Sphere 3D Corp. - Form S-8 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2018

 

Registration No. __________________


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________

FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
___________________

SPHERE 3D CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
___________________

Ontario, Canada 98-1220792
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)

240 Matheson Blvd. East
Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1X1
(Address, Including Zip Code, of Principal Executive Offices)
___________________

Sphere 3D Corp. 2015 Performance Incentive Plan
Sphere 3D Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(Full Title of the Plan)
___________________

Eric L. Kelly
Chief Executive Officer
9112 Spectrum Center Boulevard
San Diego, California 92123
(858) 571-5555
(Name, Address and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

COPY TO:

Warren T. Lazarow, Esq.
Paul Sieben, Esq.
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
2765 Sand Hill Road
Menlo Park, California 94025
(650) 473-2600
___________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [   ] Accelerated filer                   [   ]
Non-accelerated filer   [   ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company [X]
Emerging growth company [X]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. [   ]


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

    Proposed Proposed  
    Maximum Maximum  
Title of Amount Offering Aggregate Amount Of
Securities To Be Price Offering Registration
To Be Registered Registered Per Share Price Fee
         
Common Shares, no par value per share, issuable pursuant to awards granted under the Sphere 3D Corp. 2015 Performance Incentive Plan 1,250,000(1) shares $2.335(2) $2,918,750(2) $364
         
Common Shares, no par value per share, issuable pursuant to awards granted under the Sphere 3D Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan 220,000(1) shares $2.335(2) $513,700(2) $64
TOTAL 1,470,000(1) shares $3,432,450(2) $428

(1)

This Registration Statement covers, in addition to the number of common shares, no par value per share (the “Common Shares”) of Sphere 3D Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario (the “Company” or the “Registrant”), stated above, options and other rights to purchase or acquire the Common Shares covered by this Registration Statement and, pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), an additional indeterminate number of shares, options and rights that may be offered or issued pursuant to the Sphere 3D Corp. 2015 Performance Incentive Plan and the Sphere 3D Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (each a “Plan” and, collectively, the “Plans”) as a result of one or more adjustments under the Plans to prevent dilution resulting from one or more stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.

   
(2)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(h) and 457(c) under the Securities Act, based upon the average of the high and low prices of the Common Shares on January 23, 2018 (which is within five business days prior to the date of this filing), as quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

The Exhibit Index for this Registration Statement is at page 7.


EXPLANATORY NOTE

            This Registration Statement is filed by the Company to register additional securities issuable pursuant to the Plans and consists of only those items required by General Instruction E to Form S-8.

__________________________

PART I

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE
SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS

            The document(s) containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8 will be sent or given to participants as specified by Securities Act Rule 428(b)(1).


PART II

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 3.             Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference

            The following documents of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) are incorporated herein by reference:

  (a)

The Registrant’s Registration Statements on Form S-8, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2015 (Commission File No. 333-205236), November 15, 2016 (Commission File No. 333-214605), February 24, 2017 (Commission File No. 333-216209) and August 24, 2017 (Commission File No. 333-220152);

     
  (b)

The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-36532) for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Commission on March 31, 2017 (the “Form 20-F”), which includes the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Registrant and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016;

     
  (c)

The description of the Registrant’s common shares contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-36532) filed with the Commission on July 7, 2014 pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and any other amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description; and

     
  (d)

All other reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since December 31, 2016.

            All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and all Reports of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K (or portions thereof) subsequently furnished to the Commission that are identified in such form as being incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents; provided, however, that unless otherwise identified, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with Commission rules shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. Any statement contained herein or in a document, all or a portion of which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or amended, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.


Item 5.             Interests of Named Experts and Counsel

            Not applicable.

Item 8.             Exhibits

            See the attached Exhibit Index at page 7, which is incorporated herein by reference.


SIGNATURES

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Form S-8 Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on January 29, 2018.

SPHERE 3D CORP.

 

  By: /s/ Eric Kelly
    Eric Kelly
    Chief Executive Officer

4


POWER OF ATTORNEY

            Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Eric Kelly and Peter Tassiopoulos, or either one or both of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments, exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature Title Date
     
     
/s/ Eric Kelly
Eric Kelly
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) January 29, 2018
     
/s/ Kurt Kalbfleisch
Kurt Kalbfleisch
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) January 29, 2018
     
/s/ Cheemin Bo-Linn Director January 29, 2018
Cheemin Bo-Linn    
/s/ Vivekanand Mahadevan Director January 29, 2018
Vivekanand Mahadevan    
/s/ Duncan McEwan Director January 29, 2018
Duncan McEwan    
/s/ Peter Tassiopoulos Director January 29, 2018
Peter Tassiopoulos    

5


SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the Registrant, has signed this registration statement in the City of San Jose, State of California on January 29, 2018.

AUTHORIZED U.S. REPRESENTATIVE

 

  By: /s/ Eric Kelly
    Eric Kelly
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

6


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibit
     
4.1  

Sphere 3D Corp. 2015 Performance Incentive Plan.

   

 

4.2  

Sphere 3D Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

   

 

5  

Opinion of Stikeman Elliot LLP (opinion re legality).

   

 

23.1  

Consent of Moss Adams LLP (consent of independent registered public accounting firm for Sphere 3D).

   

 

23.3  

Consent of Counsel (included in Exhibit 5).

   

 

24  

Power of Attorney (included in this Registration Statement under “Signatures”).

7


Sphere 3D Corp. - Exhibit 4.1 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

EXHIBIT 4.1

SPHERE 3D CORP.

2015 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN

As Amended November 1, 2017

1.

PURPOSE OF PLAN

   

The purpose of this Sphere 3D Corp. 2015 Performance Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) of Sphere 3D Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario (the “Corporation”), is to promote the success of the Corporation and to increase shareholder value by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons.

   
2.

ELIGIBILITY

   

The Administrator (as such term is defined in Section 3.1) may grant awards under this Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An “Eligible Person” is any person who is either: (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; (b) a director of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; or (c) an individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in a capital-raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries) to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator; provided, however, that a person who is otherwise an Eligible Person under clause (c) above may participate in this Plan only if such participation would not adversely affect either the Corporation’s eligibility to use Form S-8 to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the offering and sale of shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation, the Corporation’s ability to rely on all necessary prospectus and other exemptions under Canadian securities legislation in a manner satisfactory to the Corporation, in its sole discretion, or the Corporation’s compliance with any other applicable laws. An Eligible Person who has been granted an award (a “participant”) may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional awards if the Administrator shall so determine. As used herein, subject to any applicable laws that may require a different interpretation, “Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation; and “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

   
3.

PLAN ADMINISTRATION


  3.1

The Administrator. This Plan shall be administered by and all awards under this Plan shall be authorized by the Administrator. The “Administrator” means the Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority and in the manner and on the terms authorized by the Board) to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan. Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law. A committee may delegate some or all of its authority to another committee so constituted, to the extent permitted by applicable laws. The Board or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to designate the officers and employees of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries who will receive grants of awards under this Plan, and (b) to determine the number of shares subject to, and the other terms and conditions of, such awards. The Board may delegate different levels of authority to different committees with administrative and grant authority under this Plan. Unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation or the applicable charter of any Administrator: (a) a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum, and (b) the vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the Administrator shall constitute action by the acting Administrator. With respect to awards intended to satisfy the requirements for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), this Plan shall be administered by a committee consisting solely of two or more outside directors (as this requirement is applied under Section 162(m) of the Code); provided, however, that the failure to satisfy such requirement shall not affect the validity of the action of any committee otherwise duly authorized and acting in the matter. Award grants, and transactions in or involving awards, intended to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), must be duly and timely authorized by the Board or a committee consisting solely of two or more non-employee directors (as this requirement is applied under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act). To the extent required by any applicable listing agency, this Plan shall be administered by a committee composed entirely of independent directors (within the meaning of the applicable listing agency).

1



  3.2

Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan and applicable laws, the Administrator is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the authorization of awards and the administration of this Plan (in the case of a committee or delegation to one or more officers, within the authority delegated to that committee or person(s) and in the manner and on the terms authorized by the Board), including, without limitation, the authority to:


  (a)

determine eligibility and, from among those persons determined to be eligible, the particular Eligible Persons who will receive an award under this Plan;

     
  (b)

grant awards to Eligible Persons, determine the price at which securities will be offered or awarded and the number of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons, determine the other specific terms and conditions of such awards consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installments (if any) in which such awards shall become exercisable or shall vest (which may include, without limitation, performance and/or time-based schedules), or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, establish any applicable performance targets, determine the extent (if any) to which any applicable exercise and vesting requirements have been satisfied, and establish the events of termination or reversion of such awards;

     
  (c)

approve the forms of award agreements (which need not be identical either as to type of award or among participants);

     
  (d)

construe and interpret this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation, its Subsidiaries, and participants under this Plan, make any and all determinations necessary under this Plan and any such agreements, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan or the awards granted under this Plan;

2



  (e)

cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

     
  (f)

accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability or extend the term of any or all such outstanding awards (in the case of options or stock appreciation rights, within the maximum ten-year term of such awards) in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate (including, without limitation, in connection with a termination of employment or services or other events of a personal nature) subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

     
  (g)

adjust the number of Common Shares subject to any award, adjust the price of any or all outstanding awards or otherwise change previously imposed terms and conditions, in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate, in each case subject to Sections 4 and 8.6 (and subject to the no repricing provision below);

     
  (h)

determine the date of grant of an award, which may be a designated date after but not before the date of the Administrator’s action (unless otherwise designated by the Administrator, the date of grant of an award shall be the date upon which the Administrator took the action granting an award);

     
  (i)

determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 7 hereof and authorize the termination, conversion, substitution or succession of awards upon the occurrence of an event of the type described in Section 7;

     
  (j)

acquire or settle (subject to Sections 7 and 8.6) rights under awards in cash, stock of equivalent value, or other consideration (subject to the no repricing provision below); and

     
  (k)

determine the fair market value of the Common Shares or awards under this Plan from time to time and/or the manner in which such value will be determined.


