ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC. Stock Option Award Agreement

Exhibit 10.4

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.

2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

____________________________

Stock Option Award Agreement

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You are hereby awarded this stock option (the “Option”) to purchase shares of Common Stock of Aspira Women’s Health Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Award Agreement”) and in the Aspira Women’s Health Inc.  2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).  A link to this Plan is attached in Exhibit A.  Terms below that begin with capital letters have the special meaning set forth in the Plan (or in this Award Agreement, if defined herein).

This Award is subject to your execution of this Award Agreement specified in Section 1 below.  By executing this Award Agreement, you will be irrevocably agreeing that all of your rights under this Award will be determined solely and exclusively by reference to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, subject to the provisions set forth below. As a result, you should not execute this Award Agreement until you have carefully considered the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award, plus the information disclosed within the Plan prospectus, and consulted with your personal legal and tax advisors about all of these documents.

1. Specific Terms.  Your Option has the following terms:


Name of Participant	Name
Type of Option:	☒ Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”)1 ☐ Nonqualified Stock Option2
Grant Date:	[●]
Expiration Date:	Except as otherwise provided for in the Award Agreement, 10 years after Grant Date, at 5:00 p.m. (E.D.T. or E.S.T., as applicable).
Exercise Price:	U.S. $[●] per Share.
Number of shares of Common Stock subject to this Award:	[●]



_______________________________

1 If you directly or indirectly own more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, then the term of your ISO cannot exceed 5 years and the exercise price must be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value (100% for any other employee who is receiving ISO awards). Only employees may receive ISOs.

2 The exercise price of a Nonqualified Stock Option must be at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares.

Exhibit 10.4

Vesting:

Your Option will vest over four years with 25% vesting on [●], and an additional 25% per year for the remaining three years.   In all cases, vesting of your ISO or Nonqualified Stock Option will only occur on a particular date if your Continuous Service has not ended before the particular vesting date (subject to the terms of any employment or services agreement between you and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries).

Recapture and Recoupment

☒ Section 5.13 of the Plan shall apply re Termination, Rescission, and    Recapture of this Award. ☒ Section 5.14 of the Plan shall apply re recoupment of this Award.



2. Manner of Exercise.  This Option shall be exercised in the manner and by any means set forth in Section 2.1(c) the Plan, using the exercise form attached hereto as Exhibit B.  The amount of shares of Common Stock for which this Option may be exercised is cumulative; that is, if you fail to exercise this Option for all of the shares of Common Stock vested under this Option during any period set forth above, then any shares of Common Stock subject hereto that are not exercised during such period may be exercised during any subsequent period, until the expiration or termination of this Option pursuant to Sections 1 and 4 of this Award Agreement and the terms of the Plan.  Fractional shares of Common Stock may not be purchased.

3. Special ISO Provisions.  If designated as an ISO, this Option shall be treated as an ISO to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and shall otherwise be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option.  If you sell or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an ISO within 1 year from the date such shares of Common Stock were acquired or 2 years from the Grant Date, you agree to deliver a written report to the Company within 10 days following the sale or other disposition of such shares of Common Stock detailing the net proceeds of such sale or disposition.

4. Termination of Continuous Service. 

(a) Cessation of Vesting.  Subject to the terms of any employment or services agreement between you and the Company (and/or any Subsidiary) that is in effect on the Grant Date, this Award shall be canceled and become automatically null and void immediately after termination of your Continuous Service, but only to the extent you have not become vested, pursuant to the terms of Section 1 above, on or before the date that your Continuous Service ends.    For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Continuous Service” shall mean your period of service in the absence of any interruption or termination, as an employee of the Company or Subsidiary, non-employee director, or consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary. Continuous Service shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from time to time; (iv) changes in status from non-employee director to advisory director or emeritus status; or (iv) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Subsidiaries. Changes in status between service as an employee, non-employee director, and a consultant will

Exhibit 10.4

not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service if the individual continues to perform bona fide services for the Company. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent the vesting of the Option shall be tolled during any paid or unpaid leave of absence; provided, however, that in the absence of such determination, vesting for the Option shall be tolled during any such unpaid leave (but not for a paid leave).

(b) Post-Termination Exercise Period.  With respect to the portion of the Option that is vested, or vests, upon your termination of Continuous Service, the following provisions shall apply:


Reason for terminating Continuous Service	Option Termination Date
(I) By the Company for Cause, or what would have been Cause if the Company had known all of the relevant facts.	Termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service
(II) Disability of the Participant.	Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(III) Retirement of the Participant after age 65 with five years or more of Continuous Service.	Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(IV) Death of the Participant during Continuous Service or within 90 days thereafter.	Within one year after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.
(V) Other than due to Cause or the Participant’s Disability, Retirement, or Death.	Within 90 days after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service.





(c) For purposes of this Award Agreement,

(i) “Cause” will have the meaning set forth in any unexpired employment agreement between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and you in effect as of the Grant Date. In the absence of such an agreement, “Cause” will exist if you are terminated from employment or other service with the Company, a Subsidiary or an affiliate for any of the following reasons: (i) your willful failure to substantially perform your duties and responsibilities to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates or deliberate violation of a material Company or Subsidiary policy; (ii) your commission of any material act or acts of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty, or other willful misconduct; (iii) your material unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other party to whom you owe an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of your relationship with the Company; or (iv) your willful and material breach of any of your obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate your service relationship at any time, and the term “Company” will be interpreted herein to include any Affiliate or successor thereto, if appropriate.

