EXHIBIT 99 SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 2007 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Published on October 24, 2007
Exhibit
99
SOUTHWEST
AIRLINES CO.
2007
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
I. PURPOSE
The
purpose of the SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 2007 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(the “Plan”) is to secure for the Company the benefits of the
additional incentive inherent in the ownership of its Common Stock by Directors
and selected key Employees of the Company and its Affiliates who are important
to the success and the growth of the Company and its Affiliates, and to help
the
Company and its Affiliates secure and retain the services of such Directors
and
key Employees.
II. DEFINITIONS
The
following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan, unless
specifically modified by any provision of the Plan:
(a) “Affiliate”
means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or partnership,
association, trust, or other organization which, directly or indirectly,
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, “control” (including, with correlative
meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used
with respect to any entity or organization, shall mean the possession, directly
or indirectly, of the power (i) to vote more than 50 percent of the
securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the
controlled entity or organization; or (ii) to direct or cause the direction
of the management and policies of the controlled entity or organization, whether
through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or
otherwise.
(b) “Agreement”
means an agreement, certificate, or other documentation (in each case, whether
in written, electronic, or other format) governing the grant of an Award under
the Plan, which shall contain terms and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan and which shall incorporate the Plan by reference.
(c) ”Award”
means, individually or collectively, any Option, Restricted Stock Award,
Restricted Stock Unit, or Performance Award.
(d) “Board”
means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(e) “Code”
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the Plan
to
any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any amendments or successor
provisions to such section and any regulations under such section.
(f) “Committee”
means the committee(s) appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, in
accordance with Section IV(a) of the Plan.
(g) “Common
Stock” means the common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the
Company, or any security into which such common stock may be changed by reason
of any transaction or event of the type described in Section XI of the
Plan.
(h) “Company”
means Southwest Airlines Co., a Texas corporation.
(i) “Director”
means an individual who is a member of the Board.
(j) ”Employee”
means any person (including a Director) in an employment relationship with
the
Company or any Affiliate.
(k) “Exchange
Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(l) “Fair
Market Value” means, as of any specified date, unless otherwise determined
by the Committee, the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the
primary national stock exchange on which such stock is listed. If no sale shall
have been made on that day, or if the Common Stock is not listed on a national
exchange at that time, fair market value will be determined by the Committee
in
such manner as it deems appropriate including, without limitation, by reference
to the last preceding date on which the price of the Common Stock is reported
by
a national stock exchange or, if the Common Stock is traded over the counter
at
the time a determination of its fair market value is required to be made
hereunder, by reference to the average between the reported high and low or
closing bid and asked prices of the Common Stock on the most recent date on
which the Common Stock was publicly traded.
(m) “Incentive
Stock Option” means an incentive stock option within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Code.
(n) “Non-Employee
Director” means a member of the Board who is not an Employee of the Company
or any of its Affiliates.
(o) “Non-Qualified
Stock Option” means any Option that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock
Option.
(p) “Option”
means a right granted to a Participant under Section VII of the Plan to
purchase shares of Common Stock at such time and price, and subject to such
other terms, conditions, and restrictions, as are set forth in the Plan and
in
the applicable Agreement. Options may be Incentive Stock Options or
Non-Qualified Stock Options.
(q) “Participant”
means an Employee or Director who has been granted an Award under the
Plan.
(r) “Performance
Award” means an Award that includes performance measures in accordance with
Section X of the Plan.
(s) “Plan”
means the Southwest Airlines Co. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from
time to time.
(t) “Restricted
Stock Award” means an Award of Common Stock granted under Section VIII
of the Plan that is subject to the restrictions set forth in such Section and
to
such other terms, conditions, and restrictions as are set forth in the Plan
and
in the applicable Agreement.
(u) “Restricted
Stock Unit” means a right granted under Section IX of the Plan to
receive a share of Common Stock in the future, subject to such terms,
conditions, and restrictions as are set forth in the Plan and in the applicable
Agreement.
