outstanding shares and increasing the potential cost to acquire control of our company. By potentially discouraging initiation of any such unsolicited takeover attempt, the availability of a substantial number of authorized but unissued shares may limit the opportunity for our stockholders to dispose of their shares at the higher price generally available in takeover attempts or that may be available under a merger proposal. The proposed amendment may also have the effect of permitting our current management, including our Board of directors, to retain its position indefinitely and place it in a better position to resist changes that our stockholders may wish to make if they are dissatisfied with the conduct of our business.

 

Our board of directors did not propose this amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation in response to any effort known to the board of directors to accumulate common stock or to obtain control of our Company by means of a merger, tender offer or solicitation in opposition to management. In addition, this proposal is not part of any plan by management to recommend a series of similar amendments to our stockholders. Finally, our board of directors does not currently contemplate recommending the adoption of any other amendments to our Certificate of Incorporation that could be construed as affecting the ability of third parties to take over or change the control of our Company.

 

In addition, the issuance of additional shares of common stock for any of the corporate purposes listed above could have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and the book or market value of our outstanding common stock, depending on the circumstances, and would likely dilute a stockholder's percentage voting power in the Company. Holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution.

 

 
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Effect on Fractional Stockholders

 

No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, we intend to round fractional shares up to the next whole share.

 

Effect on Beneficial Stockholders

 

If you hold shares of common stock in "street name" through an intermediary, we will treat your common stock in the same manner as stockholders whose shares are registered in their own names. Intermediaries will be instructed to affect the reverse stock split for their customers holding common stock in street name. However, these intermediaries may have different procedures for processing a reverse stock split. If you hold shares of common stock in street name, we encourage you to contact your intermediaries.

 

Registered "Book-Entry" Holders of Common Stock

 

If you hold shares of common stock electronically in book-entry form with our transfer agent, you do not currently have and will not be issued stock certificates evidencing your ownership after the reverse stock split, and you do not need to take action to receive post-reverse stock split shares. If you are entitled to post-reverse stock split shares, a transaction statement will automatically be sent to you indicating the number of shares of common stock held following the reverse stock split.

 

Effect on Registered Stockholders Holding Certificates

 

Some of our registered stockholders hold all of their shares in certificate form or a combination of certificate and book-entry form. If any of your shares are held in certificate form (the “Old Certificates”) before the effective time of the reverse stock split, you do not need to take any action to exchange your Old Certificates unless you want to make a sale or transfer of your shares. On request, after the effective time we will issue new certificates (the “New Certificates”) to anyone who holds Old Certificates in exchange therefor. Any request for New Certificates into a name different from that of the registered holder will be subject to normal stock transfer requirements and fees, including proper endorsement and signature guarantee, if required. No New Certificates will be issued to a stockholder until the stockholder has surrendered all Old Certificates to our transfer agent. Stockholders will then receive one or more New Certificates representing the number of whole shares of common stock to which they are entitled to as a result of the reverse stock split. Until surrendered, we will deem outstanding Old Certificates held by stockholders to be cancelled and only to represent the number of whole post-reverse stock split shares of common stock to which these stockholders are entitled.

 

Any Old Certificates submitted for exchange, whether because of a sale, transfer or other disposition of stock, will automatically be exchanged for New Certificates. If an Old Certificate has one or more restrictive legends on the back of the Old Certificate, the New Certificate will be issued with the same restrictive legends that are on the back of the Old Certificates.

 

Effect on Outstanding Options, Warrants and Convertible Preferred Stock

 

Upon a reverse stock split, all outstanding options, warrants, convertible preferred stock, and future or contingent rights to acquire common stock will be adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. With respect to all outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock, the number of shares of common stock that such holders may purchase upon exercise of such options or warrants will decrease, and the exercise prices of such options or warrants will increase, in proportion to the fraction by which the number of shares of common stock underlying such options and warrants are reduced as a result of the reverse stock split. With respect to outstanding convertible preferred stock, including the Series A-1 Shares and Series B-1 Shares, the conversion prices of these shares will be proportionally increased. In addition, the number of shares reserved for issuance upon exercise or conversion of outstanding options, warrants and convertible preferred stock would be reduced proportionally based on the ratio of the reverse stock split.

 

 
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Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Stock Split

 

If our stockholders approve this proposal, and the board of directors elects to effect the reverse stock split, we will effect the reverse stock split by filing the Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The reverse stock split will become effective, and the combination of, and reduction in, the number of our outstanding shares as a result of the reverse stock split will occur automatically, at the time of the filing of the Certificate of Amendment (referred to as the “effective time”), without any action on the part of our stockholders and without regard to the date that stock certificates representing any certificated shares prior to the reverse stock split are physically surrendered for new stock certificates. Beginning at the effective time, each certificate representing pre-reverse stock split shares will be deemed for all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of post-reverse stock split shares. The text of the Certificate of Amendment is subject to modification to include such changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and as the board of directors deems necessary and advisable to effect the reverse stock split.

 

The board of directors reserves the right, notwithstanding stockholder approval and without further action by the stockholders, to elect not to proceed with the reverse stock split if, at any time prior to filing the Certificate of Amendment, the board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to proceed with the reverse stock split. By voting in favor of the reverse stock split, you are also expressly authorizing the board of directors to delay or abandon the reverse stock split.

 

Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split

 

The following is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split to our stockholders. This summary does not purport to be a complete discussion of all of the possible federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split and is included for general information only. Further, it does not address any state, local or foreign income or other tax consequences. Also, it does not address the tax consequences to stockholders that are subject to special tax rules, such as banks, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, personal holding companies, foreign entities, nonresident alien individuals, broker-dealers and tax-exempt entities. Other stockholders may also be subject to special tax rules, including but not limited to: stockholders that received common stock as compensation for services or pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option, or stockholders who have held, or will hold, stock as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction for federal income tax purposes. This summary also assumes that you are a United States holder (defined below) who has held, and will hold, shares of common stock as a “capital asset,” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), i.e., generally, property held for investment. Finally, the following discussion does not address the tax consequences of transactions occurring prior to or after the reverse stock split (whether or not such transactions are in connection with the reverse stock split), including, without limitation, the exercise of options or rights to purchase common stock in anticipation of the reverse stock split.

 

The tax treatment of a stockholder may vary depending upon the particular facts and circumstances of such stockholder. You should consult with your own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of the reverse stock split. As used herein, the term United States holder means a stockholder that is, for federal income tax purposes: a citizen or resident of the United States; a corporation or other entity taxed as a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state, including the District of Columbia; an estate the income of which is subject to federal income tax regardless of its source; or a trust that (i) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one of more U.S. persons or (ii) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

 
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The following discussion is based on the Code, applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date hereof. The Internal Revenue Service could adopt a contrary position. In addition, future legislative, judicial or administrative changes or interpretations could adversely affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth herein. Any such changes or interpretations could be applied retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described herein. No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or opinion of counsel has been obtained in connection with the reverse stock split.

 

No gain or loss should be recognized by a stockholder upon such stockholder’s exchange of pre-reverse stock split shares of common stock for post-reverse stock split shares of common stock pursuant to the reverse stock split. The aggregate tax basis of the post-reverse stock split shares received in the reverse stock split (including any whole share received in exchange for a fractional share) will be the same as the stockholder’s aggregate tax basis in the pre-reverse stock split shares exchanged therefore. The stockholder’s holding period for the post-reverse stock split shares will include the period during which the stockholder held the pre-reverse stock split shares surrendered in the reverse stock split.