(ii) “Disabled” means a condition under which your:  (x) are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can

Exhibit 10.4

be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (y)  are, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, received income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident or health plan covering employees of the Company

(iii) “Retirement” means your termination of employment after age 65.



5. Designation of Beneficiary.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Plan, following the execution of this Award Agreement, you may expressly designate a death beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) to your interest if any, in this Award and any underlying shares of Common Stock.  You shall designate the Beneficiary by completing and executing a designation of beneficiary agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Designation of Death Beneficiary”) and delivering an executed copy of the Designation of Beneficiary to the Company.  To the extent you do not duly designate a beneficiary who survives you, your estate will automatically be your beneficiary.

6. Restrictions on Transfer of Award. Except as provided under the Plan and as set forth in Section 5 above, your rights under this Award Agreement may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred without the prior written consent of the Committee.

7. Taxes.  Except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in an employment or consulting agreement between you and your employer, by signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you shall be solely responsible for the satisfaction of any taxes that may arise pursuant to this Award (including taxes arising under Sections 409A (regarding deferred compensation) or 4999 (regarding golden parachute excise taxes), and that neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes or to otherwise indemnify or hold you harmless from any or all of such taxes.  The Committee shall have the sole discretion to interpret the requirements of the Code, including Section 409A, for purposes of the Plan and this Award Agreement. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant this Award, payment by you of any taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with this Award, by any means set forth in Section 5.5. of the Plan.

8. Not a Contract of Employment or Continued Service.  By executing this Award, you acknowledge and agree that (i) any person who is terminated before full vesting of an award, such as the one granted to you by this Award Agreement, could claim that he or she was terminated to preclude vesting; (ii) you promise never to make such a claim; (iii) nothing in this Award Agreement or the Plan confers on you any right to continue an employment, service or consulting relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, nor shall it affect in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to terminate your employment, service, or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause; and (iv) the Company would not have granted this Award to you but for these acknowledgements and agreements.

9. Investment Purposes. By executing this Award Agreement, you represent and warrant that any shares of Common Stock issued to you pursuant to your Option will be held for investment purposes only for your own account, and not with a view to, for resale in connection with, or with an

Exhibit 10.4

intent in participating directly or indirectly in, any distribution of such shares of Common Stock within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

10. Securities Law Restrictions.  Regardless of whether the offering and sale of this Option or shares of Common Stock under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act, or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company at its discretion may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge or other transfer of such shares of Common Stock (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates or the imposition of stop-transfer instructions) if, in the judgment of the Company, such restrictions are necessary or desirable in order to achieve compliance with the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or any other law or to enforce the intent of this Award.

11. Headings.  Section and other headings contained in this Award Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope or intent of this Award Agreement or any provision hereof.

12. Severability.  Every provision of this Award Agreement and of the Plan is intended to be severable.  If any term hereof is illegal or invalid for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remaining terms of this Award Agreement.

13. Counterparts.  This Award Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. 

14. Notices.  Any notice or communication required or permitted by any provision of this Award Agreement to be given to you shall be in writing and shall be delivered electronically, personally, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to you at the last address that the Company had for you on its records.  Each party may, from time to time, by notice to the other party hereto, specify a new address for delivery of notices relating to this Award Agreement.  Any such notice shall be deemed to be given as of the date such notice is personally or electronically delivered or properly mailed.

15. Binding Effect.  Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement or in the Plan, every covenant, term, and provision of this Award Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors, transferees, and assigns.

16. Modifications.  This Award Agreement may be modified or amended at any time, in accordance with the Plan, provided that any amendment that materially impairs your rights under this Award Agreement shall require your consent.

17. Plan Governs.  By signing this Award Agreement, you acknowledge that you have received a copy of the Plan and that your Award Agreement is subject to all the provisions contained in the Plan, the provisions of which are made a part of this Award Agreement and your Award is subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations which from time to time may be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan.  In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Award Agreement and those of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

Exhibit 10.4

18. Governing Law.  The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Award Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.

19. Protected Rights. Nothing contained in this Award Agreement is intended to limit your ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (A) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.

BY YOUR SIGNATURE BELOW, along with the signature of the Company’s representative, you and the Company agree that this Award is made under and governed by the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement and the Plan.



ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.





By:

Name:  Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx

Title: Chief Financial Officer



PARTICIPANT



The undersigned Participant hereby accepts the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan.



By:



Name of Participant:



Exhibit 10.4

Exhibit A

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.

2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN1





I.  INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purposes.  The purposes of the Aspira Women’s Health Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and the recipients of awards under this Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success, (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining Non-Employee Directors, officers, other employees, consultants, independent contractors and agents and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long‑term best interests of the Company and its stockholders. 

1.2 Certain Definitions.

“Agreement” shall mean the written or electronic agreement evidencing an award hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such award.

“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b). 

“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Conditions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.