(v) “Rule 16b-3”
means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as such may be amended
from time to time, and any successor rule, regulation, or statute fulfilling
the
same or a similar function.
(w) “Section 162(m)”
means Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder
from time to time.
(x) “Section 162(m)
Exception” means the exception under Section 162(m) for “qualified
performance-based compensation.”
III. EFFECTIVE
DATE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN
The
Plan
shall become effective upon the date of its approval by the Shareholders of
the
Company. No Awards may be granted under the Plan after ten years from the date
the Plan is adopted by the Board. The Plan shall remain in effect until all
Options granted under the Plan have been exercised or have expired, all
Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units granted under the Plan have
vested or been forfeited, and all Performance Awards have been satisfied or
have
expired.
IV. ADMINISTRATION
(a) Composition
of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Board or by
a committee of, and appointed by, the Board that shall be comprised of at least
two members of the Board; provided that, (i) with respect to any
Award that is intended to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3, such
committee shall consist of at least such number of Directors as is required
from
time to time by Rule 16b-3, and each such committee member shall satisfy
the qualification requirements of such rule; (ii) with respect to any Award
that is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Section 162(m)
Exception, such committee shall consist of at least such number of Directors
as
is required from time to time to satisfy the Section 162(m) Exception, and
each such committee member shall satisfy the qualification requirements of
such
exception; and (iii) to the extent required under the rules of any stock
exchange or automated quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed
for
trading or quoted, each member of such committee shall satisfy any
“independence” or other requirements of such exchange or quotation system;
provided, however, that if any such committee member is found not to
have met the qualification requirements set forth in clauses (i) and/or
(ii) above, any actions taken or Awards granted by such committee shall not
be invalidated by such failure to so qualify. Subject to (i) the
limitations set forth in this Section IV and (ii) any limitations set
forth in the Texas Business Corporation Act, as well as any other laws, rules,
or regulations that may apply from time to time, the Committee shall have the
authority to delegate some or all of its authority under the Plan to one or
more
members of the Committee or to one or more officers of the Company.
(b) Powers. Subject
to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have authority,
in
its discretion, to determine the individuals who will receive an Award, the
time
or times when such Award shall be made, the type of Award that shall be made,
and the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to each Award. In making
its determinations, the Committee shall take into account the nature of the
services rendered by the respective individuals, their present responsibility
level, performance, and potential contribution to the Company’s success, any
other Awards received by them, and such other factors as the Committee in its
sole discretion shall deem relevant. Subject to the express provisions of the
Plan, the Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and the
respective Agreements hereunder, to establish rules and regulations relating
to
the Plan, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for
administering the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any
omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Agreement
relating to an Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem expedient
to
carry it into effect. The Committee shall have the authority to amend the terms
of any outstanding Award or to waive any condition or restriction applicable
to
any Award in any manner that is not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan;
provided, however, that no amendment may materially
impair the rights of the holder thereof without the holder’s consent. The
determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this
Section IV shall be conclusive.
With
respect to any restriction in the Plan, or to which any Award is subject, that
is based on the requirements of Rule 16b-3, Section 422 of the Code,
the Section 162(m) Exception, the rules of any exchange upon which the
Company’s securities are listed or automated quotation system upon which the
Company’s securities are quoted, or any other applicable law, rule, or
restriction, to the extent that any such restriction is no longer required,
the
Committee shall have the sole discretion and authority to grant Awards that
are
not subject to such restriction and/or to waive any such restriction with
respect to outstanding Awards.
V. SHARES SUBJECT
TO THE PLAN
Subject
to adjustment in accordance with Section XI below, the maximum number of
shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan with respect to all
types of Awards in the aggregate shall not exceed 6,000,000; provided that
no more than 2,400,000 of the 6,000,000 shares shall be issued
pursuant to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards, collectively.