 

THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DISCUSSION OF ALL POTENTIAL TAX EFFECTS RELEVANT THERETO. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT IN LIGHT OF YOUR SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

Accounting Matters

 

The par value of the common stock will remain unchanged at $0.0001 per share after the reverse stock split. As a result, our stated capital, which consists of the par value per share of the common stock multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of the common stock issued and outstanding, will be reduced proportionately at the effective time of the reverse stock split. Correspondingly, our additional paid-in capital, which consists of the difference between our stated capital and the aggregate amount paid to us upon the issuance of all currently outstanding shares of common stock, will be increased by a number equal to the decrease in stated capital. Further, net loss per share, book value per share and other per share amounts will be increased as a result of the reverse stock split because there will be fewer shares of common stock outstanding.

 

Required Vote

 

In accordance with Delaware law, approval and adoption of Proposal 1 requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, Series A-1 Shares, and Series B-1 Shares, voting together as a single class. Shares represented by valid proxies and not revoked will be voted at the meeting in accordance with the instructions given. If no voting instructions are given, such shares will be voted "FOR" this proposal. 

 

 
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Board Recommendation

 

After careful consideration, our board of directors has determined that the reverse stock split is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and recommends that you vote "FOR" the approval of the reverse stock split.

 

 

PROPOSAL 2

 

APPROVAL OF BIO-KEY INTERNATIONAL, INC. 2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 

 

Overview

 

The BIO-key International, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) was adopted by our board of directors on December 4, 2015. In this Proposal 2, our board of directors is requesting stockholder approval of the 2015 Plan.

 

Reasons to Approve the 2015 Plan

 

Our board of directors believes that the approval of the 2015 Plan is necessary to enable us to efficiently grant stock options and other awards to our employees at levels reasonably necessary to attract, retain and motivate talent. The 2015 Plan will also allow us to utilize a broad array of equity incentives to secure and retain the services of our employees and non-employee directors, and to provide long term incentives that align the interests of employees and non-employee directors with the interests of our stockholders. Approval of the 2015 Plan will also allow us to issue incentive stock options, or ISOs. Finally, as described in Item 1 above, if the reverse stock split is approved and we otherwise satisfy the initial listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, we intend to make application to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market. In the event that our application is approved, we would not be able to issue equity awards to our directors, officers, employees or consultants unless the 2015 Plan has been approved by our stockholders.

 

If this Proposal 2 is not approved by our stockholders, the 2015 Plan will remain in place, however, we will not be able to issue ISOs under the 2015 Plan.

 

Information Regarding Outstanding Options

 

The following table provides certain additional information regarding our outstanding options as of September 30, 2015.

 

Total number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options:

4,378,832

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding stock options:

$0.33

Weighted-average remaining term of outstanding stock options:

4.77 years

Common stock outstanding at September 30, 2015:

66,098,482

 

Description of the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan

 

The material features of the 2015 Plan are outlined below. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the 2015 Plan. Stockholders are urged to read the actual text of the 2015 Plan in its entirety, which is appended to this proxy statement as Appendix B, and which may be accessed from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. References to the Code below refer to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder. All share figures set forth below refer to pre-split shares.

 

 
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Types of Awards

 

The terms of the 2015 Plan provide for the grant of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, stock appreciation rights, other stock awards, and performance awards that may be settled in stock, or other property.

 

Share Reserve

 

If this Proposal 2 is approved, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be issued pursuant to stock awards under the 2015 Plan will not exceed 8,000,000 shares. If a stock award granted under the 2015 Plan, or any portion thereof, expires or otherwise terminates without all of the shares covered by the stock award having been issued, such expiration, termination or settlement will not reduce or otherwise offset the number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan. Additionally, shares issued pursuant to stock awards granted under the 2015 Plan that are forfeited back to us because of the failure to vest, will become available again for issuance under the 2015 Plan.

 

Eligibility

 

All of our employees, non-employee directors, and consultants are eligible to participate in the 2015 Plan and may receive all types of awards; provided that incentive stock options may be granted under the 2015 Plan only to our employees (including officers) and employees of our affiliates.

 

Grant Limits

 

A maximum of 400,000 shares of our common stock may be granted to any one participant during any one calendar year pursuant to stock options, stock appreciation rights or other stock awards.

 

Administration

 

The 2015 Plan is administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors. Our compensation committee is considered to be the “plan administrator” for purposes of this Proposal. Subject to the terms of the 2015 Plan, the plan administrator may determine the recipients, numbers and types of awards to be granted, and terms and conditions of the awards, including the period of their exercisability and vesting. Subject to the limitations set forth below, the plan administrator also determines the fair market value applicable to a stock award and the exercise price of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the 2015 Plan.

 

Stock Options

 

Stock options may be granted under the 2015 Plan pursuant to stock option agreements. The 2015 Plan permits the grant of stock options that qualify as incentive stock options, or ISOs, and nonstatutory stock options, or NSOs. Individual stock option agreements may be more restrictive as to any or all of the permissible terms described in this section.

 

The exercise price of NSOs may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock subject to the stock option on the date of grant. The exercise price of ISOs may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock subject to the stock option on the date of grant and, in some cases (see “Limitations or Incentive Stock Options” below), may not be less than 110% of such fair market value.

 

 
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The term of stock options granted under the 2015 Plan may not exceed ten years and, in some cases (see “Limitations or Incentive Stock Options” below), may not exceed five years. Except as explicitly provided otherwise in an optionholder’s stock option agreement, stock options granted under the 2015 Plan generally terminate three months after termination of the optionholder’s service unless (i) termination is due to the optionholder’s disability, in which case the stock option may be exercised (to the extent the stock option was exercisable at the time of the termination of service) at any time within 12 months following termination; (ii) the optionholder dies before the optionholder’s service has terminated, or within the period (if any) specified in the stock option agreement after termination of service for a reason other than death, in which case the stock option may be exercised (to the extent the stock option was exercisable at the time of the optionholder’s death) within 18 months following the optionholder’s death by the person or persons to whom the rights to such stock option have passed; (iii) the optionholder is terminated for cause in which case the stock option will cease to be exercisable immediately upon the optionholder’s termination, or (iv) the stock option by its terms specifically provides otherwise. In addition, the plan administrator may grant options with different terms. A stock option term may be extended in the event that exercise of the stock option following termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws or if the sale of stock received upon exercise of a stock option would violate our insider trading policy. In no event may a stock option be exercised after its original expiration date.

 

Acceptable forms of consideration for the purchase of our common stock pursuant to the exercise of a stock option under the 2015 Plan will be determined by the plan administrator and may include (i) cash, check, bank draft or money order made payable to us, (ii) payment pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, (iii) common stock previously owned by the optionholder, (iv) a net exercise feature (for NSOs only), or (v) other legal consideration approved by the plan administrator.

 

Stock options granted under the 2015 Plan may become exercisable in cumulative increments, or “vest,” as determined by the plan administrator at the rate specified in the stock option agreement. Shares covered by different stock options granted under the 2015 Plan may be subject to different vesting schedules as the plan administrator may determine. The plan administrator also has flexibility to provide for accelerated vesting of stock options in certain events.

 

Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise, an optionholder generally may not transfer a stock option other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or a domestic relations order with the approval of the plan administrator or a duly authorized officer. Additionally, an optionholder may, with the approval of the plan administrator or a duly authorized officer, designate a beneficiary who may exercise the stock option following the optionholder’s death.

 

Limitations on Incentive Stock Options

 

The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of shares of our common stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by an optionholder during any calendar year under all of our stock plans may not exceed $100,000. The stock options or portions of stock options that exceed this limit are treated as NSOs. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of our total combined voting power or that of any affiliate unless the following conditions are satisfied:

 

 

the exercise price of the ISO must be at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the ISO on the date of grant; and

 

 

the term of the ISO must not exceed five years from the date of grant.

 

The aggregate maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs granted under the 2015 Plan is 8,000,000 shares.