“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee thereof, or such other committee designated by the Board, in each case, consisting of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is intended to be (i) a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and (ii) “independent” within the meaning of the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, within the meaning of the rules of the principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded. 

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1 As amended by the Company’s board of directors on June 23, 2022 to reflect the Company’s name change.

Exhibit 10.4

“Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, and all rights appurtenant thereto.

“Company” shall mean Aspira Women’s Health Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.

“Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1. 

“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“Fair Market Value” shall mean the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if the Common Stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market, the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock on the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there shall be no reported transactions for such date, on the next preceding date for which transactions were reported; provided,  however, that if the Common Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange or if Fair Market Value for any date cannot be so determined, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee by whatever means or method as the Committee, in the good faith exercise of its discretion, shall at such time deem appropriate and in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.

“Free-Standing SAR” shall mean an SAR which is not granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option, which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of such SARs which are exercised.

“Government Agencies” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.

“Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, which is intended by the Committee to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.

“Non-Employee Director”  shall mean any director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.

“Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option.

“Other Stock Award” shall mean an award granted pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Plan.

Exhibit 10.4

“Performance Award” shall mean a right to receive an amount of cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.

“Performance Measures” shall mean the criteria and objectives, established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met (i) as a condition to the grant or exercisability of all or a portion of an option or SAR or (ii) during the applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period as a condition to the vesting of the holder’s interest, in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, or, in the case of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, Other Stock Award or Performance Award, to the holder’s receipt of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award or of payment with respect to such award. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries, business or geographical units or operating areas of the Company (except with respect to the total shareholder return and earnings per share criteria) or individual basis, may be used by the Committee in establishing Performance Measures under this Plan:  earnings per share; sales or revenue; earnings or income of the Company before or after taxes and/or interest; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net income; returns on equity, assets, capital, investments, or revenue; economic value added; working capital; total stockholder return; the attainment by a share of Common Stock of a specified Fair Market Value for a specified period of time; expenses; cost reduction goals; cash flow; gross profit or gross margin; operating profit or margin; strategic goals relating to product development, product market share, research, licensing, successful completion of clinical trials, submission of applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for new tests, receipt from the FDA of clearance for new tests, commercialization of new tests, litigation, human resources, information services, mergers, acquisitions, sales of assets of affiliates or business units, or such other goals as the Committee may determine whether or not listed herein.   Each such goal may be determined on a pre-tax or post-tax basis or on an absolute or relative basis, and may include comparisons based on current internal targets, the past performance of the Company (including the performance of one or more subsidiaries, divisions, or operating units) or the past or current performance of other companies or market indices (or a combination of such past and current performance). In addition to the ratios specifically enumerated above, performance goals may include comparisons relating to capital (including, but not limited to, the cost of capital), shareholders’ equity, shares outstanding, assets or net assets, sales, or any combination thereof. In establishing a Performance Measure or determining the achievement of a Performance Measure, the Committee may provide that achievement of the applicable Performance Measures may be amended or adjusted to include or exclude components of any Performance Measure, including, without limitation, foreign exchange gains and losses, asset write-downs, acquisitions and divestitures, change in fiscal year, unbudgeted capital expenditures, special charges such as restructuring or impairment charges, debt refinancing costs, extraordinary or noncash items, unusual, infrequently occurring, nonrecurring or one-time events affecting the Company or its

Exhibit 10.4

financial statements or changes in law or accounting principles. Performance Measures shall be subject to such other special rules and conditions as the Committee may establish at any time.

 “Performance Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Performance Measures applicable to an award shall be measured and (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to an award shall remain in effect.

“Person” means any natural person, association, trust, business trust, cooperative, corporation, general partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, limited partnership, limited liability company, real estate investment trust, regulatory body, governmental agency or instrumentality, unincorporated organization or organizational entity.

“Prior Plan” shall mean the Xxxxxxxxxx, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and each other equity plan maintained by the Company under which awards are outstanding as of the effective date of this Plan.

“Recapture” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.

“Reimbursement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.

“Rescission” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.

“Restricted Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock which are subject to a Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be subject to the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.

“Restricted Stock Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock under this Plan.

“Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean a right to receive one share of Common Stock or, in lieu thereof and to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock in cash, which shall be contingent upon the expiration of a specified Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.

“Restricted Stock Unit Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock Units under this Plan.

“Restriction Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as provided in this Plan or the Agreement relating to such award, or (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award shall remain in effect.

“SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right which may be a Free‑Standing SAR or a Tandem SAR.

Exhibit 10.4

“Stock Award” shall mean a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award or Other Stock Award.

“Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or similar entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an equity interest possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the total outstanding equity interests of such entity.

“Substitute Award” shall mean an award granted under this Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, including a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided,  however, that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an option or SAR.

“Tandem SAR” shall mean an SAR which is granted in tandem with, or by reference to, an option (including a Nonqualified Stock Option granted prior to the date of grant of the SAR), which entitles the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise of such SAR and surrender for cancellation of all or a portion of such option, shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) or, to the extent set forth in the applicable Agreement, cash or a combination thereof, with an aggregate value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the base price of such SAR, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered.

“Tax Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.

“Ten Percent Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

“Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.