 

Notwithstanding the foregoing and except for an adjustment pursuant to Section 7.1 or a repricing approved by shareholders, in no case may the Administrator (1) amend an outstanding stock option or SAR to reduce the exercise price or base price of the award, (2) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or SAR in exchange for cash or other awards for the purpose of repricing the award, or (3) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or SAR in exchange for an option or SAR with an exercise or base price that is less than the exercise or base price of the original award.

     
  3.3

Binding Determinations. Any determination or other action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan (or any award made under this Plan) and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons. Neither the Board nor any Board committee, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan (or any award made under this Plan), and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time.

3



  3.4

Reliance on Experts. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including employees and professional advisors to the Corporation. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no director, officer or agent of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries shall be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith.

     
  3.5

Delegation. The Administrator may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or to third parties.


4.

COMMON SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; SHARE LIMITS


  4.1

Shares Available. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, the shares that may be delivered under this Plan shall be the Corporation’s authorized but unissued Common Shares. For purposes of this Plan, “Common Shares” shall mean the common shares of the Corporation and such other securities or property as may become the subject of awards under this Plan, or may become subject to such awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 7.1.

     
  4.2

Share Limits. The maximum number of Common Shares that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan (the “Share Limit”) is equal to the sum of the following:


  (1)

2,066,747 Common Shares, plus

     
  (2)

the number of any Common Shares subject to stock options granted under the Corporation’s Second Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the “Prior Plan”) and outstanding on June 18, 2015 which expire, or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, after that date without being exercised.

The following limits also apply with respect to awards granted under this Plan:

  (a)

The maximum number of Common Shares that may be delivered pursuant to options qualified as incentive stock options granted under this Plan is 311,729 shares.

     
  (b)

The maximum number of Common Shares subject to those options and stock appreciation rights that are granted during any fiscal year of the Corporation to any individual under this Plan is 300,000 shares.

     
  (c)

Additional limits with respect to Performance-Based Awards are set forth in Section 5.2.3.

Each of the foregoing numerical limits is subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 4.3, Section 7.1, and Section 8.10.

4



  4.3

Awards Settled in Cash, Reissue of Awards and Shares. Except as provided in the next sentence, shares that are subject to or underlie awards granted under this Plan which expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall again be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Corporation as full or partial payment in connection with any award granted under this Plan, as well as any shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any award granted under this Plan, shall be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. To the extent that an award granted under this Plan is settled in cash or a form other than Common Shares, the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement shall not be counted against the shares available for issuance under this Plan. In the event that Common Shares are delivered in respect of a dividend equivalent right granted under this Plan, the number of shares actually delivered with respect to the award shall be counted against the share limits of this Plan. To the extent that Common Shares are delivered pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right or stock option granted under this Plan, the number of shares actually delivered with respect to the award shall be counted against the share limits of this Plan. Refer to Section 8.10 for application of the foregoing share limits with respect to assumed awards. The foregoing adjustments to the share limits of this Plan are subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to awards intended as performance- based compensation thereunder.

     
  4.4

Reservation of Shares; No Fractional Shares; Minimum Issue. The Corporation shall at all times reserve a number of Common Shares sufficient to cover the Corporation’s obligations and contingent obligations to deliver shares with respect to awards then outstanding under this Plan (exclusive of any dividend equivalent obligations to the extent the Corporation has the right to settle such rights in cash). No fractional shares shall be delivered under this Plan. The Administrator may pay cash in lieu of any fractional shares in settlements of awards under this Plan. The Administrator may from time to time impose a limit (of not greater than 100 shares) on the minimum number of shares that may be purchased or exercised as to awards granted under this Plan unless (as to any particular award) the total number purchased or exercised is the total number at the time available for purchase or exercise under the award.


5.

AWARDS


  5.1

Type and Form of Awards. The Administrator shall determine the type or types of award(s) to be made to each selected Eligible Person. Awards may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. The types of awards that may be granted under this Plan are (subject, in each case, to the no repricing provisions of Section 3.2):

     
 

5.1.1        Stock Options. A stock option is the grant of a right to purchase a specified number of Common Shares during a specified period as determined by the Administrator. An option may be intended as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (an “ISO”) or a nonqualified stock option (an option not intended to be an ISO). The award agreement for an option will indicate if the option is intended as an ISO; otherwise it will be deemed to be a nonqualified stock option. The maximum term of each option (ISO or nonqualified) shall be ten (10) years. The per share exercise price for each option shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a Common Share on the date of grant of the option. When an option is exercised, the exercise price for the shares to be purchased shall be paid in full in cash or such other method permitted by the Administrator consistent with Section 5.5.

5


5.1.2        Additional Rules Applicable to ISOs. To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant of the applicable option) of stock with respect to which ISOs first become exercisable by a participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Common Shares subject to ISOs under this Plan and stock subject to ISOs under all other plans of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries (or any parent or predecessor corporation to the extent required by and within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder), such options shall be treated as nonqualified stock options. In reducing the number of options treated as ISOs to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted options shall be reduced first. To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, designate which Common Shares are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO. ISOs may only be granted to employees of the Corporation or one of its subsidiaries (for this purpose, the term “subsidiary” is used as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, which generally requires an unbroken chain of ownership of at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of each subsidiary in the chain beginning with the Corporation and ending with the subsidiary in question). There shall be imposed in any award agreement relating to ISOs such other terms and conditions as from time to time are required in order that the option be an “incentive stock option” as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time the option is granted, owns (or is deemed to own under Section 424(d) of the Code) shares of outstanding Common Shares possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation, unless the exercise price of such option is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such option is granted.

5.1.3        Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right or “SAR” is a right to receive a payment, in cash and/or Common Shares, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of Common Shares on the date the SAR is exercised over the “base price” of the award, which base price shall be set forth in the applicable award agreement and shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a Common Share on the date of grant of the SAR. The maximum term of a SAR shall be ten (10) years.

5.1.4        Other Awards; Dividend Equivalent Rights. The other types of awards that may be granted under this Plan include: (a) stock bonuses, restricted stock, performance stock, stock units, phantom stock or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price (or no price) or fixed or variable ratio related to the Common Shares, and any of which may (but need not) be fully vested at grant or vest upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; (b) any similar securities with a value derived from the value of or related to the Common Shares and/or returns thereon; or (c) cash awards. Dividend equivalent rights may be granted as a separate award or in connection with another award under this Plan; provided, however, that dividend equivalent rights may not be granted in connection with a stock option or SAR granted under this Plan. In addition, any dividends and/or dividend equivalents as to the unvested portion of a restricted stock award that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements or the unvested portion of a stock unit award that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements will be subject to termination and forfeiture to the same extent as the corresponding portion of the award to which they relate.

6



   
   

 

  5.2

Section 162(m) Performance-Based Awards. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any of the types of awards listed in Section 5.1.4 above may be, and options and SARs granted to officers and employees (“Qualifying Options” and “Qualifying SARS,” respectively) typically will be, granted as awards intended to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (“Performance-Based Awards). The grant, vesting, exercisability or payment of Performance-Based Awards may depend (or, in the case of Qualifying Options or Qualifying SARs, may also depend) on the degree of achievement of one or more performance goals relative to a pre-established targeted level or levels using one or more of the Business Criteria set forth below (on an absolute or relative (including, without limitation, relative to the performance of other companies or upon comparisons of any of the indicators of performance relative to other companies) basis) for the Corporation on a consolidated basis or for one or more of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, segments, divisions or business units, or any combination of the foregoing. Any Qualifying Option or Qualifying SAR shall be subject only to the requirements of Section 5.2.1 and 5.2.3 in order for such award to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. Any other Performance-Based Award shall be subject to all of the following provisions of this Section 5.2.

   

 

 

5.2.1        Class; Administrator. The eligible class of persons for Performance-Based Awards under this Section 5.2 shall be officers and employees of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. The Administrator approving Performance-Based Awards or making any certification required pursuant to Section 5.2.4 must be constituted as provided in Section 3.1 for awards that are intended as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.

   

 

 

5.2.2        Performance Goals. The specific performance goals for Performance-Based Awards (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) shall be, on an absolute or relative basis, established based on one or more of the following business criteria (“Business Criteria”) as selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion: earnings per share, cash flow (which means cash and cash equivalents derived from either net cash flow from operations or net cash flow from operations, financing and investing activities), stock price, total shareholder return, gross revenue, revenue growth, operating income (before or after taxes), net earnings (before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization), return on equity or on assets or on net investment, cost containment or reduction, or any combination thereof. These terms are used as applied under generally accepted accounting principles or in the financial reporting of the Corporation or of its Subsidiaries. To qualify awards as performance-based under Section 162(m), the applicable Business Criterion (or Business Criteria, as the case may be) and specific performance goal or goals (“targets”) must be established and approved by the Administrator during the first 90 days of the performance period (and, in the case of performance periods of less than one year, in no event after 25% or more of the performance period has elapsed) and while performance relating to such target(s) remains substantially uncertain within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. The terms of the Performance-Based Awards may specify the manner, if any, in which performance targets shall be adjusted to mitigate the unbudgeted impact of material, unusual or nonrecurring gains and losses, accounting changes or other items specified by the Administrator at the time of establishing the targets. The applicable performance measurement period may not be less than three months nor more than 10 years.