 

 
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Repricing; Cancellation and Re-Grant of Stock Awards

 

Under the 2015 Plan, the plan administrator does not have the authority to reprice any outstanding stock option, stock appreciation right or other stock award by reducing the exercise, purchase or strike price of the stock option, stock appreciation right or other stock award, or to cancel any outstanding stock option, stock appreciation right or other stock award that has an exercise price greater than the current fair market value of our common stock in exchange for cash or other stock awards without obtaining the approval of our stockholders within 12 months prior to the repricing or cancellation and re-grant event.

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

Restricted stock awards may be granted under the 2015 Plan pursuant to restricted stock award agreements. A restricted stock award may be granted in consideration for cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to us, the recipient’s services performed for us or an affiliate of ours, or any other form of legal consideration acceptable to the plan administrator. Shares of our common stock acquired under a restricted stock award may be subject to forfeiture to us in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the plan administrator. Rights to acquire shares of our common stock under a restricted stock award may be transferred only upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the restricted stock award agreement. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable restricted stock award agreement, restricted stock awards that have not vested will be forfeited upon the participant’s termination of continuous service for any reason.

 

Restricted Stock Unit Awards

 

Restricted stock unit awards may be granted under the 2015 Plan pursuant to restricted stock unit award agreements. Payment of any purchase price may be made in any legal form acceptable to the plan administrator. We will settle a payment due to a recipient of a restricted stock unit award by delivery of shares of our common stock, by cash, by a combination of cash and stock, or in any other form of consideration determined by the plan administrator and set forth in the restricted stock unit award agreement. Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of our common stock covered by a restricted stock unit award. Restricted stock unit awards may be subject to vesting in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the plan administrator. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable restricted stock unit award agreement, restricted stock units that have not vested will be forfeited upon the participant’s termination of continuous service for any reason.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

Stock appreciation rights may be granted under the 2015 Plan pursuant to stock appreciation right agreements. Each stock appreciation right is denominated in common stock share equivalents. The strike price of each stock appreciation right will be determined by the plan administrator but will in no event be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the stock appreciation right at the time of grant. The plan administrator may also impose restrictions or conditions upon the vesting of stock appreciation rights that it deems appropriate. Stock appreciation rights may be paid in our common stock, in cash, in a combination of cash and stock, or in any other form of legal consideration approved by the plan administrator and set forth in the stock appreciation right agreement. Stock appreciation rights will be subject to the same conditions upon termination and restrictions on transfer as stock options under the 2015 Plan.

 

Performance Awards

 

The 2015 Plan allows us to grant stock based performance awards that may qualify as performance-based compensation that is not subject to the $1 million limitation on the income tax deductibility of compensation paid per covered employee imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code. Performance awards may be granted, vest or be exercised based upon the attainment during a specified period of time of specified performance goals. The length of any performance period, the performance goals to be achieved during the performance period, and the measure of whether and to what degree such performance goals have been attained will be determined by our compensation committee, except that our board of directors also may make any such determinations to the extent that the award is not intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

 
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In granting a performance award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, our compensation committee will set a period of time, or a performance period, over which the attainment of one or more goals, or performance goals, will be measured. Within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code, at a time when the achievement of the performance goals remains substantially uncertain (typically no later than the earlier of the 90th day of a performance period and the date on which 25% of the performance period has elapsed), our compensation committee will establish the performance goals, based upon one or more criteria, or performance criteria, enumerated in the 2015 Plan and described below. As soon as administratively practicable following the end of the performance period, our compensation committee will certify (in writing) whether the performance goals have been satisfied.

 

Performance goals under the 2015 Plan will be based on any one or more of the following performance criteria: (1) earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); (2) earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; (3) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; (4) total stockholder return; (5) return on equity or average stockholder’s equity; (6) return on assets, investment, or capital employed; (7) stock price; (8) margin (including gross margin); (9) income (before or after taxes); (10) operating income; (11) operating income after taxes; (12) pre-tax profit; (13) operating cash flow; (14) sales or revenue targets; (15) increases in revenue or product revenue; (16) expenses and cost reduction goals; (17) improvement in or attainment of working capital levels; (18) economic value added (or an equivalent metric); (19) market share; (20) cash flow; (21) cash flow per share; (22) share price performance; (23) debt reduction; (24) implementation or completion of projects or processes; (25) customer satisfaction; (26) stockholders’ equity; (27) capital expenditures; (28) debt levels; (29) operating profit or net operating profit; (30) workforce diversity; (31) growth of net income or operating income; and (32) to the extent that an Award is not intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, other measures of performance selected by the plan administrator.

 

Performance goals may be based on a company-wide basis and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. In establishing a performance goal, our compensation committee (and our board of directors, to the extent that an award is not intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code) may provide that performance will be appropriately adjusted as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; and (5) to exclude the effects of any “extraordinary items” as determined under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the plan administrator retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of performance goals and to define the manner of calculating the performance criteria it selects to use for a performance period.

 

Other Stock Awards

 

Other forms of stock awards valued in whole or in part with reference to our common stock may be granted either alone or in addition to other stock awards under the 2015 Plan. The plan administrator will have sole and complete authority to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such other stock awards will be granted, the number of shares of our common stock to be granted and all other conditions of such other stock awards. Other forms of stock awards may be subject to vesting in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the plan administrator.

 

 
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Clawback/Recovery

 

Stock awards granted under the 2015 Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy we may be required to adopt pursuant to applicable law and listing requirements. In addition, our board of directors may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in any stock award agreement as it determines necessary or appropriate.

 

Changes to Capital Structure

 

In the event of certain capitalization adjustments (including the proposed reverse stock-split), the plan administrator will appropriately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the 2015 Plan; (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs; (iii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities that may be awarded to any person pursuant to Section 162(m) limits; and (iv) the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of stock subject to outstanding stock awards.

 

Corporate Transactions

 

In the event of certain specified corporate transactions, the plan administrator will have the discretion to take one or more of the following actions with respect to outstanding stock awards (contingent upon the closing or completion of such transaction), unless otherwise provided in the stock award agreement or other written agreement with the participant or unless otherwise provided by the plan administrator at the time of grant:

 

 

arrange for the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) to assume or continue the award or to substitute a similar stock award for the award (including an award to acquire the same consideration paid to our stockholders pursuant to the transaction);

 

 

arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to the stock award to the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company);

     

 

accelerate the vesting (and, if applicable, the exercisability) of the stock award and provide for its termination prior to the effective time of the transaction;

 

 

arrange for the lapse, in whole or in part, of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to the award;

 

 

cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the stock award, to the extent not vested or exercised prior to the effective time of the transaction, in exchange for such cash consideration or no consideration, as our board of directors may consider appropriate; and

 

 

make a payment, in such form as may be determined by our board of directors, equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the value of the property the participant would have received upon the exercise of the stock award immediately prior to the effective time of the transaction, over (ii) any exercise price payable in connection with such exercise.

 

The plan administrator is not obligated to treat all stock awards or portions of stock awards in the same manner. The plan administrator may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of a stock award.

 

For purposes of the 2015 Plan, a corporate transaction generally means the consummation of (i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our consolidated assets, (ii) a sale or other disposition of at least 90% of our outstanding securities, (iii) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which we are not the surviving corporation, or (iv) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which we are the surviving corporation but the shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction are converted or exchanged into other property by virtue of the transaction.

 

 
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Change in Control

 

In the event of a change in control, a stock award under the 2015 Plan may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability as may be provided in the stock award agreement for such stock award or as may be provided in any other written agreement between the participant and us or any of our affiliates.