1.3 Administration.  This Plan shall be administered by the Committee.  Any one or a combination of the following awards may be made under this Plan to eligible persons: (i) options to purchase shares of Common Stock in the form of Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options; (ii) SARs in the form of Tandem SARs or Free‑Standing SARs; (iii) Stock Awards in the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock Awards; and (iv) Performance Awards.  The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, select eligible persons for participation in this Plan and determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to an award, the number of SARs, the number of Restricted Stock Units, the dollar value subject to a Performance Award, the purchase price or base price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the Agreement evidencing the award.  The Committee may, in its sole discretion and for any reason at any time, take action such that (i) any or all

Exhibit 10.4

outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all or a portion of the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse, (iii) all or a portion of the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding awards shall lapse and (iv) the Performance Measures (if any) applicable to any outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, interpret this Plan and the application thereof, establish rules and regulations it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan and may impose, incidental to the grant of an award, conditions with respect to the award, such as limiting competitive employment or other activities.  All such interpretations, rules, regulations and conditions shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.

The Committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority hereunder to the Board (or any members thereof) or, subject to applicable law, to a subcommittee of the Board, a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company as the Committee deems appropriate; provided,  however, that the Committee may not delegate its power and authority to a member of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer of the Company with regard to the selection for participation in this Plan of an officer, director or other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or decisions concerning the timing, pricing or amount of an award to such an officer, director or other person. 

No member of the Board or Committee, and neither the Chief Executive Officer nor any other executive officer to whom the Committee delegates any of its power and authority hereunder, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Plan in good faith, and the members of the Board and the Committee and the Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law (except as otherwise may be provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and/or By-laws) and under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that may be in effect from time to time.

1.4 Eligibility.  Participants in this Plan shall consist of such officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors, agents, and persons expected to become officers, other employees, Non-Employee Directors, consultants, independent contractors and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Committee in its sole discretion may select from time to time.  The Committee’s selection of a person to participate in this Plan at any time shall not require the Committee to select such person to participate in this Plan at any other time.  Except as otherwise provided for in an Agreement, for purposes of this Plan, references to employment by the Company shall also mean employment by a Subsidiary, and references to employment shall include service as a Non-Employee Director, consultant, independent contractor or agent.  The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the extent to which a participant shall be considered employed during an approved leave of absence. The aggregate value of cash compensation and the grant date fair value of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded or granted during any fiscal year of the Company to any Non-Employee Director shall not exceed $400,000.

Exhibit 10.4

1.5 Shares Available.  Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7 and to all other limits set forth in this Plan, 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date shall initially be available for all awards under this Plan, other than Substitute Awards.  Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7, no more than 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate may be issued under the Plan in connection with Incentive Stock Options.     The number of shares of Common Stock that remain available for future grants under the Plan shall be reduced by the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which become subject to outstanding options, outstanding Free-Standing SARs, outstanding Stock Awards and outstanding Performance Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock.

To the extent that shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding option, SAR, Stock Award or Performance Award granted under the Plan or a Prior Plan, other than Substitute Awards, are not issued or delivered by reason of (i) the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award (excluding shares subject to an option cancelled upon settlement in shares of a related Tandem SAR or shares subject to a Tandem SAR cancelled upon exercise of a related option) or (ii) the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares of Common Stock shall again be available under this Plan; provided,  however, that shares of Common Stock subject to an award under this Plan or a Prior Plan shall not again be available for issuance under this Plan if such shares are (x) shares that were subject to an option or stock-settled SAR and were not issued or delivered upon the net settlement or net exercise of such option or SAR, (y) shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the purchase price or the withholding taxes related to an outstanding award or (z) shares repurchased by the Company on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise.  At the time this Plan becomes effective, none of the shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the Prior Plan shall be available for grant under such Prior Plan or this Plan.

The number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under this Plan shall not be reduced by (i) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Substitute Awards or (ii) available shares under a stockholder approved plan of a company or other entity which was a party to a corporate transaction with the Company (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such corporate transaction) which become subject to awards granted under this Plan (subject to applicable stock exchange requirements).

Shares of Common Stock to be delivered under this Plan shall be made available from authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a combination thereof.

II.  STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

2.1 Stock Options.  The Committee may, in its discretion, grant options to purchase shares of Common Stock to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.  Each option, or portion thereof, that is not an Incentive Stock Option, shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option.  To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of shares

Exhibit 10.4

of Common Stock with respect to which options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company, or any parent or Subsidiary) exceeds the amount (currently $100,000) established by the Code, such options shall constitute Nonqualified Stock Options.

Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:

(a) Number of Shares and Purchase Price.  The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an option and the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of the option shall be determined by the Committee; provided,  however, that the purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of an option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such option is granted, owns capital stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company (or of any parent or Subsidiary) (a “Ten Percent Holder”), the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall not be less than the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an option that is a Substitute Award, the purchase price per share of the shares subject to such option may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate purchase price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate purchase price of such shares.

(b) Option Period and Exercisability.  The period during which an option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided,  however, that no option shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant.  The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an option or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option.  The Committee shall determine whether an option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time.  An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock.