(For example, (i) if the Companywere to issue
2,400,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to Restricted
Stockand/or Restricted Stock Unit Awards, 3,600,000 shares would
remainavailable for issuance pursuant to Option Awards only, and no
shares would remainavailable for Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock
Unit Awards; or (ii) if theCompany were to issue
5,500,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to Option
Awards,500,000 shares would remain available for Restricted Stock,
Restricted StockUnit and/or Option Awards.) To the extent that an
Award lapses or the rights of its holder terminate, any shares of Common Stock
subject to such Award shall again be available for the grant of an Award under
the Plan. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, subject
to
adjustment in accordance with Section XI below, the maximum number of
shares of Common Stock with respect to which Awards may be granted in the
aggregate to any Participant during the term of the Plan shall not exceed
450,000.
The
stock
to be offered pursuant to the grant of an Award may be authorized but unissued
Common Stock, Common Stock previously issued and outstanding and reacquired
by
the Company, or both. Any of such shares that remain unissued and that are
not
subject to outstanding Awards at the termination of the Plan shall cease to
be
subject to the Plan but, until termination of the Plan, the Company shall at
all
times make available a sufficient number of shares to meet the requirements
of
the Plan.
VI. ELIGIBILITY
Awards
may be granted only to persons who, at the time of grant, are Employees or
Directors; provided that Awards of Incentive Stock Options may only be
granted to Employees of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation
in
accordance with Section VII(e) below.
VII. STOCK
OPTIONS
(a) Grants
of Stock Options Generally. The Committee may from time to time
grant Options on the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and on such
other terms and conditions as are not inconsistent with the purposes and
provisions of the Plan as the Committee, in its discretion, may from time to
time determine.
(b) Automatic
Grants of Options to Non-Employee Directors. Each individual who
becomes a Non-Employee Director after adoption of this Plan and who has not
previously been granted Options under this or any other plan of the Company
shall, on the date of his or her initial appointment or election to the Board,
be granted a Non-Qualified Stock Option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common
Stock at a price equal to 100 percent of the Fair Market Value of the
Common Stock on such date. Each individual who became a Non-Employee Director
prior to adoption of this Plan and who has not previously been granted Options
under any plan of the Company shall, on the date of the 2007 Annual Meeting
of
Shareholders of the Company, be granted an Option to purchase 8,000 shares
of Common Stock at a price equal to 100 percent of the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock on such date. Subject to Section VII(g) below, Options
granted to Non-Employee Directors pursuant to this Section VII(b) shall
have a term of ten years and shall become exercisable with respect to one-third
of the shares covered thereby annually, beginning on the first anniversary
of
the date of grant.
(c) Option
Period. Subject to Section VII(b) above (regarding
automatic grants to Non-Employee Directors), the term of each Option shall
be as
specified by the Committee at the date of grant of such Option, but in no event
shall an Option be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date
of its grant.
(d) Exercisability
of Options. Subject to Section VII(b) above (regarding
automatic grants to Non-Employee Directors), an Option shall be exercisable
in
whole or in such installments and at such times as are determined by the
Committee.
(e) Special
Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. The maximum number of
shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan with respect to
Incentive Stock Options shall be 6,000,000, subject to the following
limitations. An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to an individual
who
is employed by the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined
in Section 424 of the Code) at the time the Option is granted. To the
extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time an Incentive
Stock Option is granted) of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive
Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an individual during any
calendar year under all incentive stock option plans of the Company and its
parent and subsidiary corporations exceeds $100,000, such Incentive Stock
Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options. No Incentive Stock
Option shall be granted to an individual if, at the time the Option is granted,
such individual owns stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its parent
or
subsidiary corporations, within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the
Code, unless (i) at the time such Option is granted the option price is at
least 110 percent of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to
the Option and (ii) such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the
expiration of five years from the date of grant.
(f) Option
Exercise Price and Payment of Exercise Price. The exercise price
of an Option shall be determined by the Committee but, subject to adjustment
as
provided in Section XI, such exercise price shall not be less than the Fair
Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date such Option is granted.