7


5.2.3      Form of Payment; Maximum Performance-Based Award. Grants or awards under this Section 5.2 may be paid in cash or Common Shares or any combination thereof. Grants of Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs to any one participant in any one calendar year shall be subject to the limit set forth in Section 4.2(b) . The maximum number of Common Shares which may be subject to Performance-Based Awards (including Performance-Based Awards payable in Common Shares and Performance-Based Awards payable in cash where the amount of cash payable upon or following vesting of the award is determined with reference to the fair market value of a Common Share at such time) that are granted to any one participant in any one fiscal year of the Corporation shall not exceed 300,000 shares (counting such shares on a one-for-one basis for this purpose), either individually or in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7.1; provided that this limit shall not apply to Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs (which are covered by the limit of Section 4.2(b)) . The aggregate amount of compensation to be paid to any one participant in respect of all Performance-Based Awards payable only in cash (excluding cash awards covered by the preceding sentence where the cash payment is determined with reference to the fair market value of a Common Share upon or following the vesting of the award) and granted to that participant in any one fiscal year of the Corporation shall not exceed $5,000,000. Awards that are cancelled during the year shall be counted against these limits to the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code.

5.2.4      Certification of Payment. Before any Performance-Based Award under this Section 5.2 (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) is paid and to the extent required to qualify the award as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator must certify in writing that the performance target(s) and any other material terms of the Performance-Based Award were in fact timely satisfied.

5.2.5      Reservation of Discretion. Subject to Section 3 hereof and applicable laws, the Administrator will have the discretion to determine the restrictions or other limitations of the individual awards granted under this Section 5.2 including the authority to reduce awards, payouts or vesting or to pay no awards, in its sole discretion, if the Administrator preserves such authority at the time of grant by language to this effect in its authorizing resolutions or otherwise.

5.2.6      Expiration of Grant Authority. As required pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Administrator’s authority to grant new awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) shall terminate upon the first meeting of the Corporation’s shareholders that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the Corporation’s shareholders first approve this Plan, subject to any subsequent extension that may be approved by shareholders.

  5.3

                        Award Agreements. Each award shall be evidenced by either (1) a written award agreement in a form approved by the Administrator and executed by the Corporation by an officer duly authorized to act on its behalf, or (2) an electronic notice of award grant in a form approved by the Administrator and recorded by the Corporation (or its designee) in an electronic recordkeeping system used for the purpose of tracking award grants under this Plan generally (in each case, an “award agreement”), as the Administrator may provide and, in each case and if required by the Administrator, executed or otherwise electronically accepted by the recipient of the award in such form and manner as the Administrator may require. The Administrator may authorize any officer of the Corporation (other than the particular award recipient) to execute any or all award agreements on behalf of the Corporation. The award agreement shall set forth the material terms and conditions of the award as established by the Administrator consistent with the express limitations of this Plan.

8



  5.4

Deferrals and Settlements. Payment of awards may be in the form of cash, Common Shares, other awards or combinations thereof as the Administrator shall determine, and with such restrictions as it may impose. The Administrator may also require or permit participants to elect to defer the issuance of shares or the settlement of awards in cash under such rules and procedures as it may establish under this Plan. The Administrator may also provide that deferred settlements include the payment or crediting of interest or other earnings on the deferral amounts, or the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents where the deferred amounts are denominated in shares.

     
  5.5

Consideration for Common Shares or Awards. The purchase price for any award granted under this Plan or the Common Shares to be delivered pursuant to an award, as applicable, may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Administrator, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:


 

services rendered by the recipient of such award;

 

cash, check payable to the order of the Corporation, or electronic funds transfer;

 

notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator;

 

the delivery of previously owned Common Shares;

 

by a reduction in the number of shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the award; or

 

subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of awards.


 

In no event shall any shares newly-issued by the Corporation be issued for less than the minimum lawful consideration for such shares or for consideration other than consideration permitted by applicable law. Common Shares used to satisfy the exercise price of an option shall be valued at their fair market value on the date of exercise. The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver any shares unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise or purchase price therefor and any related withholding obligations under Section 8.5 and any other conditions to exercise or purchase have been satisfied. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, the Administrator may at any time eliminate or limit a participant’s ability to pay the purchase or exercise price of any award or shares by any method other than cash payment to the Corporation. Common Shares delivered pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan, when the applicable consideration therefor shall have been received by the Corporation, shall be duly issued as fully paid and non-assessable.

     
  5.6

Definition of Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Plan, “fair market value” shall mean, unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator in the circumstances, the closing price (in regular trading) for a Common Share on the NASDAQ Stock Market (the “Market”) for the date in question or, if no sales of Common Shares were reported on the Market on that date, the closing price (in regular trading) for a Common Share on the Market for the next preceding day on which sales of Common Shares were reported on the Market. The Administrator may, however, provide with respect to one or more awards that the fair market value shall equal the closing price (in regular trading) for a Common Share on the Market on the last trading day preceding the date in question or the average of the high and low trading prices of a Common Share on the Market for the date in question or the most recent trading day. If the Common Shares are no longer listed or are no longer actively traded on the Market as of the applicable date, the fair market value of the Common Shares shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the award in the circumstances. The Administrator also may adopt a different methodology for determining fair market value with respect to one or more awards if a different methodology is necessary or advisable to secure any intended favorable tax, legal or other treatment for the particular award(s) (for example, and without limitation, the Administrator may provide that fair market value for purposes of one or more awards will be based on an average of closing prices (or the average of high and low daily trading prices) for a specified period preceding the relevant date).

9



  5.7

Transfer Restrictions.

   

 

 

5.7.1      Limitations on Exercise and Transfer. Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 5.7 or required by applicable law: (a) all awards are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; (b) awards shall be exercised only by the participant; and (c) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to any award shall be delivered only to (or for the account of) the participant.

   

 

 

5.7.2      Exceptions. The Administrator may permit awards to be exercised by and paid to, or otherwise transferred to, other persons or entities pursuant to such conditions and procedures, including limitations on subsequent transfers, as the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, establish in writing. Any permitted transfer shall be subject to compliance with applicable federal, provincial and state securities laws and shall not be for value (other than nominal consideration, settlement of marital property rights, or for interests in an entity in which more than 50% of the voting interests are held by the Eligible Person or by the Eligible Person’s family members).

   

 

 

5.7.3      Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer. The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 5.7.1 shall not apply to:


  (a)

transfers to the Corporation (for example, in connection with the expiration or termination of the award),

     
  (b)

the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the participant’s death or, if the participant has died, transfers to or exercise by the participant’s beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary or if such designation cannot be validly made, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution,

     
  (c)

subject to any applicable limitations on ISOs, transfers to a family member (or former family member) pursuant to a domestic relations order if approved or ratified by the Administrator,

10



  (d)

if the participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the participant by his or her legal representative, or

     
  (e)

the authorization by the Administrator of “cashless exercise” procedures with third parties who provide financing for the purpose of (or who otherwise facilitate) the exercise of awards consistent with applicable laws and the express authorization of the Administrator.


  5.8

International Awards. One or more awards may be granted to Eligible Persons who provide services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries outside of the United States. Any awards granted to such persons may be granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of any applicable sub-plans, if any, appended to this Plan and approved by the Administrator. The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided that shareholder approval of any deviation from the specific terms of this Plan is not required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency.


6.

EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE ON AWARDS


  6.1

General. The Administrator shall establish the effect of a termination of employment or service on the rights and benefits under each award under this Plan and in so doing may make distinctions based upon, inter alia, the cause of termination and type of award. If the participant is not an employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and provides other services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, the Administrator shall be the sole judge for purposes of this Plan (unless a contract or the award otherwise provides) of whether the participant continues to render services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and the date, if any, upon which such services shall be deemed to have terminated.

     
  6.2

Events Not Deemed Terminations of Service. Unless the express policy of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator, otherwise provides, or except as otherwise required by applicable law, the employment relationship shall not be considered terminated in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence authorized by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator; provided that, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law or the Administrator otherwise provides, such leave is for a period of not more than three months. In the case of any employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the award while on leave from the employ of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be suspended until the employee returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the applicable award agreement.

11



  6.3

Effect of Change of Subsidiary Status. For purposes of this Plan and any award, if an entity ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Corporation a termination of employment or service shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of the Corporation or another Subsidiary that continues as such after giving effect to the transaction or other event giving rise to the change in status unless the Subsidiary that is sold, spun-off or otherwise divested (or its successor or a direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary or successor) assumes the Eligible Person’s award(s) in connection with such transaction.


7.

ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION


  7.1

Adjustments. Subject to Section 7.2, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to): any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any merger, amalgamation, combination, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Shares; or any exchange of Common Shares or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Shares; then the Administrator shall equitably and proportionately adjust (1) the number and type of Common Shares (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of awards (including the specific share limits, maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan), (2) the number, amount and type of Common Shares (or other securities or property) subject to any outstanding awards, (3) the grant, purchase, or exercise price (which term includes the base price of any SAR or similar right) of any outstanding awards, and/or (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or payment of any outstanding awards, in each case to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding awards.

     
 

Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to) any event or transaction described in the preceding paragraph or a sale of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation as an entirety, the Administrator shall equitably and proportionately adjust the performance standards applicable to any then-outstanding performance-based awards to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding performance-based awards.

     
 

It is intended that, if possible, any adjustments contemplated by the preceding two paragraphs be made in a manner that satisfies applicable Canadian and U.S. legal, tax (including, without limitation and as applicable in the circumstances, Section 424 of the Code, Section 409A of the Code and Section 162(m) of the Code) and accounting (so as to not trigger any charge to earnings with respect to such adjustment) requirements.