(c) Method of Exercise.  An option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanying such notice with payment therefor in full (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction) either (A) in cash, (B) by delivery (either actual delivery or by

Exhibit 10.4

attestation procedures established by the Company) of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy such obligation, (D) in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) a combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the option, (ii) if applicable, by surrendering to the Company any Tandem SARs which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the option and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request.  Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to pay such purchase price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the participant.  No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until the full purchase price therefor and any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).

2.2 Stock Appreciation Rights.  The Committee may, in its discretion, grant SARs to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.  The Agreement relating to an SAR shall specify whether the SAR is a Tandem SAR or a Free-Standing SAR.

SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:

(a) Number of SARs and Base Price.  The number of SARs subject to an award shall be determined by the Committee.  Any Tandem SAR related to an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted at the same time that such Incentive Stock Option is granted.  The base price of a Tandem SAR shall be the purchase price per share of Common Stock of the related option.  The base price of a Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided,  however, that such base price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such SAR (or, if earlier, the date of grant of the option for which the SAR is exchanged or substituted).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an SAR that is a Substitute Award, the base price per share of the shares subject to such SAR may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided, that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate base price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate base price of such shares.

(b) Exercise Period and Exercisability.  The period for the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided,  however, that (i) no Tandem SAR shall be exercised later than the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture or other termination of the related option and (ii)

Exhibit 10.4

no Free-Standing SAR shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant.  The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an SAR or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an SAR.  The Committee shall determine whether an SAR may be exercised in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time.  An exercisable SAR, or portion thereof, may be exercised, in the case of a Tandem SAR, only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock and, in the case of a Free‑Standing SAR, only with respect to a whole number of SARs.  If an SAR is exercised for shares of Restricted Stock, a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c), or such shares shall be transferred to the holder in book entry form with restrictions on the shares duly noted, and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights of a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d).  Prior to the exercise of a stock-settled SAR, the holder of such SAR shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such SAR. 

(c) Method of Exercise.  A Tandem SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole SARs which are being exercised, (ii) by surrendering to the Company any options which are cancelled by reason of the exercise of the Tandem SAR and (iii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request.  A Free-Standing SAR may be exercised (A) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the whole number of SARs which are being exercised and (B) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request.  No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).

2.3 Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an option or SAR (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such option or SAR, as the case may be, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.

2.4 No Repricing.   The Committee shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, (i) reduce the purchase price or base price of any previously granted option or SAR, (ii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for another option or SAR with a lower purchase price or base price or (iii) cancel any previously granted option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award if the purchase price of such option or the base price of such SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of such cancellation, in each case, other than in connection with a Change in Control or the adjustment provisions set forth in Section 5.7.

2.5 No Dividend Equivalents. Notwithstanding anything in an Agreement to the contrary, the holder of an option or SAR shall not be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR.

Exhibit 10.4

III.  STOCK AWARDS

3.1 Stock Awards.  The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.  The Agreement relating to a Stock Award shall specify whether the Stock Award is a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award or, in the case of an Other Stock Award, the type of award being granted.

3.2 Terms of Restricted Stock Awards.  Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

(a) Number of Shares and Other Terms.  The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee.

(b) Vesting and Forfeiture.  The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period.  

(c) Stock Issuance.  During the Restriction Period, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by a custodian in book entry form with restrictions on such shares duly noted or, alternatively, a certificate or certificates representing a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the holder’s name and may bear a legend, in addition to any legend which may be required pursuant to Section 5.6, indicating that the ownership of the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate is subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock Award.  All such certificates shall be deposited with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award in the event such award is forfeited in whole or in part.  Upon termination of any applicable Restriction Period (and the satisfaction or attainment of applicable Performance Measures), subject to the Company’s right to require payment of any taxes in accordance with Section 5.5, the restrictions shall be removed from the requisite number of any shares of Common Stock that are held in book entry form, and all certificates evidencing ownership of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the holder of such award.

(d) Rights with Respect to Restricted Stock Awards.  Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, the holder of such award shall have all rights as a stockholder of the

Exhibit 10.4

Company, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock; provided,  however, that a distribution or dividend with respect to shares of Common Stock, including a regular cash dividend, shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares of Common Stock with respect to which such distribution was made.

3.3 Terms of Restricted Stock Unit Awards.  Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

(a) Number of Shares and Other Terms.  The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, including the number of shares that are earned upon the attainment of any specified Performance Measures, and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee.

(b) Vesting and Forfeiture.  The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award (i) if the holder of such award remains continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (ii) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (x) if the holder of such award does not remain continuously in the employment of the Company during the specified Restriction Period or (y) if specified Performance Measures (if any) are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period. 

(c) Settlement of Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards.  The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall specify (i) whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof and (ii) whether the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents, and, if determined by the Committee, interest on, or the deemed reinvestment of, any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award.  Any dividend equivalents with respect to Restricted Stock Units that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards.  Prior to the settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award.

3.4 Other Stock Awards.  Subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan, the Committee is authorized to grant other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of Common Stock, including without limitation shares of Common Stock granted as a bonus and not subject to any vesting conditions, dividend equivalents, deferred stock units, stock purchase rights and shares of Common Stock issued in lieu of obligations of the Company to pay cash under any compensatory plan or arrangement, subject to such terms as shall be determined by the Committee.  The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such awards, which may include the right to elective deferral thereof, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify in its discretion. Any distribution, dividend or dividend equivalents with

Exhibit 10.4

respect to Other Stock Awards that are subject to vesting conditions shall be subject to the same vesting conditions as the underlying awards.