The
exercise price may be paid as follows: (i) in cash; (ii) in the
discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock (provided that the
Committee may require that such shares have been held by the Participant for
a
specified period time); (iii) by delivery (including by fax or electronic
means in accordance with the procedures determined by the Committee) to the
Company or its designated agent of an irrevocable Option exercise notice
together with irrevocable instructions from the Participant to a broker or
dealer, reasonably acceptable to the Company, to sell certain shares of Common
Stock purchased upon exercise of an Option or to pledge such shares as
collateral for a loan and promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale
or
loan proceeds necessary to pay the exercise price for the Option
(providedthat, with respect to such a cashless exercise, the
Option shall be deemed exercised on the date of sale of the shares of Common
Stock received upon exercise); and/or (iv) in any other form of valid
consideration that is acceptable to the Committee in its sole
discretion.
(g) Rights
Upon Termination of Service. Subject to Section VII(e)
above (regarding Incentive Stock Options), in the event of the termination
of a
Participant’s service with the Company or any Affiliate, such Participant’s
Options that have not vested as of the date of termination shall automatically
and without notice terminate and become null and void at 4:00 p.m., Eastern
Time, on the date of termination. The vested portion of the Participant’s
outstanding Options shall thereafter automatically and without notice terminate
and become null and void at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the date that is
the earliest to occur of the following (the “Option Termination
Date”):
(i) The
date of the Participant’s termination of service with the Company or an
Affiliate for cause, including breach by the Participant of an employment
agreement with the Company or an Affiliate or the Participant’s commission of a
felony or misdemeanor (whether or not prosecuted) against the Company or an
Affiliate;
(ii) The
expiration of two years following the date of termination of a Participant’s
employment with the Company or an Affiliate if such Participant is not also
a
Director of the Company;
(iii) The
expiration of five years following the date of termination of a Director’s
service with the Board;
(iv) The
expiration of such period of time or the occurrence of such event as the
Committee in its discretion may provide in the Participant’s Option
Agreement;
(v) The
expiration of ten years from the date of grant of such Option.
Upon
the
occurrence of any event described in this Section VII(g), any Participant
who desires to exercise an Option prior to the Option Termination Date shall
be
required to provide notice of exercise to the Company prior to the close of
trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the Option Termination
Date.
(h) Restrictions
on Repricing of Options. Subject to Section XI below, the
Committee may not reprice Options for any reason.
(i) Shareholder
Rights and Privileges. A Participant shall have no right to
receive dividends, vote, or otherwise exercise the privileges and rights of
a
Shareholder with respect to an unexercised Option. The Participant shall be
entitled to all the privileges and rights of a Shareholder only with respect
to
such shares of Common Stock as have been purchased under the Option and for
which shares of Common Stock have been registered in the Participant’s name or
otherwise credited to the Participant.
(j) Option
Agreements. Options granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by
an Option Agreement in such form and containing such provisions not inconsistent
with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee from time to time shall
approve, including, without limitation, (i) the number of Options granted;
(ii) the date of grant; (iii) the option exercise price;
(iv) whether such Options are Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified
Stock Options; (v) the period during which such Options may be exercised
and any vesting schedule applicable to such Options, including any applicable
performance measures (as set forth in Section X); (vi) the effect of
termination of employment or service on the exercisability of the Options;
and
(vii) any other terms that the Committee deems appropriate.
VIII. RESTRICTED
STOCK AWARDS
(a) Grants
of Restricted Stock. The Committee may from time to time grant
shares of Restricted Stock on the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan
and
on such other terms and conditions as are not inconsistent with the purposes
and
provisions of the Plan as the Committee, in its discretion, may from time to
time determine.
(b) Vesting
of Restricted Stock. Shares of Common Stock that are the subject
of a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to restrictions on disposition
by
the Participant and an obligation of the Participant to forfeit and surrender
the shares to the Company under certain circumstances, as determined by the
Committee. The Committee shall establish the vesting schedule applicable to
each
Restricted Stock Award, provided that (i) in no event shall any
Restricted Stock Award that has a vesting schedule based on the passing of
time
have (or be accelerated such that it has) a vesting schedule of less than three
years from the date of grant, and no more than 33 1/3 percent of any such Award
shall vest on each anniversary of the date of grant; and (ii) in no event
shall any Restricted Stock Award that is a Performance Award vest (or be
accelerated such that it vests) in under one year from the date of grant. The
Committee may provide that the shares will vest upon (i) the Participant’s
continued employment with the Company for a specified period of time;
(ii) the attainment of one or more performance measures established by the
Committee, as set forth in Section X; (iii) the occurrence of any
event or the satisfaction of any other condition specified by the Committee
in
its sole discretion; or (iv) a combination of any of the
foregoing.
(c) Rights
and Restrictions Governing Restricted Stock. Common Stock
awarded pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the
Participant’s name or otherwise credited to the Participant. Unless provided
otherwise in a Restricted Stock Agreement, the Participant shall have the right
to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to shares of Common
Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award, to vote Common Stock subject
thereto, and to enjoy all other Shareholder rights, except that (i) the
Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of unrestricted shares until
all
conditions to vesting have been satisfied; (ii) the Participant may not
sell, transfer, pledge, assign, exchange, hypothecate, or otherwise encumber
or
dispose of the shares until all conditions to vesting have been satisfied;
and
(iii) a breach of the terms and conditions established by the Committee
pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreement shall cause a forfeiture of the
Restricted Stock.
(d) Payment
for Restricted Stock. The Committee shall determine the amount
and form of any payment for Common Stock received pursuant to a Restricted
Stock
Award, provided that, in the absence of such a determination, a
Participant shall not be required to make any payment for Common Stock received
pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, except to the extent otherwise required
by
law.
(e) Rights
Upon Termination of Service. In the event of the termination of
a Participant’s service with the Company or any Affiliate, any of such
Participant’s shares of Restricted Stock that have not vested as of the date of
termination shall automatically and without notice be forfeited at
4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the date of termination.
(f) Restricted
Stock Agreements. Each Restricted Stock Award shall be evidenced
by a Restricted Stock Agreement in such form and containing such provisions
not
inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee from time to
time
shall approve, including, without limitation, (i) the number of shares of
Restricted Stock granted; (ii) the date of grant; (iii) the price, if
any, to be paid by the Participant for such Restricted Stock; (iv) the
vesting schedule applicable to such Restricted Stock, including any applicable
performance measures (as set forth in Section X) or other
restrictions; (v) the effect of termination of service on the vesting of
the Restricted Stock; and (vi) any other terms that the Committee deems
appropriate.
IX. RESTRICTED
STOCK UNITS
(a) Grants
of Restricted Stock Units. The Committee may from time to time
grant Restricted Stock Units on the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan
and on such other terms and conditions as are not inconsistent with the purposes
and provisions of the Plan as the Committee, in its discretion, may from time
to
time determine.
(b) Vesting
of Restricted Stock Units. The Committee shall establish the
vesting schedule applicable to each Restricted Stock Unit Award; provided
that (i) in no event shall any Restricted Stock Unit Award that has a
vesting schedule based on the passing of time have (or be accelerated such
that
is has) a vesting schedule of less than three years from the date of grant,
and
no more than 33 1/3 percent of any such Award shall vest (or be accelerated
such
that it vests) on each anniversary of the date of grant; and (ii) in no
event shall any Restricted Stock Award that is a Performance Award vest in
under
one year from the date of grant. The Committee may provide that the Restricted
Stock Units will vest upon (i) the Participant’s continued employment with
the Company for a specified period of time; (ii) the attainment of one or
more performance measures established by the Committee, as set forth in
Section X; (iii) the occurrence of any event or the satisfaction of
any other condition specified by the Committee in its sole discretion; or
(iv) a combination of any of the foregoing.
(c) Settlement
of Restricted Stock Units. On the date on which Restricted Stock
Units vest (or at such other time or times as the Committee may provide), the
holder of such Restricted Stock Units shall be entitled to receive one share
of
Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that has vested. In such event,
the
applicable number of shares of Common Stock shall be registered in the
Participant’s name or otherwise credited to the Participant.
(d) Shareholder
Rights and Privileges. A Participant shall have no right to
receive dividends, vote, or otherwise exercise the privileges and rights of
a
Shareholder with respect to outstanding Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant
to this Section. The Participant shall be entitled to all of the privileges
and
rights of a Shareholder only with respect to such shares of Common Stock as
have
been issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit Award and that have been
registered in the Participant’s name or otherwise credited to the
Participant.
(e) Rights
Upon Termination of Service. In the event of the termination of
a Participant’s service with the Company or any Affiliate, any of such
Participant’s Restricted Stock Units that have not vested as of the date of
termination shall automatically and without notice be forfeited at
4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the date of termination.
(f) Restricted
Stock Unit Award Agreements. Each Restricted Stock Unit granted
pursuant to this Section IX shall be evidenced by an Agreement in such form
and containing such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the
Plan
as the Committee from time to time shall approve, including, without limitation,
(i) the number of Restricted Stock Units granted; (ii) the date of
grant; (iii) the price, if any, to be paid by the Participant in connection
with such Restricted Stock Units; (iv) the vesting schedule applicable to
such Restricted Stock Units, including any applicable performance measures
(as
set forth in Section X) or other restrictions; (v) the effect of
termination of service on the vesting of the Restricted Stock Units; and
(vi) any other terms that the Committee deems appropriate.
X. PERFORMANCE
AWARDS
The
grant, vesting, and/or exercisability of any Award may, in the Committee’s sole
discretion, be conditioned, in whole or in part, on the attainment of
performance targets related to one or more performance measures over a
performance period, in which case, such Award shall constitute a Performance
Award under the Plan.
(a) Performance
Measures. (i) Performance Awards that are not intended to
qualify for the Section 162(m) Exception may be based on the achievement of
such goals and be subject to such terms, conditions, and restrictions as the
Committee shall determine.
(ii) Performance
Awards that are intended to qualify for the Section 162(m) Exception based
on the satisfaction of one or more performance measures shall be conditioned
upon the achievement during a specified performance period of specified levels
of one or more of the measures listed below. The Committee shall establish
the
performance measures applicable to such performance either (i) prior to the
beginning of the performance period or (ii) within 90 days after the
beginning of the performance period if the outcome of the performance targets
is
substantially uncertain at the time such targets are established, but not later
than the date on which 25 percent of the performance period has elapsed;
provided such measures may be made subject to adjustment for specified
significant extraordinary items or events to the extent consistent with
Section 162(m) of the Code. The performance measures established by the
Committee may be based upon (1) the earnings or earnings per share of the
Company or of any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee;
(2) the net operating margin of the Company or of any business unit of the
Company designated by the Committee; (3) the cash flow return on investment
of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee;
(4) the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization
of the Company or any business unit of the Company designated by the Committee;
(5) the return on shareholders’ equity achieved by the Company;
(6) the total shareholders’ return achieved by the Company; (7) any of
the foregoing calculated on an “economic basis”; (8) the price of a share
of Common Stock; (9) the Company’s market share; (10) the market share
of a business unit of the Company designated by the Committee; (11) the
Company’s sales; (12) the sales of a business unit of the Company
designated by the Committee; (13) the economic value added; or
(14) any combination of the foregoing. A measure that is calculated on an
“economic basis” is a measure that is adjusted (to the extent consistent with
Section 162(m) of the Code) to reflect the impact of special items, which
items are reflected from time to time in the Company’s published financials.
Special items are material nonrecurring adjustments deemed appropriate to
exclude by the Committee and may include, without limitation,
(a) unrealized gains or losses and other items that are recorded by the
Company as a result of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133,
Accounting for DerivativeInstruments and Hedging Activities,
as amended; (b) impairment and other non-cash charges including the impact
of changes in accounting principles or estimates or other unusual, infrequent
non-cash items; and (c) other items not considered to be representative of
the Company’s ongoing operations.
(b) Determination
of Awards. To the extent the Committee intends for Awards to
qualify for the Section 162(m) Exception, prior to the Participants’
receipt of shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Awards (or prior to receipt
of the Awards themselves, if applicable), the Committee shall certify whether
the performance targets and measure(s) related to such Awards have been
achieved. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for a reduction
in
a Participant’s Performance Award during the performance period.
XI. RECAPITALIZATION
OR REORGANIZATION
(a) No
Effect on Right or Power. The existence of the Plan and the
Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of
the
Board or the Shareholders of the Company to make or authorize (i) any
adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization, or other change in the Company’s
or any Affiliate’s capital structure or its business; (ii) any merger or
consolidation of the Company or any Affiliate; (iii) any issue of debt or
equity securities ahead of or affecting Common Stock or the rights thereof;
(iv) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any Affiliate;
(v) any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or any part of
the Company’s or any Affiliate’s assets or business; or (vi) any other
corporate act or proceeding.
(b) Subdivision
or Consolidation of Shares; Stock Dividends. The shares with
respect to which Awards may be granted are shares of Common Stock as presently
constituted, but if, and whenever, prior to the expiration of an Award
theretofore granted, the Company shall effect a subdivision or consolidation
of
shares of Common Stock or the payment of a stock dividend on Common Stock
without receipt of consideration by the Company, the number of shares of Common
Stock with respect to which such Award may thereafter be exercised or satisfied,
as applicable, (i) in the event of an increase in the number of outstanding
shares, shall be proportionately increased, and the exercise price per share
(if
applicable) shall be proportionately reduced; and (ii) in the event of a
reduction in the number of outstanding shares, shall be proportionately reduced,
and the exercise price per share (if applicable) shall be proportionately
increased. In the event of any such change in the outstanding Common Stock,
the
aggregate number of shares available under the Plan may be appropriately
adjusted by the Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive.
(c) Recapitalizations
and Corporate Changes. If the Company recapitalizes or otherwise
changes its capital structure (a “recapitalization”), the number and class of
shares of Common Stock covered by an Award theretofore granted shall be adjusted
so that such Award shall thereafter cover the number and class of shares of
stock and securities to which the Participant would have been entitled pursuant
to the terms of the recapitalization if, immediately prior to such
recapitalization, the Participant had been the holder of record of the number
of
shares of Common Stock then covered by such Award. If the Company shall not
be
the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation (or survives only as a
subsidiary of an entity other than a previously wholly-owned subsidiary of
the
Company), or if the Company is to be dissolved or liquidated, then, unless
a
surviving corporation assumes or substitutes new Awards for Awards then
outstanding hereunder, (i) all unvested Options then outstanding shall be
accelerated and shall become exercisable in full, and all restrictions and/or
performance measures with respect to any Award shall be deemed to be satisfied,
on or before a date fixed by the Company prior to the effective date of such
merger or consolidation or such dissolution or liquidation; and (ii) upon
such effective date, Awards shall expire.
(d) Awards
and Rights in Substitution for Awards Granted by
OtherEmployers. Awards may be granted under the Plan
from time to time in substitution for Awards held by individuals providing
services to corporations or other entities who become Employees or Directors
as
a result of a merger or consolidation or other business transaction with the
Company or any Affiliate.
(e) Shareholder
Action. Any adjustment provided for in the above Subsections
shall be subject to any required Shareholder action.
(f) No
Adjustments Unless Otherwise Provided. Except as hereinbefore
expressly provided, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class
or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class for property, labor,
or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to
subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company
convertible into such shares or other securities, and in any case whether or
not
for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be
made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards
theretofore granted or the exercise price per share, if applicable.
XII. AMENDMENT
AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
The
Board
in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time with respect to any shares
of Common Stock for which Awards have not theretofore been granted. In addition,
the Board shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof
from time to time; provided that no change in the Plan may be made that
would impair the rights of a Participant with respect to an Award theretofore
granted without the consent of the Participant; and provided, further, that
no amendment shall be made without approval of the Shareholders of
the
Company if such approval is required under applicable law or by the requirements
of any exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Common Stock is
listed for trading or quoted.
XIII. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) No
Right to An Award. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any
action of the Board or of the Committee shall be deemed to give any individual
any right to be granted an Award nor any other rights hereunder except as may
be
evidenced by an Award Agreement, and then only to the extent and on the terms
and conditions expressly set forth therein. The Plan shall be unfunded. The
Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or
to
make any other segregation of funds or assets to assure the performance of
its
obligations with respect to any Award.
(b) No
Employment/Board Membership Rights Conferred. Nothing contained
in the Plan shall (i) confer upon any Employee any right with respect to
continuation of an employment relationship with the Company or any Affiliate
or
(ii) interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate to
terminate his or her employment relationship at any time. Nothing contained
in
the Plan shall confer upon any Director any right with respect to continuation
of membership on the Board.
(c) Other
Laws; Withholding. By accepting any shares of Common Stock
issued pursuant to an Award granted under the Plan, the Participant thereby
represents and warrants to the Company that the purchase or receipt of such
shares shall be for investment and not with a view to distribution; provided
that such representation and warranty shall be inoperative if, in the
opinion of counsel to the Company, a proposed sale or distribution of such
shares is pursuant to an applicable effective registration statement under
the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or is, without such representation and
warranty, exempt from registration under such Act. The Company shall not be
obligated to issue any Common Stock pursuant to any Award granted under the
Plan
at any time when the requirements of any securities exchange upon which the
Company’s securities shall then be listed have not been met or when the shares
covered by such Award have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933,
as amended, and such other state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as
the
Company or the Committee deem applicable and, in the opinion of legal counsel
for the Company, there is no exemption from the registration requirements of
such laws, rules, and regulations available for the issuance and sale of such
shares. The Company may (i) endorse an appropriate legend referring to the
foregoing restrictions upon the certificate or certificates representing any
shares of Common Stock issued or transferred pursuant to any Award granted
under
this Plan; or (ii) otherwise note such restrictions with respect to Common
Stock that is not certificated. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall
be
delivered, nor shall any cash in lieu of fractional shares be paid. The Company
shall have the right to deduct in connection with all Awards any taxes required
by law to be withheld and to require any payments required to enable it to
satisfy its withholding obligations. This authority shall include the authority
to withhold or receive Common Stock or other property and to make cash payments
in respect thereof in satisfaction of a Participant’s tax obligations, either on
a mandatory or elective basis in the discretion of the Committee. The Committee,
in its sole discretion, may require, as a condition to the exercise of any
Option or delivery of any shares of Common Stock, that an additional amount
be
paid in cash equal to the amount of any taxes owed as a result of such exercise
or delivery.
(d) No
Restriction on Corporate Action. Nothing contained in the Plan
shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Affiliate from taking any
action that is deemed by the Company or such Affiliate to be appropriate or
in
its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect
on
the Plan or any Award made under the Plan. No Participant, beneficiary, or
other
person shall have any claim against the Company or any Affiliate as a result
of
any such action.
(e) Restrictions
on Transfer. No Award granted under this Plan or any right
evidenced thereby shall be transferable by the Participant other than by will
or
the laws of descent and distribution, and any Options shall be exercisable
during the Participant’s lifetime only by such Participant or the Participant’s
guardian or legal representative.
(f) Governing
Law. The Plan shall be governed by, and
construedin accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas,
without regard to conflicts oflaws principles
thereof.