 

A change in control generally means (i) the acquisition by a person or entity of more than 50% of our combined voting power other than by merger, consolidation or similar transaction; (ii) a consummated merger, consolidation or similar transaction immediately after which our stockholders cease to own more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity; (iii) a complete dissolution or liquidation of the company, except for a liquidation into a parent corporation; (iv) a consummated sale, lease or exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially of our consolidated assets; or (v) when a majority of our board of directors becomes composed of individuals whose nomination, appointment, or election was not approved by a majority of our board members or their approved successors.

 

Plan Amendments and Termination

 

Our board of directors will have the authority to amend or terminate the 2015 Plan at any time. However, except as otherwise provided in the 2015 Plan, no amendment or termination of the 2015 Plan may materially impair any rights under awards already granted to a participant unless agreed to by the affected participant. We will obtain stockholder approval of any amendment to the 2015 Plan as required by applicable law and listing requirements. No ISOs may be granted under the 2015 Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date the 2015 Plan was adopted by our board of directors. Unless terminated sooner by our board of birectors, the 2015 Plan will automatically terminate on December 3, 2025.  

 

New Plan Benefits

 

 All future grants under the 2015 Plan are within the discretion of the compensation committee. For this reason, the benefits that will be received by or allocated to any person or group of persons under the 2015 Plan in future periods is not presently determinable.

 

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The information set forth below is a summary only and does not purport to be complete. The information is based upon current federal income tax rules and therefore is subject to change when those rules change. Because the tax consequences to any recipient may depend on his or her particular situation, each recipient should consult the recipient’s tax adviser regarding the federal, state, local, and other tax consequences of the grant or exercise of an award or the disposition of stock acquired as a result of an award. The 2015 Plan is not qualified under the provisions of Section 401(a) of the Code and is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Our ability to realize the benefit of any tax deductions described below depends on our generation of taxable income as well as the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction of our tax reporting obligations.

 

Nonstatutory Stock Options

 

Generally, there is no taxation upon the grant of an NSO if the stock option is granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date. On exercise, an optionholder will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value on the date of exercise of the stock over the exercise price. If the optionholder is employed by us or one of our affiliates, that income will be subject to withholding taxes. The optionholder’s tax basis in those shares will be equal to their fair market value on the date of exercise of the stock option, and the optionholder’s capital gain holding period for those shares will begin on that date.

 

 
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Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the optionholder.

 

Incentive Stock Options

 

The 2015 Plan provides for the grant of stock options that qualify as “incentive stock options,” as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Under the Code, an optionholder generally is not subject to ordinary income tax upon the grant or exercise of an ISO. If the optionholder holds a share received on exercise of an ISO for more than two years from the date the stock option was granted and more than one year from the date the stock option was exercised, which is referred to as the required holding period, the difference, if any, between the amount realized on a sale or other taxable disposition of that share and the holder’s tax basis in that share will be long-term capital gain or loss.

 

If, however, an optionholder disposes of a share acquired on exercise of an ISO before the end of the required holding period, which is referred to as a disqualifying disposition, the optionholder generally will recognize ordinary income in the year of the disqualifying disposition equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the share on the date the ISO was exercised over the exercise price. However, if the sales proceeds are less than the fair market value of the share on the date of exercise of the stock option, the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionholder will not exceed the gain, if any, realized on the sale. If the amount realized on a disqualifying disposition exceeds the fair market value of the share on the date of exercise of the stock option, that excess will be short-term or long-term capital gain, depending on whether the holding period for the share exceeds one year.

 

For purposes of the alternative minimum tax, the amount by which the fair market value of a share of stock acquired on exercise of an ISO exceeds the exercise price of that stock option generally will be an adjustment included in the optionholder’s alternative minimum taxable income for the year in which the stock option is exercised. If, however, there is a disqualifying disposition of the share in the year in which the stock option is exercised, there will be no adjustment for alternative minimum tax purposes with respect to that share. In computing alternative minimum taxable income, the tax basis of a share acquired on exercise of an ISO is increased by the amount of the adjustment taken into account with respect to that share for alternative minimum tax purposes in the year the stock option is exercised.

 

We are not allowed an income tax deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of an ISO or the disposition of a share acquired on exercise of an ISO after the required holding period. If there is a disqualifying disposition of a share, however, we are allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income includible in income by the optionholder, subject to Section 162(m) of the Code and provided that amount constitutes an ordinary and necessary business expense for us and is reasonable in amount, and either the employee includes that amount in income or we timely satisfy our reporting requirements with respect to that amount.

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

Generally, the recipient of a restricted stock award will recognize ordinary income at the time the stock is received equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock received over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. If, however, the stock is not vested when it is received (for example, if the employee is required to work for a period of time in order to have the right to sell the stock), the recipient generally will not recognize income until the stock becomes vested, at which time the recipient will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock on the date it becomes vested over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. A recipient may, however, file an election with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days following his or her receipt of the stock award, to recognize ordinary income, as of the date the recipient receives the award, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock on the date the award is granted over any amount paid by the recipient for the stock.

 

 
20

 

 

The recipient’s basis for the determination of gain or loss upon the subsequent disposition of shares acquired from stock awards will be the amount paid for such shares plus any ordinary income recognized either when the stock is received or when the stock becomes vested.

 

Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the stock award.

 

Restricted Stock Unit Awards

 

Generally, the recipient of a stock unit structured to conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or an exception to Section 409A of the Code will recognize ordinary income at the time the stock is delivered equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares of our common stock received over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the shares of our common stock. To conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the shares of our common stock subject to a stock unit award may generally only be delivered upon one of the following events: a fixed calendar date (or dates), separation from service, death, disability or a change in control. If delivery occurs on another date, unless the stock units otherwise comply with or qualify for an exception to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, in addition to the tax treatment described above, the recipient will owe an additional 20% federal tax and interest on any taxes owed.

 

The recipient’s basis for the determination of gain or loss upon the subsequent disposition of shares acquired from stock units will be the amount paid for such shares plus any ordinary income recognized when the stock is delivered.

 

Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the stock award.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

We may grant under the 2015 Plan stock appreciation rights separate from any other award or in tandem with other awards under the 2015 Plan.

 

Where the stock appreciation rights are granted with a strike price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date, the recipient will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the stock or cash received upon such exercise. Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the stock appreciation right.

 

Required Vote

 

In accordance with Delaware law, approval of Proposal 2 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock, Series A-1 Shares, and Series B-1 Shares, voting together as a single class, present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. Shares represented by valid proxies and not revoked will be voted at the meeting in accordance with the instructions given. If no voting instructions are given, such shares will be voted "FOR" this proposal.

 

 
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Board Recommendation

 

After careful consideration, the board of directors has determined that the approval of the 2015 Plan is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and recommends that you vote "FOR" the approval of the reverse stock split.

 

 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, stockholders may present proposals for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy for consideration at the next annual meeting of our stockholders by submitting their proposals to us in a timely manner. We did not hold an annual meeting in 2015. In order for a proposal by one of our stockholders to be included in our proxy statement and form of proxy for our next annual meeting, the proposal must be received by us within a reasonable time before we begin printing and mailing our proxy statement and form of proxy relating to such meeting, and must comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8. All stockholder proposals should be sent to: BIO-key International, Inc., 3349 Highway 138, Building A, Suite E, Wall, NJ 07719.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

As of the date of this proxy statement, our board of directors knows of no matter not specifically referred to above as to which any action is expected to be taken at the meeting. The person named in the enclosed proxy, or his substitutes, will vote the proxies, insofar as the same are not limited to the contrary, in his best judgment, in regard to such other matters and the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought at the meeting.

 

 

BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael W. DePasquale 

 

 

Michael W. DePasquale

Chief Executive Officer

Dated: December 15, 2015

 

 
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Appendix A

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

TO THE

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

BIO-KEY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 ________________

 

Pursuant to Section 242 of the

General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware 

________________

 

 

BIO-key International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify as follows:

 

FIRST: Upon the filing and effectiveness (the “Effective Time”) pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) of this Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, each [____] shares of the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation in treasury stock immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically be combined into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock without any further action by the Corporation or the holder thereof, subject to the treatment of fractional interests as described below. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, no fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. Stockholders of record who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares, will be entitled to rounding up of their fractional share to the nearest whole share. No stockholder will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares. Each certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares of Common Stock (the “Old Certificates”) shall thereafter represent that number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock represented by the Old Certificate shall have been combined, subject to the adjustment for fractional shares as described above.

 

SECOND: The foregoing amendment was duly adopted in accordance with Section 242 of the DGCL.

 

THIRD: This Certificate of Amendment shall become effective upon filing.

 

[signature page follows]

 

 
A-1

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by its undersigned officer this ___ day of ________________, 2016.

 

 

BIO-KEY INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name: Michael W. DePasquale  

    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 
A-2

 

 

Appendix B

 

 

2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

BIO-KEY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: DECEMBER 4, 2015

APPROVED BY STOCKHOLDERS: ________, 2016

TERMINATION DATE: DECEMBER 3, 2025

 

1.            GENERAL.

 

(a)     Eligible Award Recipients. The persons eligible to receive Awards are Employees, Directors and Consultants.

 

(b)     Available Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options, (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options, (iii) Stock Appreciation Rights (iv) Restricted Stock Awards, (v) Restricted Stock Unit Awards, (vi) Performance Stock Awards, and (vii) Other Stock Awards.

 

(c)     Purpose. The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to secure and retain the services of the group of persons eligible to receive Awards as set forth in Section 1(a), to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any Affiliate and to provide a means by which such eligible recipients may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock through the granting of Awards.

 

2.            ADMINISTRATION.

 

(a)     Administration by Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board; provided, however, with respect to Awards to Non-Employee Directors, all references in the Plan to the Committee shall be deemed to be references to the Board.

 

(b)     Powers of Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, and in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, the Committee shall have full power and authority in its discretion:

 

(i)     To determine from time to time (A) which of the persons eligible under the Plan shall be granted Awards; (B) when and how each Award shall be granted; (C) what type or combination of types of Award shall be granted; (D) the provisions of each Award granted (which need not be identical), including the time or times when a person shall be permitted to receive cash or Common Stock pursuant to a Stock Award; (E) the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which a Stock Award shall be granted to each such person; and (F) the Fair Market Value applicable to a Stock Award.

 

(ii)     To construe and interpret the Plan and Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Award Agreement or in the written terms of a Performance Cash Award, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Award fully effective.

 

 
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(iii)     To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Awards granted under it.

 

(iv)     To accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.

 

(v)     To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights and obligations under any Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.

 

(vi)     To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable, including, without limitation, by adopting amendments relating to Incentive Stock Options and certain nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and/or to bring the Plan or Awards granted under the Plan into compliance therewith, subject to the limitations, if any, of applicable law. However, except as provided in Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, to the extent required by applicable law or listing requirements, stockholder approval shall be required for any amendment of the Plan that either (A) materially increases the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan, (B) materially expands the class of individuals eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, (C) materially increases the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan or materially reduces the price at which shares of Common Stock may be issued or purchased under the Plan, (D) materially extends the term of the Plan, or (E) expands the types of Awards available for issuance under the Plan. Except as provided above, rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.

 

(vii)     To submit any amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments to the Plan intended to satisfy the requirements of (A) Section 162(m) of the Code regarding the exclusion of performance-based compensation from the limit on corporate deductibility of compensation paid to Covered Employees, (B) Section 422 of the Code regarding “incentive stock options” or (C) Rule 16b-3.

 

(viii)     To approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable to the Participant than previously provided in the Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion; provided however, that except with respect to amendments that disqualify or impair the status of an Incentive Stock Option, a Participant’s rights under any Award shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (A) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (B) such Participant consents in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the limitations of applicable law, if any, the Board may amend the terms of any one or more Awards without the affected Participant’s consent if necessary to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option or to bring the Award into compliance with Section 409A of the Code.

 

(ix)     Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Awards.

 

(x)     To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Plan by Employees, Directors or Consultants who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States.

 

 
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(c)     Section 162(m) and Rule 16b-3 Compliance. The Committee may consist solely of two or more Outside Directors, in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, or solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors, in accordance with Rule 16b-3, in each case who each also satisfy the requirements to serve on the Compensation Committee prescribed by the principal securities market on which the Company’s securities are traded.

 

(d)     Effect of Committee’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Committee or the Board in good faith shall not be subject to review by any person and shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

 

(e)     Cancellation and Re-Grant of Stock Awards. Neither the Board nor any Committee shall have the authority to: (i) reduce the exercise price of any outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan, or (ii) cancel any outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights that have an exercise price or strike price greater than the current Fair Market Value of the Common Stock in exchange for cash or other Stock Awards under the Plan, unless the stockholders of the Company have approved such an action within twelve (12) months prior to such an event.

 

3.            SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

 

(a)     Share Reserve. Subject to Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards from and after the Effective Date shall not exceed Eight Million (8,000,000) shares.

 

(b)     Reversion of Shares to the Share Reserve. If any shares of common stock issued pursuant to a Stock Award are forfeited back to the Company because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such shares in the Participant, then the shares that are forfeited shall revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan.

 

(c)     Incentive Stock Option Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3 and, subject to the provisions of Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall be Eight Million (8,000,000)] shares of Common Stock.

 

(d)     Limit. Subject to Section 9(a), the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to one or more Stock Awards that may be granted to any one person during any calendar year shall be 400,000.

 

(e)     Source of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan shall be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market or otherwise.

 

4.            ELIGIBILITY.

 

(a)     Eligibility for Specific Stock Awards. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof (as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code). Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants; provided, however, Nonstatutory Stock Options and SARs may not be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants who are providing Continuous Service only to any “parent” of the Company, as such term is defined in Rule 405, unless the stock underlying such Stock Awards is treated as “service recipient stock” under Section 409A of the Code because the Stock Awards are granted pursuant to a corporate transaction (such as a spin off transaction) or unless such Stock Awards comply with the distribution requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

 

 
B-3

 

 

(b)     Ten Percent Stockholders. A Ten Percent Stockholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant.

 

(c)     Section 162(m) Limitation on Annual Grants. Subject to the provisions of Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, at such time as the Company may be subject to the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, no Participant shall be eligible to be granted during any calendar year Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Stock Awards (whose value is determined by reference to an increase over an exercise or strike price of at least one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value on the date the Stock Award is granted) covering more than 400,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

5.            PROVISIONS RELATING TO OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

 

Each Option or SAR shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates shall be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. If an Option is not specifically designated as an Incentive Stock Option, then the Option shall be a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The provisions of separate Options or SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Option Agreement or Stock Appreciation Right Agreement shall conform to (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

(a)     Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Option or SAR shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant or such shorter period specified in the Award Agreement.

 

(b)     Exercise Price. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, the exercise price (or strike price) of each Option or SAR shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option or SAR on the date the Option or SAR is granted.

 

(c)     Purchase Price for Options. The purchase price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, by any combination of the methods of payment set forth below. The Committee shall have the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to utilize a particular method of payment. The permitted methods of payment are as follows:

 

(i)     by cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;

 

(ii)     pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of the stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;

 

 
B-4

 

 

(iii)     by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock;

 

(iv)     if the option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price; provided, however, that the Company shall accept a cash or other payment from the Participant to the extent of any remaining balance of the aggregate exercise price not satisfied by such reduction in the number of whole shares to be issued; provided, further, that shares of Common Stock will no longer be subject to an Option and will not be exercisable thereafter to the extent that (A) shares issuable upon exercise are reduced to pay the exercise price pursuant to the “net exercise,” (B) shares are delivered to the Participant as a result of such exercise, and (C) shares are withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations; or

 

(v)     in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board.

 

(d)     Exercise and Payment of a SAR. To exercise any outstanding Stock Appreciation Right, the Participant must provide written notice of exercise to the Company in compliance with the provisions of the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement evidencing such Stock Appreciation Right. The appreciation distribution payable on the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be not greater than an amount equal to the excess of (A) the aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date of the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right) of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Common Stock equivalents in which the Participant is vested under such Stock Appreciation Right, and with respect to which the Participant is exercising the Stock Appreciation Right on such date, over (B) the strike price that will be determined by the Board at the time of grant of the Stock Appreciation Right. The appreciation distribution in respect to a Stock Appreciation Right may be paid in Common Stock, in cash, in any combination of the two or in any other form of consideration, solely as determined by the Committee and contained in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement evidencing such Stock Appreciation Right.

 

(e)     Transferability of Options and SARs. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, impose such limitations on the transferability of Options and SARs as the Committee shall determine. In the absence of such a determination by the Committee to the contrary, the following restrictions on the transferability of Options and SARs shall apply:

 

(i)     Restrictions on Transfer. An Option or SAR shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant; provided, however, that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit transfer of the Option or SAR in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws upon the Participant’s request. Except as explicitly provided herein, neither an Option nor a SAR may be transferred for consideration.

 

(ii)     Domestic Relations Orders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option or SAR may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order; provided, however, that if an Option is an Incentive Stock Option, such Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer.

 

(iii)     Beneficiary Designation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form provided by or otherwise satisfactory to the Company and any broker designated by the Company to effect Option exercises, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Participant, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option or SAR and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such exercise. In the absence of such a designation, the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate shall be entitled to exercise the Option or SAR and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such exercise.

 

 
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(f)     Vesting Generally. The total number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or SAR may vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may or may not be equal. The Option or SAR may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may or may not be exercised (which may be based on the satisfaction of Performance Goals or other criteria) as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options or SARs may vary. The provisions of this Section 5(f) are subject to any Option or SAR provisions governing the minimum number of shares of Common Stock as to which an Option or SAR may be exercised.

 

(g)     Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates (other than for Cause or upon the Participant’s death or Disability), the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Award as of the date of termination of Continuous Service) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date three (3) months following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the applicable Award Agreement), or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option or SAR within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement (as applicable), the Option or SAR shall terminate.

 

(h)     Extension of Termination Date. If the exercise of an Option or SAR following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (other than for Cause or upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option or SAR shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a total period of three (3) months (that need not be consecutive) after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option or SAR would not be in violation of such registration requirements, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. In addition, unless otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement, if the sale of any Common Stock received upon exercise of an Option or SAR following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (other than for Cause) would violate the Company’s insider trading policy, then the Option or SAR shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a period equal to the applicable post-termination exercise period after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option or SAR would not be in violation of the Company’s insider trading policy, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

(i)     Disability of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or SAR as of the date of termination of Continuous Service), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date twelve (12) months following such termination of Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Award Agreement), or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option or SAR within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement (as applicable), the Option or SAR (as applicable) shall terminate.

 

(j)     Death of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if (i) a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s death, or (ii) the Participant dies within the period (if any) specified in the Award Agreement after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service for a reason other than death, then the Option or SAR may be exercised (to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or SAR as of the date of death) by the Participant’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option or SAR by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option or SAR upon the Participant’s death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (i) the date eighteen (18) months following the date of death (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Award Agreement), or (ii) the expiration of the term of such Option or SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after the Participant’s death, the Option or SAR is not exercised within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement (as applicable), the Option or SAR shall terminate.

 

 
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(k)     Termination for Cause. Except as explicitly provided otherwise in a Participant’s Award Agreement, if a Participant’s Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Option or SAR shall terminate upon the date on which the event giving rise to the termination occurred, and the Participant shall be prohibited from exercising his or her Option or SAR from and after the time of such termination of Continuous Service.

 

6.            PROVISIONS OF STOCK AWARDS OTHER THAN OPTIONS AND SARS.

 

(a)     Restricted Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate. To the extent consistent with the Company’s Bylaws, at the Committee’s election, shares of Common Stock may be (x) held in book entry form subject to the Company’s instructions until any restrictions relating to the Restricted Stock Award lapse; or (y) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate shall be held in such form and manner as determined by the Board. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Award Agreements need not be identical; provided, however, that each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall conform to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

(i)     Consideration. A Restricted Stock Award may be awarded in consideration for (A) cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (B) past services to the Company or an Affiliate, or (C) any other form of legal consideration (including future services) that may be acceptable to the Committee, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable law.

 

(ii)     Vesting. Shares of Common Stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may be subject to forfeiture to the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Committee.

 

(iii)     Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. If a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates, the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant that have not vested as of the date of termination of Continuous Service under the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

 

(iv)     Transferability. Rights to acquire shares of Common Stock under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be transferable by the Participant only upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion, so long as Common Stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement remains subject to the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

 

(v)     Dividends. A Restricted Stock Award Agreement may provide that any dividends paid on Restricted Stock will be subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions as apply to the shares subject to the Restricted Stock Award to which they relate.

 

 
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(b)     Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements need not be identical; provided, however, that each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall conform to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

(i)     Consideration. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Committee will determine the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of each share of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Unit Award. The consideration to be paid (if any) by the Participant for each share of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award may be paid in any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Committee, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable law.

 

(ii)     Vesting. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Committee may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of the Restricted Stock Unit Award as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

 

(iii)     Payment. A Restricted Stock Unit Award may be settled by the delivery of shares of Common Stock, their cash equivalent, any combination thereof or in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Committee and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.

 

(iv)     Additional Restrictions. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Committee , as it deems appropriate, may impose such restrictions or conditions that delay the delivery of the shares of Common Stock (or their cash equivalent) subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award to a time after the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award.

 

(v)     Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of Common Stock covered by a Restricted Stock Unit Award, as determined by the Committee and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. At the sole discretion of the Committee, such dividend equivalents may be converted into additional shares of Common Stock covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award in such manner as determined by the Committee. Any additional shares covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award credited by reason of such dividend equivalents will be subject to all of the same terms and conditions of the underlying Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to which they relate.

 

(vi)     Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, such portion of the Restricted Stock Unit Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service.

 

(c)     Performance Awards.

 

(i)     Performance Stock Awards. A Performance Stock Award is a Stock Award that may vest or may be exercised contingent upon the attainment during a Performance Period of certain Performance Goals. A Performance Stock Award may, but need not, require the completion of a specified period of Continuous Service. The length of any Performance Period, the Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period, and the measure of whether and to what degree such Performance Goals have been attained shall be conclusively determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. The Committee may provide for or, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, may permit a Participant to elect for, the payment of any Performance Stock Award to be deferred to a specified date or event. In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the applicable Award Agreement, the Committee may determine that cash may be used in payment of Performance Stock Awards.

 

 
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(ii)     Section 162(m) Compliance. Unless otherwise permitted in compliance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to an Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” thereunder, the Committee shall establish the Performance Goals applicable to, and the formula for calculating the amount payable under, the Award no later than the earlier of (a) the date ninety (90) days after the commencement of the applicable Performance Period, or (b) the date on which twenty-five (25%) of the Performance Period has elapsed, and in any event at a time when the achievement of the applicable Performance Goals remains substantially uncertain. Prior to the payment of any compensation under an Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall certify the extent to which any Performance Goals and any other material terms under such Award have been satisfied (other than in cases where such relate solely to the increase in the value of the Common Stock). Notwithstanding satisfaction of any completion of any Performance Goals, to the extent specified at the time of grant of an Award to “covered employees” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the number of Shares, Options, cash or other benefits granted, issued, retainable and/or vested under an Award on account of satisfaction of such Performance Goals may be reduced by the Committee on the basis of such further considerations as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine.

 

(d)     Other Stock Awards. Other forms of Stock Awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or stock rights with an exercise price or strike price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the time of grant) may be granted either alone or in addition to Stock Awards provided for under Section 5 and the preceding provisions of this Section 6. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such Other Stock Awards will be granted, the number of shares of Common Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to such Other Stock Awards and all other terms and conditions of such Other Stock Awards.

 

7.            COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.

 

(a)     Availability of Shares. During the terms of the Stock Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock reasonably required to satisfy such Stock Awards.

 

(b)     Securities Law Compliance. The Company shall seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Stock Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Stock Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Stock Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Stock Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Stock Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant shall not be eligible for the grant of a Stock Award or the subsequent issuance of Common Stock pursuant to the Stock Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any applicable securities law.

 

(c)     No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes. The Company shall have no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such holder as to the time or manner of exercising such Stock Award. Furthermore, the Company shall have no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder of a pending termination or expiration of a Stock Award or a possible period in which the Stock Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of a Stock Award to the holder of such Stock Award.

 

 
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8.            MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a)     Use of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall constitute general funds of the Company.

 

(b)     Corporate Action Constituting Grant of Stock Awards. Corporate action constituting a grant by the Company of a Stock Award to any Participant shall be deemed completed as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, regardless of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Stock Award is communicated to, or actually received or accepted by, the Participant.

 

(c)     Stockholder Rights. No Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Stock Award unless and until (i) such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Stock Award pursuant to its terms, if applicable, and (ii) the issuance of the Common Stock subject to such Stock Award has been entered into the books and records of the Company.

 

(d)     No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan, any Stock Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

 

(e)     Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s).

 

(f)     Investment Assurances. The Company may require a Participant, as a condition of exercising or acquiring Common Stock under any Stock Award, (i) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company as to the Participant’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and that he or she is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Stock Award; and (ii) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that the Participant is acquiring Common Stock subject to the Stock Award for the Participant’s own account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the Common Stock. The foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, shall be inoperative if (A) the issuance of the shares upon the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Stock Award has been registered under a then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or (B) as to any particular requirement, a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances under the then applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel to the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the Common Stock.

 

 
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(g)     Withholding Obligations. Unless prohibited by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to an Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii)  withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Award; provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lesser amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of the Stock Award as a liability for financial accounting purposes); (iii) withholding cash from an Award settled in cash; (iv) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; or (v) by such other method as may be set forth in the Award Agreement.

 

(h)     Electronic Delivery. Any reference herein to a “written” agreement or document shall include any agreement or document delivered electronically or posted on the Company’s intranet.

 

(i)     Deferrals. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock or the payment of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Award may be deferred and may establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made by Participants. Deferrals by Participants will be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. Consistent with Section 409A of the Code, the Board may provide for distributions while a Participant is still an employee or otherwise providing services to the Company. The Board is authorized to make deferrals of Awards and determine when, and in what annual percentages, Participants may receive payments, including lump sum payments, following the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service, and implement such other terms and conditions consistent with the provisions of the Plan and in accordance with applicable law.

 

(j)     Compliance with Section 409A. To the extent that the Board determines that any Award granted hereunder is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions necessary to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan (and unless the Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise), if the Shares are publicly traded and a Participant holding an Award that constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code is a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, no distribution or payment of any amount shall be made upon a “separation from service” before a date that is six (6) months following the date of such Participant’s “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code without regard to alternative definitions thereunder) or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death.

 

9.            ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK; OTHER CORPORATE EVENTS.

 

(a)     Capitalization Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board shall appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 3(c), (iii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities that may be awarded to any person pursuant to Sections 4(c) and 6(c)(i) , and (iv) the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of stock subject to outstanding Stock Awards. The Board shall make such adjustments, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.

 

 
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(b)     Dissolution or Liquidation. Except as otherwise provided in the Stock Award Agreement, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all outstanding Stock Awards (other than Stock Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject to a forfeiture condition or the Company’s right of repurchase) shall terminate immediately prior to the completion of such dissolution or liquidation, and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Company’s repurchase rights or subject to a forfeiture condition may be repurchased or reacquired by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder of such Stock Award is providing Continuous Service, provided, however, that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, cause some or all Stock Awards to become fully vested, exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such Stock Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the dissolution or liquidation is completed but contingent on its completion.

 

(c)     Corporate Transaction. The following provisions shall apply to Stock Awards in the event of a Corporate Transaction unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Stock Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the holder of the Stock Award or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Committee at the time of grant of a Stock Award. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Committee shall take one or more of the following actions with respect to Stock Awards, contingent upon the closing or completion of the Corporate Transaction:

 

(i)     arrange for the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) to assume or continue the Stock Award or to substitute a similar stock award for the Stock Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Corporate Transaction);

 

(ii)     arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Stock Award to the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company);

 

(iii)     accelerate the vesting of the Stock Award (and, if applicable, the time at which the Stock Award may be exercised) to a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Transaction as the Board shall determine (or, if the Board shall not determine such a date, to the date that is five (5) days prior to the effective date of the Corporate Transaction), with such Stock Award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction;

 

(iv)     arrange for the lapse of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to the Stock Award;

 

(v)     cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the Stock Award, to the extent not vested or not exercised prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, in exchange for such cash consideration, if any, as the Board, in its sole discretion, may consider appropriate; and

 

(vi)     make a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Committee equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the value of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Stock Award, over (B) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise.

 

The Committee need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Stock Awards or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants.

 

 
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(d)     Change in Control. A Stock Award may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a Change in Control as may be provided in the Stock Award Agreement for such Stock Award or as may be provided in any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, but in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration shall occur.

 

10.          TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THE PLAN.

 

(a)     Plan Term. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Unless terminated sooner by the Board, the Plan shall automatically terminate on the day before the tenth (10th) anniversary of the earlier of (i) the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, or (ii) the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

 

(b)     No Impairment of Rights. Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights and obligations under any Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.

 

11.          EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.

 

This Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date, provided that no Incentive Stock Options shall be granted hereunder unless the Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders prior to such grant or within twelve (12) months following any such grant.

 

12.          CHOICE OF LAW.

 

The law of the State of Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to that state’s conflict of laws rules.

 

13.          DEFINITIONS. As used in the Plan, the following definitions shall apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:

 

(a)     Affiliate” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. The Board shall have the authority to determine the time or times at which “parent” or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.

 

(b)     Award” means a Stock Award or a Performance Cash Award.

 

(c)     Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of an Award.

 

(d)     Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(e)     Capitalization Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Stock Award after the Effective Date without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.

 

 
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(f)      Cause shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between the Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, such term shall mean, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events that has a material negative impact on the business or reputation of the Company: (i) such Participant’s attempted commission of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company; (ii) such Participant’s intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between the Participant and the Company or of any statutory duty owed to the Company; (iii)  such Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; or (iv) such Participant’s gross misconduct. The determination that a termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause shall be made by the Company, in its sole discretion. Any determination by the Company that the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated with or without Cause for the purposes of outstanding Awards held by such Participant shall have no effect upon any determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any other purpose.

 

(g)     Change in Control” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

 

(i)     any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur (A) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company, (B) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Company’s securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities, or (C) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the “Subject Person”) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to occur;

 

(ii)     there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (B) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(iii)     there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; or

 

 
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(iv)     individuals who, on the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office (other than an election or nomination of an individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the Directors of the Company or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other than the Board), such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, (A) the term Change in Control shall not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, and (B) the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply.

 

(h)     Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.

 

(i)     Committee” means a committee of two or more Directors established in accordance with Section 2.

 

(j)     Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

 

(k)     Company” means BIO-key International, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(l)     Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, shall not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant under this Plan only if a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act is available to register either the offer or the sale of the Company’s securities to such person.

 

(m)     Continuous Service” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, shall not terminate a Participant’s Continuous Service ; provided, however, if the Entity for which a Participant is rendering services ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, such Participant’s Continuous Service shall be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate. To the extent permitted by law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party’s sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Board or Chief Executive Officer, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave, or (ii) transfers between the Company, an Affiliate, or their successors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence shall be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in a Stock Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by law.

 

 
B-15

 

 

(n)     Corporate Transaction” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

 

(i)     the consummation of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

(ii)     the consummation of a sale or other disposition of at least ninety percent (90%) of the outstanding securities of the Company;

 

(iii)     the consummation of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or

 

(iv)     the consummation of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.

 

(o)     Covered Employee” shall have the meaning provided in Section 162(m)(3) of the Code.

 

(p)     Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(q)     Disability” means, with respect to a Participant, the inability of such Participant to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, as provided in Sections 22(e)(3) and 409A(a)(2)(c)(i) of the Code, and shall be determined by the Board on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances.

 

(r)     Effective Date” means the effective date of this Plan document, which is the date this Plan is approved by the Board.

 

(s)     Employee” means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, shall not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.

 

(t)     Entity” means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity.

 

(u)     Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(v)     Exchange Act Person means any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that “Exchange Act Person” shall not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to a registered public offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company; or (v) any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.

 

 
B-16

 

 

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

 

(i)     If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Board deems reliable.

 

(ii)     Unless otherwise provided by the Board, if there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value shall be the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.

 

(iii)     In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board in good faith and in a manner that complies with Sections 409A and 422 of the Code.

 

(x)     Incentive Stock Option” means an option granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan that is intended to be, and qualifies as, an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

(y)     Non-Employee Director means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee or officer of the Company or an Affiliate, does not receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, from the Company or an Affiliate for services rendered as a consultant or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (“Regulation S-K”)), does not possess an interest in any other transaction for which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, and is not engaged in a business relationship for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a “non-employee director” for purposes of Rule 16b-3.

 

(z)     Nonstatutory Stock Option” means any option granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

(aa)     Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

(bb)     Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

(cc)     Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of an Option grant. Each Option Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(dd)     Optionholder” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

 

 
B-17

 

 

(ee)     Other Stock Award” means an award based in whole or in part by reference to the Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(d).

 

(ff)     Other Stock Award Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of an Other Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an Other Stock Award grant. Each Other Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(gg)     Outside Director” means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee of the Company or an “affiliated corporation” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code), is not a former employee of the Company or an “affiliated corporation” who receives compensation for prior services (other than benefits under a tax-qualified retirement plan) during the taxable year, has not been an officer of the Company or an “affiliated corporation,” and does not receive remuneration from the Company or an “affiliated corporation,” either directly or indirectly, in any capacity other than as a Director, or (ii) is otherwise considered an “outside director” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(hh)     Own, Owned, Owner, Ownership A person or Entity shall be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.

 

(ii)     Participant” means a person to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.

 

(jj)     Performance Criteria” means the one or more criteria that the Committee shall select for purposes of establishing the Performance Goals for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria that shall be used to establish such Performance Goals may be based on any one of, or combination of, the following as determined by the Committee: (i) earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); (ii) earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; (iv) total stockholder return; (v) return on equity or average stockholder’s equity; (vi) return on assets, investment, or capital employed; (vii) stock price; (viii) margin (including gross margin); (ix) income (before or after taxes); (x) operating income; (xi) operating income after taxes; (xii) pre-tax profit; (xiii) operating cash flow; (xiv) sales or revenue targets; (xv) increases in revenue or product revenue; (xvi) expenses and cost reduction goals; (xvii) improvement in or attainment of working capital levels; (xiii) economic value added (or an equivalent metric); (xix) market share; (xx) cash flow; (xxi) cash flow per share; (xxii) share price performance; (xxiii) debt reduction; (xxiv) implementation or completion of projects or processes; (xxv) customer satisfaction; (xxvi) stockholders’ equity; (xxvii) capital expenditures; (xxiii) debt levels; (xxix) operating profit or net operating profit; (xxx) workforce diversity; (xxxi) growth of net income or operating income; (xxxii) billings; and (xxxiii) to the extent that an Award is not intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, other measures of performance selected by the Board.

 

(kk)     Performance Goals” means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Performance Goals may be based on a Company-wide basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions, Affiliates, or business segments, and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Unless specified otherwise by the Committee (i) in the Award Agreement at the time the Award is granted or (ii) in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals at the time the Performance Goals are established, the Committee shall appropriately make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of Performance Goals for a Performance Period as follows: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects, as applicable, for non-U.S. dollar denominated Performance Goals; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; and (5) to exclude the effects of any “extraordinary items” as determined under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, the Committee retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of Performance Goals and to define the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period. Partial achievement of the specified criteria may result in the payment or vesting corresponding to the degree of achievement as specified in the Stock Award Agreement or the written terms of a Performance Cash Award.

 

 
B-18

 

 

(ll)       Performance Period” means the period of time selected by the Committee over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to and the payment of a Stock Award or a Performance Cash Award. Performance Periods may be of varying and overlapping duration, at the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

(mm)     Performance Stock Award” means a Stock Award granted under the terms and conditions of Section 6(c)(i).

 

(nn)     Plan” means this BIO-key International, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

(oo)     Restricted Stock Award” means an award of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(a).

 

(pp)     Restricted Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(qq)     Restricted Stock Unit Award means a right to receive shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(b).

 

(rr)     Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Unit Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Unit Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(ss)     Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.

 

(tt)     Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(uu)     Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR means a right to receive the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5.

 

(vv)     Stock Appreciation Right Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Stock Appreciation Right evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Appreciation Right grant. Each Stock Appreciation Right Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

 
B-19

 

 

(ww)     Stock Award” means any right to receive Common Stock granted under the Plan, including an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Performance Stock Award or any Other Stock Award.

 

(xx)     Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Award grant. Each Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(yy)     Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than fifty percent (50%).

 

(zz)     Ten Percent Stockholder” means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

 
B-20

 

 

BIO-KEY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

3349 Highway 138, Building A, Suite E

Wall, NJ 07719

 

PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OF THE COMPANY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Michael W. DePasquale as his or her true and lawful agent and proxy with full power of substitution, to represent and to vote on behalf of the undersigned all of the shares of BIO-key International, Inc. (the “Company”) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on January 27, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of Fox Rothschild LLP, 997 Lenox Drive, Building 3, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, and at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, upon the following proposals more fully described in the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting (receipt of which is hereby acknowledged).

 

This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR proposal 1 and FOR proposal 2, both of which have been proposed by our Board of Directors, and in his discretion, upon other matters as may properly come before the meeting.

 

Please Mail in the Envelope Provided

 

 

       Please mark your votes as indicated in this example.

 

   

FOR

 

AGAINST

 

ABSTAIN

1.      

APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

 

 

 

               

2.

APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S 2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN HIS DISCRETION, THE PROXY IS AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OR POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.

 

 

I WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.

 

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY, USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

 

 

Signature of Stockholder

 

Signature of Stockholder

 

Dated:

______________, 2016
    IF HELD JOINTLY        

 

Note:     This proxy must be signed exactly as the name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If the signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.