3.5 Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Restriction Period or Performance Period relating to a Stock Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.

IV.  PERFORMANCE AWARDS

4.1 Performance Awards.  The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Performance Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.

4.2 Terms of Performance Awards.  Performance Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

(a) Value of Performance Awards and Performance Measures.  The method of determining the value of the Performance Award and the Performance Measures and Performance Period applicable to a Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.

(b) Vesting and Forfeiture.  The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Performance Award if the specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period and for the forfeiture of such award if the specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period.

(c) Settlement of Vested Performance Awards.  The Agreement relating to a Performance Award shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock (including shares of Restricted Stock) or cash or a combination thereof.  If a Performance Award is settled in shares of Restricted Stock, such shares of Restricted Stock shall be issued to the holder in book entry form or a certificate or certificates representing such Restricted Stock shall be issued in accordance with Section 3.2(c) and the holder of such Restricted Stock shall have such rights as a stockholder of the Company as determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d).  Any dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to a Performance Award shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Performance Award.  Prior to the settlement of a Performance Award in shares of Common Stock, including Restricted Stock, the holder of such award shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company.

4.3 Termination of Employment or Service.  All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Performance Period relating to a Performance Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award (i) upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the holder of such award, whether by reason of disability, retirement, death or any other reason, or (ii) during a paid or unpaid leave of absence, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.

Exhibit 10.4

V.  GENERAL

5.1 Effective Date and Term of Plan.  This Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for approval at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders and, if approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at such annual meeting of stockholders, shall become effective as of the date on which the Plan was approved by stockholders (the “Effective Date”).  This Plan shall terminate as of the first annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders to occur on or after the tenth anniversary of its effective date, unless terminated earlier by the Board. Termination of this Plan shall not affect the terms or conditions of any award granted prior to termination.

Awards hereunder may be made at any time prior to the termination of this Plan, provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be granted later than ten years after the date on which the Plan was approved by the Board.  In the event that this Plan is not approved by the stockholders of the Company, this Plan and any awards hereunder shall be void and of no force or effect.

5.2 Amendments.  The Board may amend this Plan as it shall deem advisable; provided,  however, that no amendment to the Plan shall be effective without the approval of the Company’s stockholders if (i) stockholder approval is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including any rule of The NASDQ Stock Market, or any other stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded, or (ii) such amendment seeks to modify the Non-Employee Director compensation limit set forth in Section 1.3 or the prohibition on repricing set forth in Section 2.4 hereof; provided further, that no amendment may materially impair the rights of a holder of an outstanding award without the consent of such holder.

5.3 Agreement.  Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such award.  No award shall be valid until an Agreement is executed by the Company and, to the extent required by the Company, executed or electronically accepted by the recipient of such award. Upon such execution or acceptance and delivery of the Agreement to the Company within the time period specified  by the Company, such award shall be effective as of the effective date set forth in the Agreement.

5.4 Non-Transferability.  No award shall be transferable other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to beneficiary designation procedures approved by the Company or, to the extent expressly permitted in the Agreement relating to such award, to the holder’s family members, a trust or entity established by the holder for estate planning purposes, a charitable organization designated by the holder or pursuant to a domestic relations order, in each case, without consideration.  Except to the extent permitted by the foregoing sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, each award may be exercised or settled during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder or the holder’s legal representative or similar person.  Except as permitted by the second preceding sentence, no award may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.  Upon any attempt to so sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any award, such award and all rights thereunder shall immediately become null and void.

Exhibit 10.4

5.5 Tax Withholding.  The Company shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant to an award made hereunder, payment by the holder of such award of any federal, state, local or other taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with such award.  An Agreement may provide that (i) the Company shall withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered to a holder, having an aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the date the obligation to withhold or pay taxes arises in connection with an award (the “Tax Date”), or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation or (ii) the holder may satisfy any such obligation by any of the following means: (A) a cash payment to the Company; (B) delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) to the Company of previously owned whole shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a holder, in either case equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation; (D) in the case of the exercise of an option, a cash payment by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the participant has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B) and (C), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the award.  Shares of Common Stock to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate (or, if permitted by the Company, such other rate as will not cause adverse accounting consequences under the accounting rules then in effect, and is permitted under applicable IRS withholding rules).  Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the holder.

5.6 Restrictions on Shares.  Each award made hereunder shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Company determines that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award upon any securities exchange or under any law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, or the taking of any other action is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the delivery of shares thereunder, such shares shall not be delivered unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or other action shall have been effected or obtained, free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.  The Company may require that certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to any award made hereunder bear a legend indicating that the sale, transfer or other disposition thereof by the holder is prohibited except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

5.7 Adjustment.   In the event of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation or any successor or replacement accounting standard) that causes the per share value of shares of Common Stock to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering or recapitalization through an extraordinary cash dividend, the number and class of securities available under this Plan, the terms of each outstanding option and SAR (including the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding option or SAR and the purchase price or base price per share), the terms of each outstanding Stock Award (including the number

Exhibit 10.4

and class of securities subject thereto), and the terms of each outstanding Performance Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto, if applicable), shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.  In the event of any other change in corporate capitalization, including a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or partial or complete liquidation of the Company, such equitable adjustments described in the foregoing sentence may be made as determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights of participants. In either case, the decision of the Committee regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive.