     
 

Without limiting the generality of Section 3.3, any good faith determination by the Administrator as to whether an adjustment is required in the circumstances pursuant to this Section 7.1, and the extent and nature of any such adjustment, shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

12



  7.2

Corporate Transactions - Assumption and Termination of Awards. Upon the occurrence of any of the following: any recapitalization, merger, amalgamation, combination, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization in connection with which the Corporation does not survive (or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Shares); any exchange of Common Shares or other securities of the Corporation in connection with which the Corporation does not survive (or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Shares); a sale of all or substantially all the business, stock or assets of the Corporation in connection with which the Corporation does not survive (or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Shares); a dissolution of the Corporation; or any other event in which the Corporation does not survive (or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Shares); then the Administrator may make provision for a cash payment in settlement of, or for the termination, assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding share-based awards or the cash, securities or property deliverable to the holder of any or all outstanding share-based awards, based upon, to the extent relevant under the circumstances, the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Shares upon or in respect of such event. Upon the occurrence of any event described in the preceding sentence, then, unless the Administrator has made a provision for the substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation or settlement of the award or the award would otherwise continue in accordance with its terms in the circumstances: (1) unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, each then-outstanding option and SAR shall become fully vested, all shares of restricted stock then outstanding shall fully vest free of restrictions, and each other award granted under this Plan that is then outstanding shall become payable to the holder of such award; and (2) each award shall terminate upon the related event; provided that the holder of an option or SAR shall be given reasonable advance notice of the impending termination and a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her outstanding vested options and SARs (after giving effect to any accelerated vesting required in the circumstances) in accordance with their terms before the termination of such awards (except that in no case shall more than ten days’ notice of the impending termination be required and any acceleration of vesting and any exercise of any portion of an award that is so accelerated may be made contingent upon the actual occurrence of the event).

     
 

Without limiting the preceding paragraph, in connection with any event referred to in the preceding paragraph or any change in control event defined in any applicable award agreement, the Administrator may, in its discretion, provide for the accelerated vesting of any award or awards as and to the extent determined by the Administrator in the circumstances.

     
 

The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, in the case of options, SARs or similar rights, but without limitation on other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess if any of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the award.

     
 

In any of the events referred to in this Section 7.2, the Administrator may take such action contemplated by this Section 7.2 prior to such event (as opposed to on the occurrence of such event) to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may deem an acceleration and/or termination to occur immediately prior to the applicable event and, in such circumstances, will reinstate the original terms of the award if an event giving rise to an acceleration and/or termination does not occur.

13



 

Without limiting the generality of Section 3.3, any good faith determination by the Administrator pursuant to its authority under this Section 7.2 shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

     
  7.3

Other Acceleration Rules. The Administrator may override the provisions of Section 7.2 by express provision in the award agreement and may accord any Eligible Person a right to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the award agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances as the Administrator may approve. The portion of any ISO accelerated in connection with an event referred to in Section 7.2 (or such other circumstances as may trigger accelerated vesting of the award) shall remain exercisable as an ISO only to the extent the applicable $100,000 limitation on ISOs is not exceeded. To the extent exceeded, the accelerated portion of the option shall be exercisable as a nonqualified stock option under the Code.


8.

OTHER PROVISIONS


  8.1

Compliance with Laws. This Plan, the granting and vesting of awards under this Plan, the offer, issuance and delivery of Common Shares, and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal, provincial, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to provincial, state and federal securities law and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.

     
  8.2

No Rights to Award. No person shall have any claim or rights to be granted an award (or additional awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights (set forth in a document other than this Plan) to the contrary.

     
  8.3

No Employment/Service Contract. Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or in any award) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or other participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to change a person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing in this Section 8.3, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract other than an award agreement.

     
  8.4

Plan Not Funded. Awards payable under this Plan shall be payable in shares or from the general assets of the Corporation, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of such awards. No participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including Common Shares, except as expressly otherwise provided) of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries by reason of any award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and any participant, beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a participant, beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any award hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.

14



  8.5

Tax Withholding. Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any award, or upon the disposition of Common Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or upon any other tax withholding event with respect to any award, arrangements satisfactory to the Corporation shall be made to provide for any taxes the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment. Such arrangements may include (but are not limited to) any one of (or a combination of) the following:


  (a)

The Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right to require the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of at least the minimum amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment.

     
  (b)

The Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right to deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash (whether related to the award or otherwise) to the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) the minimum amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment.

     
  (c)

In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of Common Shares under this Plan, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 8.1) require or grant (either at the time of the award or thereafter) to the participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, that the Corporation reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their fair market value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable withholding obligation on exercise, vesting or payment. In no event shall the shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of shares required for tax withholding under applicable law.


  8.6

Effective Date, Termination and Suspension, Amendments.

8.6.1      Effective Date. This Plan is effective as of May 15, 2015, the date of its approval by the Board (the “Effective Date”). This Plan shall be submitted for and subject to shareholder approval no later than twelve months after the Effective Date. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the day before the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated expiration date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.

15


8.6.2      Board Authorization. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part. No awards may be granted during any period that the Board suspends this Plan.

8.6.3      Shareholder Approval. To the extent then required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency or required under Sections 162, 422 or 424 of the Code to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to shareholder approval.

8.6.4      Amendments to Awards. Without limiting any other express authority of the Administrator under (but subject to) the express limits of this Plan, the Administrator by agreement or resolution may waive conditions of or limitations on awards to participants that the Administrator in the prior exercise of its discretion has imposed, without the consent of a participant, and (subject to the requirements of Sections 3.2 and 8.6.5) may make other changes to the terms and conditions of awards. Any amendment or other action that would constitute a repricing of an award is subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3.2.

8.6.5      Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards. No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or amendment of any outstanding award agreement shall, without written consent of the participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the participant any rights or benefits of the participant or obligations of the Corporation under any award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 7 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 8.6.

  8.7

Privileges of Stock Ownership. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator, a participant shall not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any Common Shares not actually delivered to and held of record by the participant. Except as expressly required by Section 7.1 or otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, no adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a shareholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery.

     
  8.8

Governing Law; Construction; Severability.

8.8.1      Choice of Law. This Plan, the awards, all documents evidencing awards and all other related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California and the federal laws of the United States of America applicable thereto without recourse to their conflict of laws rules.

8.8.2      Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.

8.8.3      Plan Construction.

  (a)

Rule 16b-3. It is the intent of the Corporation that the awards and transactions permitted by awards be interpreted in a manner that, in the case of participantswho are or may be subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, qualify, to the maximum extent compatible with the express terms of the award, for exemption from matching liability under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have no liability to any participant for Section 16 consequences of awards or events under awards if an award or event does not so qualify.

16



  (b)

Section 162(m). Awards under Section 5.1.4 to persons described in Section 5.2 that are either granted or become vested, exercisable or payable based on attainment of one or more performance goals related to the Business Criteria, as well as Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs granted to persons described in Section 5.2, that are approved by a committee composed solely of two or more outside directors (as this requirement is applied under Section 162(m) of the Code) shall be deemed to be intended as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code unless such committee provides otherwise at the time of grant of the award. It is the further intent of the Corporation that (to the extent the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries or awards under this Plan may be or become subject to limitations on deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code) any such awards and any other Performance- Based Awards under Section 5.2 that are granted to or held by a person subject to Section 162(m) will qualify as performance-based compensation or otherwise be exempt from deductibility limitations under Section 162(m).


  8.9

Captions. Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.

17



  8.10

Stock-Based Awards in Substitution for Stock Options or Awards Granted by Other Corporation. Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons in substitution for or in connection with an assumption of employee stock options, SARs, restricted stock or other stock-based awards granted by other entities to persons who are or who will become Eligible Persons in respect of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, in connection with a distribution, merger or other reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the stock or assets of the employing entity. The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided the awards reflect only adjustments giving effect to the assumption or substitution consistent with the conversion applicable to the Common Shares in the transaction and any change in the issuer of the security. Any shares that are delivered and any awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Corporation, as a result of the assumption by the Corporation of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired Corporation (or previously granted by a predecessor employer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) in the case of persons that become employed by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in connection with a business or asset acquisition or similar transaction) shall not be counted against the Share Limit or other limits on the number of shares available for issuance under this Plan.

     
  8.11

Non-Exclusivity of Plan. Nothing in this Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Shares, under any other plan or authority.

     
  8.12

No Corporate Action Restriction. The existence of this Plan, the award agreements and the awards granted hereunder shall not limit, affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (or any of their respective shareholders, boards of directors or committees thereof, as the case may be) to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the capital structure or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the capital stock (or the rights thereof) of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or (f) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any Subsidiary. No participant, beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any award or award agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, as a result of any such action.

     
  8.13

Other Company Benefit and Compensation Programs. Payments and other benefits received by a participant under an award made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Administrator expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing. Awards under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans or arrangements of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.

18



 

8.14

Clawback Policy. The awards granted under this Plan are subject to the terms of the Corporation’s recoupment, clawback or similar policy as it may be in effect from time to time, as well as any similar provisions of applicable law, any of which could in certain circumstances require repayment or forfeiture of awards or any Common Shares or other cash or property received with respect to the awards (including any value received from a disposition of the shares acquired upon payment of the awards).

19


SPHERE 3D CORP.

2015 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN

Canadian Residents Addendum

Section 1             Application

            This addendum applies to a Participant who is a resident of Canada under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or an applicable tax treaty to which Canada is a party (hereinafter referred to as a “Canadian Participant”).

Section 2             Stock Options

            Stock Options granted to Canadian Participants shall not be settled in cash unless at the request of the Canadian Participant, which request the Corporation may in its sole and entire discretion grant or deny. Stock Options granted to Canadian Participants shall not be settled with Shares other than Shares issued from treasury.

Section 3             Restricted Stock and Incentive Stock Options

            Restricted Stock, Incentive Stock Options and awards that are subject to forfeiture (other than restricted stock units and stock options that are subject to vesting requirements) shall not be granted to Canadian Participants.

Section 4             Stock Appreciation Rights

            Stock Appreciation Rights granted to Canadian Participants shall be exercised and settled immediately upon vesting.

Section 5             Restricted Stock Units

            Restricted Stock Units, stock bonuses, stock units, phantom stock and similar rights or awards granted to Canadian Participants shall vest and be payable no later than December 31 of the third year following the year in which the award was granted.

Section 6             Tendering of Shares

            The tendering of shares by a Canadian Participant to satisfy the Canadian Participant’s federal, provincial or other taxes as required by law to be withheld with respect to such awards, or to satisfy the exercise price of an award, shall not be available to Canadian Participants.

Section 7             Designation of beneficiary

            A designation of beneficiary shall not be available to a Canadian Participant who is a resident in the Province of Quebec. Upon the death of a Canadian Participant who was a resident in the Province of Quebec immediately before the Canadian Participant’s death, any and all distribution of shares and/or cash payable pursuant to the terms of the Plan and any exercise of an award shall solely be made by or to the administrator, executor or liquidator of the Canadian Participant’s estate. A designation of Beneficiary by a Canadian Participant, residing in a Province other than the Province of Quebec or in a territory in Canada, pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to the requirements of the province or territory of domicile of such Canadian Participant.

20


Section 8             Miscellaneous

            The following shall be inserted in any award to be completed by a Canadian Participant who is a resident in the Province of Quebec: “The parties hereto have agreed that this Subscription Agreement and the Plan be drafted in English. Les parties aux présentes ont convenu que le présent document et les règles du régime soient rédigés en anglais.”

21


Sphere 3D Corp. - Exhibit 4.2 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

EXHIBIT 4.2

SPHERE 3D CORP.

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

As Amended November 1, 2017

1.

PURPOSE

   

The purpose of this Plan is to assist Eligible Employees in acquiring a stock ownership interest in the Corporation, at a favorable price and upon favorable terms, pursuant to a plan which is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code. This Plan is also intended to encourage Eligible Employees to remain in the employ of the Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary and to provide them with an additional incentive to advance the best interests of the Corporation.

   
2.

DEFINITIONS

   

Capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined shall have the following meanings.

Account” means the bookkeeping account maintained by the Corporation, or by a recordkeeper on behalf of the Corporation, for a Participant pursuant to Section 7(a).

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Committee” means the committee appointed by the Board to administer this Plan pursuant to Section 12.

Common Shares” means the common shares, no par value, of the Corporation, and such other securities or property as may become the subject of Options pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 17.

Compensation” means an Eligible Employee’s regular earnings, commissions and cash bonuses. Compensation also includes any amounts contributed as salary reduction contributions to a plan qualifying under Section 401(k), 125 or 129 of the Code. Any other form of remuneration is excluded from Compensation, including (but not limited to) the following: relocation or housing allowances, share option exercises, share appreciation right payments, the vesting or grant of restricted shares, the payment of share units, performance awards, auto allowances, tuition reimbursement, perquisites, non-cash compensation and other forms of imputed income. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Compensation shall not include any amounts deferred under or paid from any nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained by the Corporation or any Participating Subsidiary.

Contributions” means the bookkeeping amounts credited to the Account of a Participant pursuant to this Plan, equal in amount to the amount of Compensation that the Participant has elected to contribute for the purchase of Common Shares under and in accordance with this Plan.

Corporation” means Sphere 3D Corp., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, and its successors.

1


Date of Termination” means the Eligible Employee’s last day of actual and active employment with the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries. For greater certainty, no period of notice of termination, if any, or payment in lieu of notice that is given or ought to have been given pursuant to the Eligible Employee’s applicable employment agreement or at law that follows or is in respect of a period after the last date of actual and active employment will be considered as extending Eligible Employee’s period of employment for purposes of determining the Eligible Employee’s entitlement under this Plan.

Effective Date” means the date on which this Plan is initially approved by the shareholders of the Corporation.

Eligible Employee” means any employee of the Corporation, or of any Subsidiary which has been designated in writing by the Committee as a “Participating Subsidiary.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Eligible Employee” shall not include any employee:

  (a)

whose customary employment is for five (5) months or less in a calendar year; or

     
  (b)

whose customary employment is for twenty (20) hours or less per week.

Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

Fair Market Value” on any date means:

  (a)

if the Common Shares are listed or admitted to trade on a national securities exchange, the closing price of the Common Shares on such date on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are so listed or admitted to trade, or, if there is no trading of the Common Shares on such date, then the closing price of a share of Common Shares on such exchange on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the Common Shares;

     
  (b)

in the absence of exchange data required to determine Fair Market Value pursuant to the foregoing, the value as established by the Committee as of the relevant time for purposes of this Plan.

Grant Date” means, with respect to an Offering Period, the first day of that Offering Period.

Individual Limit” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4(b).

New Purchase Date” has the meaning given to such term in Section 18.

Offering Period” means the six (6) consecutive month period commencing on each Grant Date; provided, however, that the Committee may declare, as it deems appropriate and in advance of the applicable Offering Period, a shorter (not to be less than three months) Offering Period or a longer (not to exceed 27 months) Offering Period, and may provide for such Offering Period to be divided into one or more “purchase periods.” In the event that an Offering Period consists of more than one purchase period, the Committee may provide in advance of that Offering Period that if the Fair Market Value of the Ordinary Shares on the last day of any such purchase period is lower than the Fair Market Value of the Common Shares on the Grant Date of that Offering Period, that Offering Period will terminate at the end of such purchase period and that each Participant in such terminated Offering Period will be automatically enrolled in a new Offering Period that commences immediately thereafter.

2


Option” means the stock option to acquire Common Shares granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8.

Option Price” means the per share exercise price of an Option as determined in accordance with Section 8(b).

Parent” means any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Corporation in which each corporation (other than the Corporation) owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one or more of the other corporations in the chain.

Participant” means an Eligible Employee who has elected to participate in this Plan and who has filed a valid and effective Subscription Agreement to make Contributions pursuant to Section 6.

Participating Subsidiary” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 19(c).

Plan” means this Sphere 3D Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as it may be amended or restated from time to time.

Purchase Date” means, with respect to an Offering Period, the last day of that Offering Period.

Subscription Agreement ” means the written agreement filed by an Eligible Employee with the Corporation pursuant to Section 6 to participate in this Plan.

Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations (beginning with the Corporation) in which each corporation (other than the last corporation) owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one or more of the other corporations in the chain, subject to any applicable laws that may require a different interpretation in respect of matters contemplated herein.

3.

ELIGIBILITY

   

Any person employed as an Eligible Employee as of the beginning of any given Offering Period shall be eligible to participate in such Offering Period, subject to the Eligible Employee satisfying the requirements of Section 6.

   
4.

STOCK SUBJECT TO THIS PLAN; SHARE LIMITATIONS


  (a)

Aggregate Share Limit. Subject to the provisions of Section 17, the capital stock that may be delivered under this Plan will be the authorized but unissued Common Shares. The maximum number of Common Shares that may be delivered pursuant to Options granted under this Plan is 300,000 Common Shares, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 17.

     
  (b)

Individual Share Limit. The maximum number of Common Shares that any one individual may acquire upon exercise of his or her Option with respect to any one Offering Period is 300, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 17 (the “Individual Limit”). The Committee may amend the Individual Limit as it applies to any particular Offering Period, effective no earlier than the first day of such Offering Period without shareholder approval.

3



  (c)

Shares Not Actually Delivered. Shares that are subject to or underlie Options, which for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall again, except to the extent prohibited by law, be available for subsequent Options under this Plan.


5.

OFFERING PERIODS

   

During the term of this Plan, the Corporation will grant Options to purchase Common Shares in each Offering Period to all Participants in that Offering Period. The Grant Date and Purchase Date of the initial Offering Period after the Effective Date will be established by the Committee in advance of the Offering Period. Unless otherwise specified in advance by the Committee, each Offering Period thereafter will be of approximately six (6) months duration, with the first such Offering Period commencing immediately after the Purchase Date of the initial Offering Period. Each Option shall become effective on the Grant Date of the Offering Period with respect to which the Option is granted. The term of each Option shall be the duration of the related Offering Period and shall end on the Purchase Date of that Offering Period. Offering Periods shall continue until this Plan is terminated in accordance with Section 18 or 19, or, if earlier, until no Common Shares remain available for Options pursuant to Section 4.

   
6.

PARTICIPATION


  (a)

Enrollment. An Eligible Employee may become a Participant in this Plan by completing a Subscription Agreement on a form approved by and in a manner prescribed by the Committee (or its delegate). To become effective, a Subscription Agreement must be signed by the Eligible Employee and be filed with the Corporation at the time specified by the Committee, but in all cases prior to the start of the Offering Period with respect to which it is to become effective, and must set forth a whole percentage (or, if the Committee so provides, a stated amount) of the Eligible Employee’s Compensation to be credited to the Participant’s Account as Contributions each pay period.

     
  (b)

Contribution Limits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may not elect to contribute less than one percent (1%) nor more than fifteen percent (15%) (or such other limit as the Committee may establish prior to the start of the applicable Offering Period) of his or her Compensation during any one pay period as Plan Contributions. The Committee also may prescribe other limits, rules or procedures for Contributions.

     
  (c)

Content and Duration of Subscription Agreements. Subscription Agreements shall contain the Eligible Employee’s authorization and consent to the Corporation’s withholding from his or her Compensation the amount of his or her Contributions. An Eligible Employee’s Subscription Agreement, and his or her participation election and withholding consent thereon, shall remain valid for all Offering Periods until (1) the Eligible Employee’s participation terminates pursuant to the terms hereof, (2) the Eligible Employee files a new Subscription Agreement that becomes effective, or (3) the Committee requires that a new Subscription Agreement be executed and filed with the Corporation.


7.

METHOD OF PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS


  (a)

Participation Accounts. The Corporation shall maintain on its books, or cause to be maintained by a recordkeeper, an Account in the name of each Participant. The percentage of Compensation elected to be applied as Contributions by a Participant shall be deducted from such Participant’s Compensation on each payday during the period for payroll deductions set forth below and such payroll deductions shall be credited to that Participant’s Account as soon as administratively practicable after such date. A Participant may not make any additional payments to his or her Account. A Participant’s Account shall be reduced by any amounts used to pay the Option Price of shares acquired, or by any other amounts distributed pursuant to the terms hereof.

4



  (b)

Payroll Deductions. Subject to such other rules as the Committee may adopt, payroll deductions with respect to an Offering Period shall commence on the first pay day which coincides with or immediately follows the applicable Grant Date and shall end on the last pay day which coincides with or immediately precedes the applicable Purchase Date, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 7(d) or until his or her participation terminates pursuant to Section 11.

     
  (c)

Changes in Contribution Elections for Next Offering Period. A Participant may discontinue, increase, or decrease the level of his or her Contributions (within the Plan limits) by completing and filing with the Corporation, on such terms as the Committee (or its delegate) may prescribe, a new Subscription Agreement which indicates such election. Subject to any other timing requirements that the Committee may impose, an election pursuant to this Section 7(c) shall be effective with the first Offering Period that commences after the Corporation’s receipt of such election, provided that a participant may, on one occasion only during an Offering Period, elect to decrease (but not increase) the level of his or her Contributions (subject to Section 6(b) by filing a new Subscription Agreement with the Corporation indicating such election, which election shall be effective as soon as administratively practicable following its receipt by the Corporation. Except as contemplated by the foregoing proviso and Section 7(d) and 7(e), changes in Contribution levels may not take effect during an Offering Period. Other modifications or suspensions of Subscription Agreements are not permitted.

     
  (d)

Withdrawal During an Offering Period. A Participant may terminate his or her Contributions during an Offering Period (and receive a distribution of the balance of his or her Account in accordance with Section 11) by completing and filing with the Corporation, in such form and on such terms as the Committee (or its delegate) may prescribe, a written withdrawal form which shall be signed by the Participant. Such termination shall be effective as soon as administratively practicable after its receipt by the Corporation. A withdrawal election pursuant to this Section 7(d) shall only be effective for a particular Offering Period, however, if it is received by the Corporation prior to the Purchase Date of that Offering Period (or such earlier deadline that the Committee may reasonably require to process the withdrawal prior to the applicable Purchase Date). Partial withdrawals of Accounts are not permitted.

     
  (e)

Discontinuance of Contributions During an Offering Period. A Participant may discontinue his or her Contributions at any time during an Offering Period by completing and filing with the Corporation, on such terms as the Committee (or its delegate) may prescribe, a new Subscription Agreement which indicates such election. If a Participant elects to discontinue his or her Contributions pursuant to this Section 7(e), the Contributions previously credited to the Participant’s Account for that Offering Period shall be used to exercise the Participant’s Option as of the applicable Purchase Date in accordance with Section 9 (unless the Participant makes a timely withdrawal election in accordance with Section 7(d), in which case such Participant’s Account shall be paid to him or her in cash in accordance with Section 11(a)).


8.

GRANT OF OPTION


  (a)

Grant Date; Number of Shares. On each Grant Date, each Eligible Employee who is a Participant during that Offering Period shall be granted an Option to purchase a number of Common Shares. The Option shall be exercised on the Purchase Date for that Offering Period. The number of Common Shares to be purchased upon exercise of the Option on the Purchase Date shall be determined by dividing the Participant’s Account balance as of that Purchase Date by the Option Price, subject to the limits of Section 8(c).

5



  (b)

Option Price. The Option Price per share of the shares subject to an Option for an Offering Period shall be the lesser of: (i) 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date of the Offering Period; or (ii) 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Purchase Date of that Offering Period; provided, however, that the Committee may provide prior to the start of any Offering Period that the Option Price for that Offering Period shall be determined by applying a discount amount (not to exceed 15%) to either (1) the Fair Market Value of Common Shares on the Grant Date of the Offering Period, or (2) the Fair Market Value of Common Shares on the Purchase Date of that Offering Period, or (3) the lesser of the Fair Market Value of Common Shares on the Grant Date of the Offering Period or the Fair Market Value of Common Shares on the Purchase Date of that Offering Period.

     
  (c)

Limits on Share Purchases. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, the maximum number of shares subject to an Option for an Offering Period shall be subject to the Individual Limit in effect on the Grant Date of that Offering Period (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 17) and any person who is otherwise an Eligible Employee shall not be granted any Option (or any Option granted shall be subject to compliance with the following limitations) or other right to purchase shares under this Plan to the extent:


  (1)

it would, if exercised, cause the person to own stock (within the meaning of Section 423(b)(3) of the Code) possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Corporation, or of any Parent, or of any Subsidiary; or

     
  (2)

such Option causes such individual to have rights to purchase stock under this Plan and any other plan of the Corporation, any Parent, or any Subsidiary which is qualified under Section 423 of the Code which accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of the fair market value of the stock of the Corporation, of any Parent, or of any Subsidiary (determined at the time the right to purchase such stock is granted, before giving effect to any discounted purchase price under any such plan) for each calendar year in which such right is outstanding at any time.

For purposes of the foregoing, a right to purchase stock accrues when it first become exercisable during the calendar year. In determining whether the stock ownership of an Eligible Employee equals or exceeds the 5% limit set forth above, the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code (relating to attribution of stock ownership) shall apply, and stock which the Eligible Employee may purchase under outstanding options shall be treated as stock owned by the Eligible Employee.

9.

EXERCISE OF OPTION


  (a)

Purchase of Shares. Unless a Participant withdraws pursuant to Section 7(d) or the Participant’s Plan participation is terminated as provided in Section 11, his or her Option for the purchase of shares shall be exercised automatically on the Purchase Date for that Offering Period, without any further action on the Participant’s part, and the maximum number of whole Common Shares subject to such Option (subject to the limits of Section 8(c)) shall be purchased at the Option Price with the balance of such Participant’s Account.

     
  (b)

Account Balance Remaining After Purchase. If any amount which is not sufficient to purchase a whole share remains in a Participant’s Account after the exercise of his or her Option on the Purchase Date: (1) such amount shall be credited to such Participant’s Account for the next Offering Period, if he or she is then a Participant; or (2) if such Participant is not a Participant in the next Offering Period, or if the Committee so elects, such amount shall be refunded to such Participant as soon as administratively practicable after such date. If the share limit of Section 4(a) is reached, any amount that remains in a Participant’s Account after the exercise of his or her Option on the Purchase Date to purchase the number of shares that he or she is allocated shall be refunded to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable after such date. If any amount which exceeds the limits of Section 8(c) remains in a Participant’s Account after the exercise of his or her Option on the Purchase Date, such amount shall be refunded to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable after such date. The Participant’s Account shall be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by any amount used to purchase shares hereunder or any amount refunded to the Participant.

6


   
10.

DELIVERY OF SHARES

   

As soon as administratively practicable after the Purchase Date, the Corporation shall, in its discretion, either deliver to each Participant a certificate representing the Common Shares purchased upon exercise of his or her Option, provide for the crediting of such shares in book entry form in the name of the Participant, or provide for an alternative arrangement for the delivery of such shares to a broker or recordkeeping service for the benefit of the Participant. In the event the Corporation is required to obtain from any commission or agency authority to issue any such certificate or otherwise deliver such shares, the Corporation will seek to obtain such authority. If the Corporation is unable to obtain from any such commission or agency authority which counsel for the Corporation deems necessary for the lawful issuance of any such certificate or other delivery of such shares, or if for any other reason the Corporation cannot issue or deliver Common Shares and satisfy Section 21, the Corporation shall be relieved from liability to any Participant except that the Corporation shall return to each Participant to whom such shares cannot be issued or delivered the amount of the balance credited to his or her Account that would have otherwise been used for the purchase of such shares.

   
11.

TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT; CHANGE IN ELIGIBLE STATUS


  (a)

General. Except as provided in Section 11(b) below and subject to applicable law, if a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Employee for any reason (including, without limitation, due to the Participant’s death, disability, resignation or retirement, or due to a layoff or other termination of employment with or without cause), or if the Participant elects to withdraw from the Plan pursuant to Section 7(d), at any time prior to the last day of an Offering Period in which he or she participates, such Participant’s Account shall be paid to him or her (or, in the event of the Participant’s death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under Section 13) in cash, and such Participant’s Option and participation in the Plan shall automatically terminate as of the Date of Termination, or date of withdrawal, as applicable.

     
  (b)

Change in Eligible Status; Leave of Absence. Subject to applicable law, if a Participant (1) ceases to be an Eligible Employee during an Offering Period but remains an employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary through the Purchase Date for that Offering Period (for example, and without limitation, due to a change in the Participant’s employer from the Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary to a non-Participating Subsidiary, if the Participant’s employer ceases to maintain the Plan as a Participating Subsidiary but otherwise continues as a Subsidiary, or if the Participant’s customary level of employment no longer satisfies the requirements set forth in the definition of Eligible Employee), or (2) during an Offering Period commences a sick leave, military leave, or other leave of absence approved by the Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary, and the leave meets the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.421-1(h)(2) and the Participant is an employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary or on such leave as of the applicable Purchase Date, such Participant’s Contributions shall cease (subject to Section 7(d)), and the Contributions previously credited to the Participant’s Account for that Offering Period shall be used to exercise the Participant’s Option as of the applicable Purchase Date in accordance with Section 9 (unless the Participant makes a timely withdrawal election in accordance with Section 7(d), in which case such Participant’s Account shall be paid to him or her in cash in accordance with Section 11(a)).

7



  (c)

Re-Enrollment. A Participant’s termination from Plan participation precludes the Participant from again participating in this Plan during that Offering Period. However, such termination shall not have any effect upon his or her ability to participate in any succeeding Offering Period, provided that the applicable eligibility and participation requirements are again then met. A Participant’s termination from Plan participation shall be deemed to be a revocation of that Participant’s Subscription Agreement and such Participant must file a new Subscription Agreement to resume Plan participation in any succeeding Offering Period.

     
  (d)

Change in Subsidiary Status. For purposes of this Plan, if a Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary, each person employed by that Subsidiary will be deemed to have terminated employment for purposes of this Plan (and the Date of Termination for such person shall be the date that Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary), unless the person continues as an employee of the Corporation or another Subsidiary.


12.

ADMINISTRATION


  (a)

The Committee. The Board shall appoint the Committee, which shall be composed of not less than two members of the Board. The Board may, at any time, increase or decrease the number of members of the Committee, may remove from membership on the Committee all or any portion of its members, and may appoint such person or persons as it desires to fill any vacancy existing on the Committee, whether caused by removal, resignation, or otherwise. The Board may also, at any time, assume the administration of all or a part of this Plan (including when actions hereunder may only be taken by the Board under applicable laws), in which case references (or relevant references in the event the Board assumes the administration of only certain aspects of this Plan) to the “Committee” shall be deemed to be references to the Board. Action of the Committee with respect to this Plan shall be taken pursuant to a majority vote or by the unanimous written consent of its members, and shall be in the manner and on the terms authorized by the Board. No member of the Committee shall be entitled to act on or decide any matter relating solely to himself or herself or solely to any of his or her rights or benefits under this Plan.

     
  (b)

Powers and Duties of the Committee. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall supervise and administer this Plan in the manner and on the terms authorized by the Board and all applicable laws. Subject to the instructions of the Board, the Committee shall have the full authority and discretion: (1) to construe and interpret this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation, any Subsidiary, and Participants under this Plan; (2) to further define the terms used in this Plan; (3) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan (including, without limitation, deadlines for making elections or for providing any notices contemplated by this Plan, which deadlines may be more restrictive than any deadlines otherwise contemplated by this Plan); and (4) to make all other determinations and take such other action as contemplated by this Plan or as may be necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan or the effectuation of its purposes. Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Committee may also adopt rules, procedures, separate offerings or sub-plans applicable to particular Subsidiaries or locations, which sub-plans may be designed to be outside the scope of Section 423 of the Code and need not comply with the otherwise applicable provisions of this Plan.

8



  (c)

Decisions of the Committee are Binding. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, the Board or the Committee relating or pursuant to this Plan and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be conclusive and binding upon all persons.

     
  (d)

Indemnification. Neither the Board nor any Committee, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan, and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time.

     
  (e)

Reliance on Experts. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Committee or the Board, as the case may be, may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including professional advisors to the Corporation. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no director, officer or agent of the Corporation or any Participating Subsidiary shall be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith.

     
  (f)

Delegation. The Committee may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or a Subsidiary.


13.

DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY

   

If the Committee permits beneficiary designations with respect to this Plan, then each Participant may file, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Committee (or its delegate), a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any shares or cash from or with respect to such Participant’s Account under this Plan in the event of such Participant’s death. If a Participant is married and the designated beneficiary is not solely his or her spouse, spousal consent shall be required for such designation to be effective unless it is established (to the satisfaction of the Committee or its delegate) that there is no spouse or that the spouse cannot be located. The Committee may rely on the last designation of a beneficiary filed by a Participant in accordance with this Plan. Beneficiary designations may be changed by the Participant (and his or her spouse, if required) at any time on forms provided and in the manner prescribed by the Committee (or its delegate).

   

If a Participant dies with no validly designated beneficiary under this Plan who is living at the time of such Participant’s death (or in the event the Committee does not permit beneficiary designations under this Plan), the Corporation shall deliver all shares and/or cash payable pursuant to the terms hereof to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed, the Corporation, in its discretion and to the extent permitted by applicable law, may deliver such shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the Participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Corporation, then to such other person as the Corporation may designate.

   

If a Participant’s death occurs before the end of an Offering Period or subsequent to the end of an Offering Period but prior to the delivery to him or her or for his or her benefit of any shares deliverable under the terms of this Plan, and the Corporation has notice of the Participant’s death, then any shares purchased for that Offering Period and any remaining balance of such Participant’s Account shall be paid to such beneficiary (or such other person entitled to such payment pursuant to this Section 13). If the Committee permits beneficiary designations with respect to this Plan, any such designation shall have no effect with respect to shares purchased and actually delivered (or credited, as the case may be) to or for the benefit of the Participant.

9



14.

TRANSFERABILITY

   

Neither Contributions credited to a Participant’s Account nor any Options or rights with respect to the exercise of Options or right to receive shares under this Plan may be anticipated, alienated, encumbered, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution, or as provided in Section 13) by the Participant. Any such attempt at anticipation, alienation, encumbrance, assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without effect and all amounts shall be paid and all shares shall be delivered in accordance with the provisions of this Plan. Amounts payable or shares deliverable pursuant to this Plan shall be paid or delivered only to (or credited in the name of, as the case may be) the Participant or, in the event of the Participant’s death, the Participant’s beneficiary pursuant to Section 13 or to the administrator, executor or liquidator of the Participant’s estate.

   
15.

USE OF FUNDS; INTEREST

   

All Contributions received or held by the Corporation under this Plan will be included in the general assets of the Corporation and may be used for any corporate purpose. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, no interest will be paid to any Participant or credited to his or her Account under this Plan (in respect of Account balances, refunds of Account balances, or otherwise). Amounts payable under this Plan shall be payable in Common Shares or from the general assets of the Corporation and, except for any shares that may be reserved on the books of the Corporation for issuance with respect to this Plan, no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of amounts that may be due with respect to this Plan.

   
16.

REPORTS

   

Statements shall be provided (either electronically or in written form, as the Committee may provide from time to time) to Participants as soon as administratively practicable following each Purchase Date. Each Participant’s statement shall set forth, as of such Purchase Date, that Participant’s Account balance immediately prior to the exercise of his or her Option, the Option Price, the number of whole shares purchased and his or her remaining Account balance, if any.

   
17.

ADJUSTMENTS OF AND CHANGES IN THE STOCK

   

Upon or in contemplation of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any recapitalization, merger, amalgamation, combination, consolidation, conversion or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or any similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Shares (whether in the form of securities or property); any exchange of Common Shares or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Shares; or a sale of substantially all the assets of the Corporation as an entirety occurs; then the Committee shall equitably and proportionately adjust (1) the number and type of shares or the number and type of other securities that thereafter may be made the subject of Options (including the specific maxima and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan), (2) the number, amount and type of shares (or other securities or property) subject to any or all outstanding Options, (3) the Option Price of any or all outstanding Options, and/or (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise of any outstanding Options, in each case to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding Options.

10



Upon the occurrence of any event described in the preceding paragraph, or any other event in which the Corporation does not survive (or does not survive as a public company in respect of its Common Shares); then the Committee may make provision for a cash payment or for the substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding Options for cash, securities or property to be delivered to the holders of any or all outstanding Options based upon the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Shares upon or in respect of such event.

   

The Committee may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding Options as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, without limitation on other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess (if any) of the amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the Option Price of the Option.

   

In any of such events, the Committee may take such action sufficiently prior to such event to the extent that the Committee deems the action necessary to permit the Participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares in the same manner as is or will be available to shareholders generally.

   
18.

POSSIBLE EARLY TERMINATION OF PLAN AND OPTIONS

   

Upon a dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, or any other event described in Section 17 that the Corporation does not survive or does not survive as a publicly-traded company in respect of its Common Shares, as the case may be, and the Committee does not make provision for a cash payment or for the substitution or exchange of outstanding Options in accordance with Section 17, then any Offering Period then in progress shall be shortened and a new Purchase Date shall be established by the Committee (the “New Purchase Date”), as of which date the Plan and any Offering Period then in progress will terminate. The New Purchase Date shall be on or before the date of the consummation of the transaction and the Committee shall notify each Participant in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the New Purchase Date that the Purchase Date for his or her outstanding Option has been changed to the New Purchase Date and that his or her Option will be exercised automatically on the New Purchase Date, unless prior to such date he or she has withdrawn from the Offering Period in accordance with Section 7(d). The Option Price on the New Purchase Date shall be determined as provided in Section 8(b), and, if applicable, the New Purchase Date shall be treated as the “Purchase Date” for purposes of determining such Option Price.

   
19.

TERM OF PLAN; AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION


  (a)

Effective Date; Termination. Subject to Section 19(b), this Plan shall become effective as of the Effective Date. No new Offering Periods shall commence on or after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date, and this Plan shall terminate as of the Purchase Date on or immediately following such date unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 18 or this Section 19. In the event that during a particular Offering Period all of the Common Shares made available under this Plan are subscribed prior to the expiration of this Plan, this Plan and all outstanding Options hereunder shall terminate at the end of that Offering Period and the shares available shall be allocated for purchase by Participants in that Offering Period on a pro-rata basis determined with respect to Participants’ Account balances.

     
  (b)

Board Amendment Authority. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part and without notice. Shareholder approval for any amendment or modification shall not be required, except to the extent required by law or applicable stock exchange rules, or required under Section 423 of the Code in order to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan. No Options may be granted during any suspension of this

11



 

Plan or after the termination of this Plan, but the Committee will retain jurisdiction as to Options then outstanding in accordance with the terms of this Plan. No amendment, modification, or termination pursuant to this Section 19(b) shall, without written consent of the Participant, affect in any manner materially adverse to the Participant any rights or benefits of such Participant or obligations of the Corporation under any Option granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes contemplated by Section 17 or Section 18 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments requiring Participant consent.

     
  (c)

Certain Additional Committee Authority. Notwithstanding the amendment provisions of Section 19(b) and without limiting the Board’s authority thereunder and without limiting the Committee’s authority pursuant to any other provision of this Plan, the Committee shall have the right (1) to designate from time to time the Subsidiaries whose employees may be eligible to participate in this Plan (including, without limitation, any Subsidiary that may first become such after the date shareholders first approve this Plan) (each a “Participating Subsidiary”), and (2) to change the service and other qualification requirements set forth under the definition of Eligible Employee in Section 2 (subject to the requirements of Section 423(b) of the Code and applicable rules and regulations thereunder). Any such change shall not take effect earlier than the first Offering Period that starts on or after the effective date of such change. Any such change shall not require shareholder approval.


20.

NOTICES

   

All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Corporation contemplated by this Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form and manner specified by the Committee (or its delegate) at the location, or by the person, designated by the Committee (or its delegate) for that purpose.

   
21.

CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES

   

This Plan, the granting of Options under this Plan and the offer, issuance and delivery of Common Shares are subject to compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to provincial, state and federal securities laws) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation and as a condition precedent to the exercise of his or her Option, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation as the Committee may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal requirements (including, if applicable, insider reporting requirements).

   
22.

PLAN CONSTRUCTION


  (a)

Section 16. It is the intent of the Corporation that transactions involving Options under this Plan (other than “Discretionary Transactions” as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(1) promulgated by the Commission under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, to the extent there are any Discretionary Transactions under this Plan), in the case of Participants who are or may be subject to the prohibitions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3(c) promulgated by the Commission under Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the maximum extent possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have no liability to any Participant for Section 16 consequences of Options or other events with respect to this Plan.

     
  (b)

Section 423. Except as the Committee may expressly provide in the case of one or more sub-plans adopted pursuant to Section 12(b), this Plan and Options are intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Code. Accordingly, all Participants are to have the same rights and privileges (within the meaning of Section 423(b)(5) of the Code and except as not required thereunder to qualify this Plan under Section 423) under this Plan, subject to differences in Compensation among Participants and subject to the Contribution and share limits of this Plan.

12



  (c)

Interpretation. If any provision of this Plan or of any Option would otherwise frustrate or conflict with the intents expressed above, that provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted so as to avoid such conflict. If the conflict remains irreconcilable, the Committee may disregard the provision if it concludes that to do so furthers the interest of the Corporation and is consistent with the purposes of this Plan as to such persons in the circumstances.


23.

EMPLOYEES’ RIGHTS


  (a)

No Employment Rights. Nothing in this Plan (or in any Subscription Agreement or other document related to this Plan) will confer upon any Eligible Employee or Participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or effect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to change such person’s compensation or other benefits or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing contained in this Section 23(a), however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of any such person under a separate employment or service contract other than a Subscription Agreement.

     
  (b)

No Rights to Assets of the Company. No Participant or other person will have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including Common Shares) of the Corporation or any Subsidiary by reason of any Option hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any Subscription Agreement or other document related to this Plan), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan will create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or any Subsidiary and any Participant, Beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a Participant, Beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to this Plan, such right will be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.

     
  (c)

No Shareholders Rights. A Participant will not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any Common Shares not actually delivered to and held of record by the Participant. No adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a shareholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery.


24.

MISCELLANEOUS


  (a)

Governing Law. This Plan, the Options, Subscription Agreements and other documents related to this Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California and the federal laws of the United States of America applicable thereto without recourse to their conflict of laws rules.

     
  (b)

Severability. If any provision shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.

     
  (c)

Captions and Headings. Captions and headings are given to the sections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such captions and headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction of interpretation of this Plan or any provision hereof.

     
  (d)

No Effect on Other Plans or Corporate Authority. The adoption of this Plan shall not affect any other Corporation or Subsidiary compensation or incentive plans in effect. Nothing in this Plan will limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or Committee (1) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for employees of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (with or without reference to the Common Shares), or (2) to grant or assume options (outside the scope of and in addition to those contemplated by this Plan) in connection with any proper corporate purpose; to the extent consistent with any other plan or authority. Benefits received by a Participant under an Option granted pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of the Participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Committee or the Board (or the Board of Directors of the Subsidiary that sponsors such plan or arrangement, as applicable) expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing.

13


   
25.

TAX WITHHOLDING

   

Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Plan herein to the contrary, the Corporation may deduct from a Participant’s Account balance as of a Purchase Date, before the exercise of the Participant’s Option is given effect on such date, the amount of taxes (if any) which the Corporation reasonably determines it or any Subsidiary may be required to withhold with respect to such exercise. In such event, the maximum number of whole shares subject to such Option (subject to the other limits set forth in this Plan) shall be purchased at the Option Price with the balance of the Participant’s Account (after reduction for the tax withholding amount).

   

Should the Corporation for any reason be unable, or elect not to, satisfy its or any Subsidiary’s tax withholding obligations in the manner described in the preceding paragraph with respect to a Participant’s exercise of an Option, or should the Corporation or any Subsidiary reasonably determine that it or an affiliated entity has a tax withholding obligation with respect to a disposition of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 423 of the Code, the Corporation or Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall have the right at its option to (1) require the Participant to pay or provide for payment of the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or Subsidiary reasonably determines that it or any affiliate is required to withhold with respect to such event or (2) deduct from any amount otherwise payable to or for the account of the Participant the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or Subsidiary reasonably determines that it or any affiliate is required to withhold with respect to such event.

   
26.

NOTICE OF SALE

   

Any person who has acquired shares under this Plan shall give prompt written notice to the Corporation of any sale or other transfer of the shares if such sale or transfer occurs (1) within the two-year period after the Grant Date of the Offering Period with respect to which such shares were acquired, or (2) within the twelve-month period after the Purchase Date of the Offering Period with respect to which such shares were acquired.

14


Sphere 3D Corp. - Exhibit 5 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

EXHIBIT 5

 
Stikeman Elliott LLP Barristers & Solicitors
1155 René Lévesque Blvd. West, 40th Floor, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3B 3V2
Tel: (514) 397-3000 Fax: (514) 397-3222 www.stikeman.com

January 29, 2018

Sphere 3D Corp.
240 Matheson Boulevard East
Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X1
Canada

Re:        Registration of 1,470,000 common shares of Sphere 3D Corp.

Dear Sirs/Mesdames:

            We have acted as Canadian special counsel to Sphere 3D Corp., a corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the "Company"), in connection with the registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement"), filed on or about the date hereof with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, of:

  (a)

1,250,000 common shares of the Company (the "PIP Shares") to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the Company's 2015 Performance Incentive Plan (the "2015 PIP"); and

     
  (b)

220,000 common shares of the Company (the "ESPP Shares", and together with the PIP Shares, the "Registration Shares") to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP", and together with the 2015 PIP, the "Plans").

            For the purposes of this opinion, we have examined and relied upon copies of the Plans. We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of and relied upon the following documents (collectively, the "Corporate Documents"):

  (a)

the certificate and articles of amendment of the Company;

     
  (b)

the by-laws of the Company;

     
  (c)

certain resolutions of the Company's directors and shareholders; and

     
  (d)

a certificate of an officer of the Company (the "Officer's Certificate").


            We also have reviewed such other documents, and have considered such questions of law, as we have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for the opinion expressed herein. We have relied upon the Corporate Documents without independent investigation of the matters provided for therein for the purpose of providing our opinion expressed herein.

            In examining all documents and in providing our opinion expressed herein we have assumed that:

  (a)

all individuals had the requisite legal capacity;

     
  (b)

all signatures are genuine;

     
  (c)

all documents submitted to us as originals are complete and authentic and all photostatic, certified, telecopied, notarial or other copies conform to the originals;

     
  (d)

all facts set forth in the official public records, certificates and documents supplied by public officials or otherwise conveyed to us by public officials are complete, true and accurate;

     
  (e)

all facts set forth in the certificates supplied by the respective officers and directors, as applicable, of the Company including, without limitation, the Officer's Certificate, are complete, true and accurate.

            Our opinion is expressed only with respect to the laws of the Province of Ontario (the "Jurisdiction") and the laws of Canada applicable therein. Any reference to the laws of the Jurisdiction includes the laws of Canada that apply in the Jurisdiction.

            Our opinion is expressed with respect to the laws of the Jurisdiction in effect on the date of this opinion. We have no responsibility or obligation to: (i) update this opinion, (ii) take into account or inform the addressee or any other person of any changes in law, facts or other developments subsequent to this date that do or may affect the opinion we express, or (iii) advise the addressee or any other person of any other change in any matter addressed in this opinion, nor do we have any responsibility or obligation to consider the applicability or correctness of this opinion to any person other than the addressee.

            Where our opinion refers to any of the Registration Shares as being issued as being "fully-paid and non-assessable", such opinion assumes that all required consideration (in whatever form) has been paid or provided and no opinion is expressed as to the adequacy of any such consideration paid or provided.

            Based and relying upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Registration Shares have been validly authorized and reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plans and will, when issued in accordance with such authorization and the terms of the Plans, be validly issued as fully paid and non-assessable.

            This opinion has been prepared for your use in connection with the Registration Statement and is expressed as of the date hereof. Our opinion is expressly limited to the matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company, the Registration Statement or the Registration Shares.


            We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under the Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. This opinion may not be quoted from or referred to in any documents other than the Registration Statement as provided for herein without our prior written consent.

Yours truly,

/s/ Stikeman Elliott LLP

3


Sphere 3D Corp. - Exhibit 23.1 - Filed by newsfilecorp.com

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Sphere 3D Corp. of our report dated March 30, 2017, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Sphere 3D Corp., appearing in the Annual Report on Form 20-F of Sphere 3D Corp. for the year ended December 31, 2016 (and expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding Sphere 3D Corp.’s going concern uncertainty), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Moss Adams LLP

San Diego, California
January 29, 2018