5.8 Change in Control. 

(a) Subject to the terms of the applicable award Agreements, in the event of a “Change in Control,” the Board, as constituted prior to the Change in Control, may, in its discretion:

(1)  require that (i) some or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (ii) the Restriction Period applicable to some or all outstanding Stock Awards shall lapse in full or in part, either immediately or upon a subsequent termination of employment, (iii) the Performance Period applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall lapse in full or in part, and (iv) the Performance Measures applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target, maximum or any other level;

(2)  require that shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding award, with an appropriate and equitable adjustment to such award as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 5.7; and/or

(3)  require outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered to the Company by the holder, and to be immediately cancelled by the Company, and to provide for the holder to receive (i) a cash payment in an amount equal to (A) in the case of an option or an SAR, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such option or SAR surrendered, whether or not vested or exercisable, multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, over the purchase price or base price per share of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR, (B) in the case of a Stock Award or a Performance Award denominated in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i), whether or not vested, multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of the date of the Change in Control, and (C) in the case of a Performance Award denominated in cash, the value of the Performance Award then subject to the portion of such award surrendered to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to Section 5.8(a)(i); (ii) shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from or succeeding to the business of the Company pursuant to such Change in Control, or a parent corporation thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount determined under clause (i) above; or (iii) a combination of the

Exhibit 10.4

payment of cash pursuant to clause (i) above and the issuance of shares pursuant to clause (ii) above.

(b) For purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(1)  The Company consummates a merger, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation unless: (A) the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately before the merger or consolidation would continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; and (B) no Person (other than Persons who are employees at any time more than one year before a transaction) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

(2)  The sale or disposition by the Company of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s assets;

(3)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director of the Company subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by the vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that any individual who was initially elected as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation by a Person other than the Board for the purpose of opposing a solicitation by any other Person with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board shall not be deemed a member of the Incumbent Board; or

(4)  The consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

5.9 Deferrals.  The Committee may determine that the delivery of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash, or a combination thereof, upon the settlement of all or a portion of any award made hereunder shall be deferred, or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, approve deferral elections made by holders of awards.  Deferrals shall be for such periods and upon such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

Exhibit 10.4

5.10 No Right of Participation, Employment or Service.  Unless otherwise set forth in an employment agreement, no person shall have any right to participate in this Plan.  Neither this Plan nor any award made hereunder shall confer upon any person any right to continued employment by or service with the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company or affect in any manner the right of the Company, any Subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company to terminate the employment or service of any person at any time without liability hereunder.

5.11 Rights as Stockholder.  No person shall have any right as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other equity security of the Company which is subject to an award hereunder unless and until such person becomes a stockholder of record with respect to such shares of Common Stock or equity security.

5.12 Designation of Beneficiary.  To the extent permitted by the Company, a holder of an award may file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as such holder’s beneficiary or beneficiaries (both primary and contingent) in the event of the holder’s death or incapacity.  To the extent an outstanding option or SAR granted hereunder is exercisable, such beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be entitled to exercise such option or SAR pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Company.  Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when filed in writing with the Company during the holder’s lifetime on a form prescribed by the Company.  The spouse of a married holder domiciled in a community property jurisdiction shall join in any designation of a beneficiary other than such spouse.  The filing with the Company of a new beneficiary designation shall cancel all previously filed beneficiary designations.  If a holder fails to designate a beneficiary, or if all designated beneficiaries of a holder predecease the holder, then each outstanding award held by such holder, to the extent vested or exercisable, shall be payable to or may be exercised by such holder’s executor, administrator, legal representative or similar person.

5.13 Termination, Rescission and Recapture of Awards.

(a) Each award under the Plan is intended to align the participant’s long-term interests with those of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise expressly provided in an Agreement, the Company may terminate any outstanding, unexercised, unexpired, unpaid, or deferred awards (“Termination”), rescind any exercise, payment or delivery pursuant to the award (“Rescission”), or recapture any shares of Common Stock (whether restricted or unrestricted) or proceeds from the participant’s sale of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the award (“Recapture”), if the Participant does not comply with the conditions of subsections (b), (c), and (e) hereof (collectively, the “Conditions”).

(b) The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to nondisclosure of the proprietary or confidential information or material of the Company or any affiliate.

(c) The participant shall comply with any agreement between the participant and the Company or any affiliate with regard to intellectual property (including but not limited to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, inventions, developments and improvements).

Exhibit 10.4

(d) Upon exercise, payment, or delivery of cash or Common Stock pursuant to an award, the participant shall certify on a form acceptable to the Company that he or she is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(e) If the Company determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that (i) a participant has violated any of the Conditions set forth in subsection (b) or (c); (ii) during his or her service with the Company, or within one year after its termination for any reason, a participant has solicited any non-administrative employee of the Company to terminate employment with the Company; or (iii) during his or her service with the Company, a participant has engaged in activities which are materially prejudicial to or in conflict with the interests of the Company, including any breaches of fiduciary duty or the duty of loyalty, then the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, impose a Termination, Rescission, and/or Recapture with respect to any or all of the Participant’s relevant Awards, Shares, and the proceeds thereof.

(f) Within ten days after receiving notice from the Company of any such activity described in Section 5.13(e) above, the participant shall deliver to the Company the shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the award, or, if participant has sold the shares of Common Stock, the gain realized, or payment received as a result of the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery; provided, that if the participant returns shares of Common Stock that the participant purchased pursuant to the exercise of an option (or the gains realized from the sale of such Common Stock), the Company shall promptly refund the exercise price, without earnings, that the participant paid for such shares. Any payment by the participant to the Company pursuant to this Section shall be made either in cash or by returning to the Company the number of shares of Common Stock that the participant received in connection with the rescinded exercise, payment, or delivery.

(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Company has sole and absolute discretion not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture, and its determination not to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any particular act by a particular participant or award shall not in any way reduce or eliminate the Company’s authority to require Termination, Rescission and/or Recapture with respect to any other act or participant or award.

(h) If any provision within this Section is determined to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such provision will be applied to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and shall automatically be deemed amended in a manner consistent with its objectives and any limitations required under applicable law.

(i) Nothing contained in this Section 5.13 is intended to limit the participant’s ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (x) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for

Exhibit 10.4

the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (y) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.

5.14 Recoupment of Awards. Unless otherwise specifically provided in an Agreement, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may in its sole and absolute discretion, without obtaining the approval or consent of any participant, require that any participant reimburse the Company for all or any portion of any awards granted under this Plan (“Reimbursement”), or the Committee may require the Termination or Rescission of, or the Recapture associated with, any award, if and to the extent—

(a) the granting, vesting, or payment of such award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material financial restatement;

(b) in the Committee’s view the participant either benefited from a calculation that later proves to be materially inaccurate, or engaged in fraud or misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for a material financial restatement by the Company or any affiliate; and

(c) a lower granting, vesting, or payment of such award would have occurred based upon the miscalculated amounts or the conduct described in clause (b) of this Section.

In each instance, the Committee will, to the extent practicable and allowable under applicable laws, require Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such award granted to a participant; provided that the Company will not seek Reimbursement, Termination or Rescission of, or Recapture relating to, any such awards that were paid or vested more than three years prior to the first date of the applicable restatement period.

5.15 Governing Law.   This Plan,  each award hereunder and the related Agreement, and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant thereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the Code or the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and construed in accordance therewith without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.

5.16 Foreign Employees.  Without amending this Plan, the Committee may grant awards to eligible persons who are foreign nationals and/or reside outside of the United States on such terms and conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may in the judgment of the Committee be necessary or desirable to xxxxxx and promote achievement of the purposes of this Plan and, in furtherance of such purposes the Committee may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, subplans and the like as may be necessary or advisable to comply with provisions of laws in other countries or jurisdictions in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operates or has employees.

Exhibit 10.4

Exhibit B

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.

2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

__________________________________________

Form of Exercise of Stock Option Award Agreement

___________________________________________

Aspira Women’s Health Inc.

00000 Xxx Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx 0, Xxxxx 000

Austin, TX 78738



Attention:  _Robert Beechey_______

Dear Sir or Madam:

The undersigned elects to exercise his/her Option to purchase _____ shares of Common Stock of the Company under and pursuant to a Stock Option Agreement dated as of ______________.

1.  Delivered herewith is a certified or bank cashier’s or teller’s check and/or shares of Common Stock owned by the undersigned, valued at the closing sale price of the stock on the date of exercise, as follows:

$____________ in cash

$____________ in the form of ____ shares of Common Stock,

valued at $___________ per share

$ Total

2.  The undersigned elects a net exercise, hereby authorizing the Company to withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise subject to this Option a number of shares sufficient to cover the exercise price and minimum statutory withholding taxes payable pursuant to this exercise.*

If method 1 is chosen, the name or names to be on the stock certificate or certificates and the address and Social Security Number of such person(s) is as follows:

Name: 

Address: 

Social Security Number 

Very truly yours,

_________________

Date Optionee

*The Committee must approve this method in writing before your election 

Exhibit 10.4



Exhibit C

ASPIRA WOMEN’S HEALTH INC.

2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

_________________________________

Designation of Death Beneficiary

_________________________________

In connection with the Awards designated below that I have received pursuant to the Aspira Women’s Health Inc.  2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), I hereby designate the person specified below as the beneficiary upon my death of my interest in such Awards.  This designation shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by me.

Name of Beneficiary:

Address: __________________

Social Security No.:

This beneficiary designation relates to any and all of my rights under the following Award or Awards:

 any Award that I have received or ever receive under the Plan.

 the _________________ Award that I received pursuant to an award agreement dated _________ __, ____ between myself and the Company. 

I understand that this designation operates to entitle the above named beneficiary, in the event of my death, to any and all of my rights under the Award(s) designated above from the date this form is delivered to the Company until such date as this designation is revoked in writing by me, including by delivery to the Company of a written designation of beneficiary executed by me on a later date.

Date:



By:





Name of Participant: