def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e) (2) ) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12 |
COHU, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box) :
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (1) and 0-11. |
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined): |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Total fee paid: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials: |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a) (2) and
identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing
by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Amount previously paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Date Filed: |
12367 Crosthwaite Circle
Poway, California 92064-6817
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On May 9, 2006
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu, Inc. (Cohu) will be held at the Cohu corporate
offices, located at 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California 92064-6817 on Tuesday, May 9, 2006,
at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for the following purposes:
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To elect two directors, each for a term of three years. |
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To approve amendments to the Cohu 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, which increase
the number of shares of stock subject to the Plan by 1,000,000 and the number of shares
which may be issued pursuant to restricted stock and performance awards. |
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To approve amendments to the Cohu 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan extending
the life of the Plan beyond February, 2007 and increasing the shares of stock subject
to the Plan by 400,000. |
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To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered
public accounting firm for 2006. |
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To act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment thereof. |
Only stockholders of record of Cohu as of the close of business on March 14, 2006 will be
entitled to vote at the meeting.
Since the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Cohu entitled to
vote at the meeting must be represented to constitute a quorum, all stockholders are urged either
to attend the meeting in person or to vote by proxy.
A complete list of the stockholders of record entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in
alphabetical order and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each stockholder, will be available at Cohus corporate offices, for the examination
of any stockholder during normal business hours for a period of ten days immediately prior to the
meeting.
Please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy in the envelope enclosed for your convenience.
Alternatively, stockholders may vote by telephone or electronically via the internet. Please refer
to the instructions included with the proxy for additional details. If you attend the meeting you
may revoke your proxy and vote in person. You may also revoke your proxy by delivering a written
notice to the Secretary of Cohu, or by submitting another duly signed proxy bearing a later date.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Thomas L. Green |
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Secretary |
Poway, California
March 31, 2006
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
IN ORDER TO INSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE,
SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE
PREPAID ENVELOPE OR VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR VIA THE INTERNET.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COHU, Inc.
12367 Crosthwaite Circle
Poway, California 92064-6817
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of
Directors of Cohu, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Cohu or the Company), of your proxy for use at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time at
the Cohu corporate offices, located at 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California 92064-6817 (the
Meeting). This proxy statement, the accompanying proxy card and the Cohu 2005 Annual Report are
being mailed to all stockholders on or about March 31, 2006.
On March 14, 2006, the record date fixed by our Board of Directors (hereinafter sometimes
referred to as the Board), Cohu had outstanding 22,550,196 shares of Common Stock. Only
stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 14, 2006 will be entitled to vote at
the Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
Voting Procedures
As a stockholder of Cohu, you have a right to vote on certain business matters affecting Cohu.
The proposals that will be presented at the Meeting and upon which you are being asked to vote are
discussed under Proposal No 1, Proposal No. 2, Proposal No. 3 and Proposal No. 4. Each
share of Cohus Common Stock you own entitles you to one vote. In the election of directors,
stockholders may cumulate their votes as described below.
Methods of Voting
You may vote by mail, by telephone, over the Internet or in person at the Meeting. Your
shares will be voted in accordance with the instructions you indicate. If you do not indicate your
voting instructions, your shares will be voted FOR the two named nominees for directors, FOR the
approval of the amendments to the Cohu 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, FOR the approval of the
amendments to the Cohu 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, FOR the ratification of the appointment
of Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for 2006 and in the
discretion of the proxies (as defined below) as to other matters that may properly come before the
Meeting.
Voting by Mail. By signing and returning the proxy card in the enclosed prepaid and addressed
envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card (known as proxies) to vote
your shares at the Meeting in the manner you indicate. We encourage you to sign and return the
proxy card even if you plan to attend the Meeting. In this way, your shares will be voted if you
are unable to attend the Meeting. If you received more than one proxy card, it is an indication
that your shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure
that all of your shares are voted.
Voting by Telephone. To vote by telephone, please follow the instructions included on your
proxy card. If you vote by telephone, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy card.
Voting over the Internet. To vote over the Internet, please follow the instructions included
on your proxy card. If you vote over the Internet, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy
card.
Voting in Person at the Meeting. If you plan to attend the Meeting and vote in person, we
will provide you with a ballot at the Meeting. If your shares are registered directly in your
name, you are considered the stockholder of record and you have the right to vote in person at the
Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of your broker or other nominee, you are considered
the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. If you wish to vote at the Meeting, you will
need to bring with you to the Meeting a legal proxy from your broker or other nominee authorizing
you to vote such shares.
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Revoking Your Proxy
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Meeting. In order to do this,
you must:
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enter a new vote over the Internet, by telephone or by signing and
returning another proxy card bearing a later date; |
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provide written notice of the revocation to Cohus Secretary; or |
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attend the Meeting and vote in person. |
Quorum Requirement
A quorum, which is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote as of the record
date, March 14, 2006, must be present in order to hold the Meeting and to conduct business. Shares
are counted as being present at the Meeting if you appear in person at the Meeting or if you vote
your shares over the Internet, by telephone or by submitting a properly executed proxy card. If
any broker non-votes (as described below) are present at the Meeting, they will be counted as
present for the purpose of determining a quorum.
Votes Required for the Proposals
The votes required and the method of calculation for the proposals to be considered at the
Meeting are as follows. For Proposal No. 1, the two nominees receiving the highest number of
votes, in person or by proxy, will be elected as directors. You may vote for the nominees for
election as directors or you may withhold your vote with respect to one or more nominees. In the
election of directors, stockholders may, as provided for in the Cohu Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, cumulate their votes, giving one candidate a number of votes equal to
the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the stockholders
shares are normally entitled, or distribute the stockholders votes on the same principle among as
many candidates as the stockholder thinks fit. A stockholder may not cumulate his or her votes for
a candidate unless a stockholder has given notice at the Meeting (whether by proxy or in person)
prior to the voting, of his or her intention to cumulate his or her votes. If any stockholder
gives such notice all stockholders may then cumulate their votes. Management of Cohu is hereby
soliciting discretionary authority to cumulate votes represented by proxies if cumulative voting is
invoked.
The affirmative vote of a majority of Cohu common shares, cast at the Meeting, in person or by
proxy, is required for (i) approval of Proposal No. 2, the amendments to the Cohu 2005 Equity
Incentive Plan; (ii) approval of Proposal No. 3, the amendments to the Cohu 1997 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan and (iii) Proposal No. 4, the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as
Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for 2006.
If you return a proxy card that withholds your vote from the election of all directors, your
shares will be counted as present for the purpose of determining a quorum but will not be counted
in the vote on that proposal.
Broker Non-Votes
If your shares are held in the name of a broker and you do not return a proxy card, brokerage
firms have authority to vote your non-voted shares (known as broker non-votes) on certain routine
matters. Consequently, if you do not give a proxy to vote your shares, your brokerage firm may
either leave your shares unvoted or vote your shares on these routine matters. To the extent your
brokerage firm votes shares on your behalf on these proposals, your shares will be included in the
determination of whether a quorum is present at the Meeting.
Proposals No. 2 and 3 are NOT considered routine matters and if a stockholder does not
instruct his or her broker on how to vote on these proposals, then such broker will not have the
authority to vote such shares.
Abstentions
If you abstain from voting for or against a proposal, your abstention will be included in
determining whether or not a quorum is present.
Voting Confidentiality
Proxies, ballots and voting tabulations are handled on a confidential basis to protect your
voting privacy. Information will not be disclosed except as required by law.
Voting Results
Final voting results will be announced at the Meeting and will be published in Cohus
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2006, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. After the report is filed, you may obtain a copy by:
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visiting our website at www.cohu.com; |
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contacting our Investor Relations department at 858-848-8100; or |
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viewing our Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2006 on the
SECs website at www.sec.gov. |
Proxy Solicitation Costs
Cohu will bear the entire cost of proxy solicitation, including the preparation, assembly,
printing, mailing and distribution of the proxy materials. Cohu has not engaged an outside
solicitor in connection with this proxy solicitation. We will reimburse brokerage firms and other
custodians for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding the proxy materials to you.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Cohu Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation divides the directors into three
classes whose terms expire at successive annual meetings over a period of three years. One class
of directors is elected for a term of three years at each annual meeting with the remaining
directors continuing in office. At the Meeting, two Class 2 directors are to be elected for a term
expiring in 2009. It is intended that the shares represented by proxies in the accompanying form
will be voted by the proxy holders for the election of the two nominees named below. In the event
the election of directors is to be by cumulative voting, the proxy holders will vote the shares
represented by proxies in such proportions as the proxy holders see fit. Should the nominees
decline or become unable to accept nomination or election, which is not anticipated, the proxies
will be voted for such substitute nominee as may be designated by a majority of the Board of
Directors. There is no family relationship between the nominees, other directors or any of Cohus
executive officers. The Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of the two nominees named
below.
Nominees Whose Terms Expire in 2009 (if elected) Class 2
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Director |
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Harry L. Casari
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69 |
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Retired Partner, Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Casari is also a
director of Meade Instruments Corp., Orange 21 Inc. and
Catcher Holdings, Inc.
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1995 |
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Harold Harrigian
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71 |
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Retired Partner and Director of Corporate Finance,
Crowell, Weedon & Co., a provider of financial services.
Former partner, Arthur Young & Company (predecessor
of Ernst & Young LLP).
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1998 |
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INFORMATION CONCERNING OTHER DIRECTORS
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2007 Class 3
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Director |
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James W. Barnes
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76 |
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Retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Cohu from
1983 to March, 1996.
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1983 |
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James A. Donahue
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President and Chief Executive Officer of Cohu since June, 2000;
President and Chief Operating Officer of Cohu from October,
1999 to June, 2000; President of Delta Design, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of Cohu, since May, 1983. Mr. Donahue is also
a director of Standard Microsystems Corporation.
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1999 |
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Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2008 Class 1
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Director |
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Robert L. Ciardella
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53 |
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President of Asymtek (a subsidiary of Nordson Corporation)
since 1983. Asymtek designs, develops, manufactures and sells
semiconductor and circuit board assembly equipment.
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2003 |
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Charles A. Schwan
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66 |
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Chairman of the Board; Retired Chief Executive Officer of Cohu
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1990 |
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since June, 2000; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cohu
from July, 1999 to June, 2000; President and Chief Executive
Officer of Cohu from March, 1996 to July, 1999; Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer of Cohu from September,
1995 to March, 1996; Vice President, Finance of Cohu from 1983
until September, 1995. |
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4
PROPOSAL NO. 2
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE COHU 2005 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
At the Meeting, the stockholders will be asked to approve amendments to the Cohu, Inc. 2005
Equity Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan). The amendments would (i) increase the shares of stock
available for issuance under the 2005 Plan by 1,000,000 and (ii) increase the number of shares that
may be issued upon the settlement of any restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance
shares or performance units from 500,000 to 1,500,000. Our Board of Directors has already approved
on March 17, 2006, and subject to approval by stockholders, the proposed amendments to the 2005
Plan. The 2005 Plan replaced our 1998, 1996 and 1994 Stock Option Plans and our 1996 Outside
Directors Stock Option Plan (collectively our Prior Plans) and, except as described below under
Summary of Recent Amendments to the 2005 Plan, is otherwise unchanged since Cohu stockholders
approved the 2005 Plan at the Cohu 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
During the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, Cohu has granted only options to
purchase 1,659,750 shares of common stock to employees and directors which represented an average
of approximately 2.56% of total shares outstanding during that period. Based on a comparative
analysis, we believe this percentage, which is referred to as the burn rate, is substantially
less than Cohus peer group comprised of semiconductor and semiconductor equipment companies.
The Board of Directors believes that the Company must offer a competitive equity incentive
program if it is to continue to successfully attract and retain the best possible candidates for
positions of responsibility within the Company. The Board of Directors believes that the 2005 Plan
is an important factor in attracting, retaining and rewarding the high caliber employees,
consultants and directors essential to our success and in motivating these individuals to strive to
enhance our growth and profitability. The amendments to the 2005 Plan are intended to ensure that
the Company will continue to have available a reasonable number of shares available to meet these
goals.
Summary of Recent Amendments to the 2005 Plan
In addition to the share increase and increase in the number of certain awards which may be
granted under the 2005 Plan, the Board of Directors also approved an amendment to the 2005 Plan
removing the Company favorable share reserve recycling features which did not require stockholder
approval. Specifically, the following shares will not become re-available for issuance under the
2005 Plan: (i) shares withheld or surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations, (ii) shares
surrendered in payment of stock option exercise prices (either by means of a cashless exercise,
attestation or actual surrender of shares) or (iii) shares subject to the grant of a stock
appreciation right which were not issued upon settlement of the stock appreciation right.
The proposed changes to the 2005 Plan are described in further detail below.
Summary of the 2005 Plan
The following summary of the 2005 Plan is qualified in its entirety by the specific language
of the 2005 Plan, a copy of which is available to any stockholder upon request.
General. The purpose of the 2005 Plan is to advance the interests of the Company by providing
an incentive program that will enable the Company to attract and retain employees, consultants and
directors upon whose judgment, interest and efforts the Companys success is dependent and to
provide them with an equity interest in the success of the Company in order to motivate superior
performance. These incentives are provided through the grant of stock options (including indexed
options), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares,
performance units, deferred stock and certain other stock-based awards.
Authorized Shares. The 2005 Plan was approved by our stockholders at the 2005 Annual Meeting,
and as a result all of our Prior Plans were terminated. The Company did not request any new
authorization of shares at the 2005 Annual Meeting. As of March 14, 2006, 796,582 shares are
available for grant under the 2005 Plan. In
addition, the 2005 Plan share reserve includes all of the stock options the Company had granted
under the Prior Plans which, as of March 14, 2006, equaled 2,249,410 shares (collectively the
Prior Awards) to the extent any
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such Prior Award expires, lapses or otherwise terminates for any
reason without having been exercised or settled in full, or if any shares subject to forfeiture or
repurchase are forfeited or repurchased by the Company. However, no more than five-hundred
thousand (500,000) shares of this 2005 Plan reserve may be issued upon the exercise or settlement
of any restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units. As of
March 14, 2006, no restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance shares or units have
been issued. If the amendments are approved by the stockholders, the number of shares authorized
for issuance under the 2005 Plan as of March 14, 2006 will increase by 1,000,000 and the number of
shares of this 2005 Plan reserve that may be issued upon the exercise or settlement of any
restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units will increase by
1,000,000. If any award granted under the 2005 Plan expires, lapses or otherwise terminates for
any reason without having been exercised or settled in full, or if shares subject to forfeiture or
repurchase are forfeited or repurchased by the Company, any such shares that are reacquired or
subject to such a terminated award will again become available for issuance under the 2005 Plan.
Upon any stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization or similar change in
our capital structure, appropriate adjustments will be made to the shares subject to the 2005 Plan,
to the award grant limitations and to all outstanding awards. However, shares shall not become
re-available for issuance under the 2005 Plan if they were (i) withheld or surrendered to satisfy
tax withholding obligations, (ii) surrendered in payment of stock option exercise prices (either by
means of a cashless exercise, attestation or actual surrender of shares) or (iii) subject to the
grant of a stock appreciation right which were not issued upon settlement of the stock appreciation
right.
Administration. The 2005 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors duly appointed to administer the 2005 Plan, or, in the absence of such committee, by the
Board of Directors. In the case of awards intended to qualify for the performance-based
compensation exemption under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code), administration must be by a compensation committee comprised solely of two or more
outside directors within the meaning of Section 162(m). (For purposes of this summary, the term
Committee will refer to either such duly appointed committee or the Board of Directors). Subject
to the provisions of the 2005 Plan, the Committee determines in its discretion the persons to whom
and the times at which awards are granted, the types and sizes of such awards, and all of their
terms and conditions. The Committee may, subject to certain limitations on the exercise of its
discretion required by Section 162(m), amend, cancel, renew, or grant a new award in substitution
for, any award, waive any restrictions or conditions applicable to any award, and accelerate,
continue, extend or defer the vesting of any award. However, the 2005 Plan forbids, without
stockholder approval, the repricing of any outstanding stock option and/or stock appreciation
right. In addition, the 2005 Plan forbids any restricted stock award to be granted, or subsequently
amended to provide, for (1) any acceleration of vesting for any reason other than upon a Change in
Control, as defined, or after a participants death or disability and (2) vesting of one hundred
percent (100%) of any such award prior to the passage of three years of service (unless the award
will vest after satisfying specified performance measurements). The 2005 Plan provides, subject to
certain limitations, for indemnification by the Company of any director, officer or employee
against all reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred in connection with any legal
action arising from such persons action or failure to act in administering the 2005 Plan. The
Committee will interpret the 2005 Plan and awards granted thereunder, and all determinations of the
Committee will be final and binding on all persons having an interest in the 2005 Plan or any
award.
Eligibility. Awards may be granted to employees, directors and consultants of the Company or
any present or future parent or subsidiary corporations of the Company. Incentive stock options may
be granted only to employees who, as of the time of grant, are employees of the Company or any
parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company. As of March 14, 2006, the Company had
approximately 1,000 employees, including five named executive officers and six directors who are
eligible under the 2005 Plan.
Stock Options. Each option granted under the 2005 Plan must be evidenced by a written
agreement between the Company and the optionee specifying the number of shares subject to the
option and the other terms and conditions of the option, consistent with the requirements of the
2005 Plan. The exercise price of each option may not be less than the fair market value of a share
of Cohu Common Stock on the date of grant. However, any incentive stock option granted to a person
who at the time of grant owns stock possessing more than 10% of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary
corporation of the Company (a Ten Percent Stockholder) must have an exercise price equal to at
least 110% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The exercise
price of each indexed stock option, and the terms and adjustments
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which may be made to such an
option, will be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion at the time of grant. On March
14, 2006, the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $20.42
per share. Subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any change in the capital structure of
the Company, no employee may be granted in any fiscal year of the Company options which in the
aggregate are for more than five hundred thousand (500,000) shares, provided however, that the
Company may make an additional one-time grant to any newly-hired employee of a stock option for the
purchase of up to an additional two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) shares.
The 2005 Plan provides that the option exercise price may be paid in cash, by check, or in
cash equivalent, by the assignment of the proceeds of a sale with respect to some or all of the
shares being acquired upon the exercise of the option, to the extent legally permitted, by tender
of shares of Common Stock owned by the optionee having a fair market value not less than the
exercise price, by such other lawful consideration as approved by the Committee, or by any
combination of these. Nevertheless, the Committee may restrict the forms of payment permitted in
connection with any option grant. No option may be exercised unless the optionee has made adequate
provision for federal, state, local and foreign taxes, if any, relating to the exercise of the
option, including, if permitted or required by the Company, through the optionees surrender of a
portion of the option shares to the Company.
Options will become vested and exercisable at such times or upon such events and subject to
such terms, conditions, performance criteria or restrictions as specified by the Committee. The
maximum term of any option granted under the 2005 Plan is ten years, provided that an incentive
stock option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder must have a term not exceeding five years. The
Committee will specify in each written option agreement, and solely in its discretion, the period
of post-termination exercise applicable to each option.
Generally, stock options are nontransferable by the optionee other than by will or by the laws
of descent and distribution, and are exercisable during the optionees lifetime only by the
optionee. However, a nonstatutory stock option may be assigned or transferred to the extent
permitted by the Committee in its sole discretion.
Automatic Stock Option Grants to Non-employee Directors. The 2005 Plan also provides for
automatic grants of stock options to non-employee directors in order to provide them with
additional incentives and, therefore, to promote the success of our business. The 2005 Plan
provides for an initial, automatic grant of an option to purchase 20,000 shares of our common stock
to each non-employee director who first becomes a non-employee director after the date the 2005
Plan is effective. The 2005 Plan also provides for an annual grant of an option to purchase 5,000
shares of our Common Stock to each non-employee director on the first anniversary of the grant of
the initial, automatic stock option and each successive anniversary which occurs on or after the
date the 2005 Plan is effective. Each initial and annual option will have an exercise price per
share equal to the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on the date of grant and will
have a term of ten years. The initial options granted to newly elected or appointed non-employee
directors will vest and become exercisable ratably over four years after the date of grant of the
option. The annual options granted to non-employee directors will vest and become exercisable
ratably over two years after the date of grant of the option. All automatic non-employee director
options granted under the 2005 Plan will be nonstatutory stock options. In general, in accordance
with the individual stock option agreement, stock options must be exercised, if at all, within
twelve (12) months after a non-employee directors termination of service with us by reason of
death or disability and otherwise within three (3) months after termination of service, but in no
event later than the expiration of the options term. In the event of our merger with another
corporation or another change in control event, all automatic non-employee director options will
become fully vested and exercisable.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Each stock appreciation right granted under the 2005 Plan must be
evidenced by a written agreement between the Company and the participant specifying the number of
shares subject to the award and the other terms and conditions of the award, consistent with the
requirements of the 2005 Plan.
A stock appreciation right gives a participant the right to receive the appreciation in the
fair market value of Company Common Stock between the date of grant of the award and the date of
its exercise. The Company may pay the appreciation either in cash or in shares of Common Stock. The
Committee may grant stock appreciation rights under the 2005 Plan in tandem with a related stock
option or as a freestanding award. A tandem stock appreciation right is exercisable only at the
time and to the same extent that the related option is exercisable, and its exercise causes the
related option to be canceled. Freestanding stock appreciation rights vest and become exercisable
at the
7
times and on the terms established by the Committee. The maximum term of any stock
appreciation right granted under the 2005 Plan is ten years. Subject to appropriate adjustment in
the event of any change in the capital structure of the Company, no employee may be granted in any
fiscal year of the Company stock appreciation rights which in the aggregate are for more than five
hundred thousand (500,000) shares, provided however, that the Company may make an additional
one-time grant to any newly-hired employee of a stock appreciation right for the purchase of up to
an additional two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) shares.
Stock appreciation rights are generally nontransferable by the participant other than by will
or by the laws of descent and distribution, and are generally exercisable during the participants
lifetime only by the participant.
Restricted Stock Awards. The Committee may grant restricted stock awards under the 2005 Plan
in the form of a restricted stock bonus, for which the participant furnishes consideration in the
form of services to the Company. Restricted stock awards may be subject to vesting conditions based
on such service or performance criteria as the Committee specifies, and the shares acquired may not
be transferred by the participant until vested. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, a
participant will forfeit any shares of restricted stock as to which the restrictions have not
lapsed prior to the participants termination of service. Participants holding restricted stock
will have the right to vote the shares and to receive any dividends paid, except that dividends or
other distributions paid in shares will be subject to the same restrictions as the original award.
Subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any change in the capital structure of the
Company, no employee may be granted in any fiscal year of the Company more than two hundred
thousand (200,000) shares of restricted stock on which the restrictions are based on performance
criteria, provided however, that the Company may make an additional one-time grant to any
newly-hired employee of a restricted stock award of up to an additional one hundred thousand
(100,000) shares.
Restricted Stock Units. The Committee may grant restricted stock units under the 2005 Plan
which represent a right to receive shares of Common Stock at a future date determined in accordance
with the participants award agreement. No monetary payment is required for receipt of restricted
stock units or the shares issued in settlement of the award, the consideration for which is
furnished in the form of the participants services to the Company. The Committee may grant
restricted stock unit awards subject to the attainment of performance goals similar to those
described below in connection with performance shares and performance units, or may make the awards
subject to vesting conditions similar to those applicable to restricted stock awards. Participants
have no voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends with respect to restricted stock unit
awards until shares of Common Stock are issued in settlement of such awards. However, the Committee
may grant restricted stock units that entitle their holders to receive dividend equivalents, which
are rights to receive additional restricted stock units for a number of shares whose value is equal
to any cash dividends we pay. Subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any change in the
capital structure of the Company, no employee may be granted in any fiscal year of the Company more
than two hundred thousand (200,000) restricted stock units on which the restrictions are based on
performance criteria, provided however, that the Company may make an additional one-time grant to
any newly-hired employee of a restricted stock award of up to an additional one hundred thousand
(100,000) shares.
Performance Awards. The Committee may grant performance awards subject to such conditions and
the attainment of such performance goals over such periods as the Committee determines in writing
and sets forth in a written agreement between the Company and the participant. These awards may be
designated as performance shares or performance units. Performance shares and performance units are
unfunded bookkeeping entries generally having initial values, respectively, equal to the fair
market value determined on the grant date of a share of Common Stock and a dollar amount per unit
which may be determined by the Committee. Performance awards will specify a predetermined amount of
performance shares or performance units that may be earned by the participant to the extent that
one or more predetermined performance goals are attained within a predetermined performance period.
To the extent earned, performance awards may be settled in cash, shares of Common Stock
(including shares of restricted stock) or any combination thereof. Subject to appropriate
adjustment in the event of any change in the capital structure of the Company, for each fiscal year
of the Company contained in the applicable performance period, no employee may be granted
performance shares that could result in the employee receiving more than one hundred thousand
(100,000) shares of Common Stock or performance units that could result in the employee receiving
more than one million dollars ($1,000,000). A participant may receive only one performance award
with respect to any performance period.
8
Prior to the beginning of the applicable performance period or such later date as permitted
under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee will establish one or more performance goals
applicable to the award. Performance goals will be based on the attainment of specified target
levels with respect to one or more measures of business or financial performance of the Company and
each parent and subsidiary corporation consolidated therewith for financial reporting purposes, or
such division or business unit of the Company as may be selected by the Committee.
The Committee, in its discretion, may base performance goals on one or more of the following
such measures: revenue, gross margin, operating margin, operating income, pre-tax profit, earnings
before interest, taxes and depreciation, net income, cash flow, expenses, the market price of the
stock, earnings per share, return on stockholder equity, return on capital, return on net assets,
economic value added, number of customers, market share, return on investment, profit after tax,
customer satisfaction, business divestitures and acquisitions, supplier awards from significant
customers, new product development and working capital. The target levels with respect to these
performance measures may be expressed on an absolute basis or relative to a standard specified by
the Committee. The degree of attainment of performance measures will, according to criteria
established by the Committee, be computed before the effect of changes in accounting standards,
restructuring charges and similar extraordinary items occurring after the establishment of the
performance goals applicable to a performance award.
Following completion of the applicable performance period, the Committee will certify in
writing the extent to which the applicable performance goals have been attained and the resulting
value to be paid to the participant. The Committee retains the discretion to eliminate or reduce,
but not increase, the amount that would otherwise be payable to the participant on the basis of the
performance goals attained. However, no such reduction may increase the amount paid to any other
participant. In its discretion, the Committee may provide for the payment to a participant awarded
performance shares of dividend equivalents with respect to cash dividends paid on the Companys
Common Stock. Performance award payments may be made in lump sum or in installments. If any payment
is to be made on a deferred basis, the Committee may provide for the payment of dividend
equivalents or interest during the deferral period.
Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, if a participants service terminates due to the
participants death, disability or retirement prior to completion of the applicable performance
period, the final award value will be determined at the end of the performance period on the basis
of the performance goals attained during the entire performance period but will be prorated for the
number of months of the participants service during the performance period. If a participants
service terminates prior to completion of the applicable performance period for any other reason,
the 2005 Plan provides that, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the performance award
will be forfeited. No performance award may be sold or transferred other than by will or the laws
of descent and distribution prior to the end of the applicable performance period.
Deferred Stock Awards. The 2005 Plan provides that certain participants who are executives or
members of a select group of highly compensated employees may elect to receive, in lieu of payment
in cash or stock of all or any portion of such participants cash and/or stock compensation, an
award of deferred stock units. A participant electing to receive deferred stock units will be
granted automatically, on the effective date of such deferral election, an award (a Deferred Stock
Unit Award) for a number of stock units equal to the amount of the deferred compensation divided
by an amount equal to the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock as quoted by the
national or regional securities exchange or market system on which the Common Stock is listed on
the date of grant. A stock unit is an unfunded bookkeeping entry representing a right to receive
one share of our Common Stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deferred Stock
Unit Award. Participants are not required to pay any additional cash consideration in connection
with the settlement of a Deferred Stock Unit Award. A
participants compensation not paid in the form of a Deferred Stock Unit Award will be paid in cash
in accordance with the Companys normal payment procedures.
Each Deferred Stock Unit Award will be evidenced by a written agreement between the Company
and the participant specifying the number of stock units subject to the award and the other terms
and conditions of the Deferred Stock Unit Award, consistent with the requirements of the 2005 Plan.
Deferred Stock Unit Awards are fully vested upon grant and will be settled by distribution to the
participant of a number of whole shares of Common Stock equal to the number of stock units subject
to the award on a date set forth in the participants written agreement in accordance with the
terms of the 2005 Plan at the time of his or her election to receive the Deferred Stock Unit
9
Award. A holder of a stock unit has no voting rights or other rights as a stockholder until shares of
Common Stock are issued to the participant in settlement of the stock unit. However, participants
holding stock units will be entitled to receive dividend equivalents with respect to any payment of
cash dividends on an equivalent number of shares of Common Stock. Such dividend equivalents will be
credited in the form of additional whole and fractional stock units determined by the fair market
value of a share of Common Stock on the dividend payment date. Prior to settlement, no Deferred
Stock Unit Award may be assigned or transferred other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.
Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee may also grant one or more awards not specifically
identified by the terms of the 2005 Plan that would provide a participant with either: (i) a share
of stock; (ii) the right to purchase a share of stock; (iii) has a value derived from a share of
stock; or (iv) an exercise or conversion privilege related to a share of stock. Other stock-based
awards may be subject to vesting conditions based on such service or performance criteria as the
Committee specifies, and any such award may not be transferred by the participant until vested.
Change in Control. The 2005 Plan defines a Change in Control of the Company as any of the
following events upon which the stockholders of the Company immediately before the event do not
retain immediately after the event, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of
shares of the Companys voting stock immediately before the event, direct or indirect beneficial
ownership of a majority of the total combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company,
its successor or the corporation to which the assets of the Company were transferred: (i) a sale or
exchange by the stockholders in a single or series of related transactions of more than 50% of the
Companys voting stock; (ii) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is a party; (iii) the
sale, exchange or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or (iv) a
liquidation or dissolution of the Company. If a Change in Control occurs, the surviving,
continuing, successor or purchasing corporation or parent corporation thereof may either assume all
outstanding awards or substitute new awards having an equivalent value. If a Change in Control
occurs, the surviving, continuing, successor or purchasing corporation or parent corporation
thereof may either assume all outstanding awards or substitute new awards having an equivalent
value.
In the event of a Change in Control and the outstanding stock options and stock appreciation
rights are not assumed or replaced, then all unexercisable, unvested or unpaid portions of such
outstanding awards will become immediately exercisable, vested and payable in full immediately
prior to the date of the Change in Control.
Any award not assumed, replaced or exercised prior to the Change in Control will terminate.
The 2005 Plan authorizes the Committee, in its discretion, to provide for different treatment of
any award, as may be specified in such awards written agreement, which may provide for
acceleration of the vesting or settlement of any award, or provide for longer periods of
exercisability, upon a Change in Control.
Termination or Amendment. The 2005 Plan will continue in effect until the first to occur of
(i) its termination by the Board or (ii) the date on which all shares available for issuance under
the 2005 Plan have been issued and all restrictions on such shares under the terms of the 2005 Plan
and the agreements evidencing awards granted under the 2005 Plan have lapsed. However, all
incentive stock options granted, if at all, must be granted within ten (10) years from the date the
2005 Plan was adopted by the Board. The Board may terminate or amend the 2005 Plan at any time,
provided that no amendment may be made without stockholder approval if the Board deems such
approval necessary for compliance with any applicable tax or securities law or other regulatory
requirements, including the requirements of any stock exchange or market system on which the Common
Stock of the Company
is then listed. No termination or amendment may affect any outstanding award unless expressly
provided by the Board, and, in any event, may not adversely affect an outstanding award without the
consent of the participant unless necessary to comply with any applicable law, regulation or rule.
Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is only a summary of the United States federal income tax consequences to
participants in the 2005 Plan and does not purport to be complete. Interested parties and
participants should refer to the applicable provisions of the Code. The summary does not address
other taxes such as state and local income taxes, federal and state estate, inheritance and gift
taxes and foreign taxes. Each participant should consult his or her own tax advisor concerning the
tax consequences of the 2005 Plan.
10
Incentive Stock Options. An optionee recognizes no taxable income for regular income tax
purposes as a result of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option qualifying under Section
422 of the Code. Optionees who neither dispose of their shares within two years following the date
the option was granted nor within one year following the exercise of the option will normally
recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the sale price and the
purchase price of the shares. If an optionee satisfies such holding periods upon a sale of the
shares, the Company will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes. If an
optionee disposes of shares within two years after the date of grant or within one year after the
date of exercise (a disqualifying disposition), the difference between the fair market value of
the shares on the determination date (see discussion under Nonstatutory Stock Options below) and
the option exercise price (not to exceed the gain realized on the sale if the disposition is a
transaction with respect to which a loss, if sustained, would be recognized) will be taxed as
ordinary income at the time of disposition. Any gain in excess of that amount will be a capital
gain. If a loss is recognized, there will be no ordinary income, and such loss will be a capital
loss. Any ordinary income recognized by the optionee upon the disqualifying disposition of the
shares generally should be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes, except to the
extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the Code.
The difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on
the determination date of an incentive stock option (see discussion under Nonstatutory Stock
Options below) is treated as an adjustment in computing the optionees alternative minimum taxable
income and may be subject to an alternative minimum tax which is paid if such tax exceeds the
regular tax for the year. Special rules may apply with respect to certain subsequent sales of the
shares in a disqualifying disposition, certain basis adjustments for purposes of computing the
alternative minimum taxable income on a subsequent sale of the shares and certain tax credits which
may arise with respect to optionees subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Nonstatutory Stock Options and Indexed Stock Options. Options not designated or qualifying as
incentive stock options, or as an indexed stock option, will be nonstatutory stock options having
no special tax status. An optionee generally recognizes no taxable income as the result of the
grant of such an option. Upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, the optionee normally
recognizes ordinary income in the amount of the difference between the option exercise price and
the fair market value of the shares on the determination date (as defined below). If the optionee
is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment
taxes. The determination date is the date on which the option is exercised unless the shares are
subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (as in the case where an optionee is permitted to
exercise an unvested option and receive unvested shares which, until they vest, are subject to the
Companys right to repurchase them at the original exercise price upon the optionees termination
of service) and are not transferable, in which case the determination date is the earlier of (i)
the date on which the shares become transferable or (ii) the date on which the shares are no longer
subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. If the determination date is after the exercise date,
the optionee may elect, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, to have the exercise date be the
determination date by filing an election with the Internal Revenue Service no later than 30 days
after the date the option is exercised. Upon the sale of stock acquired by the exercise of a
nonstatutory stock option, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the
fair market value on the determination date, will be taxed as capital gain or loss. No tax
deduction is available to the Company with respect to the grant of a nonstatutory stock option or
the sale of the stock acquired pursuant to such grant. The Company generally should be entitled to
a deduction
equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee as a result of the exercise of a
nonstatutory stock option, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions
of the Code.
Stock Appreciation Rights. No taxable income is reportable when a stock appreciation right is
granted to a participant. Upon exercise, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an
amount equal to the amount of cash received and the fair market value of any shares of our Common
Stock received. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares
would be capital gain or loss.
Restricted Stock Awards. A participant acquiring restricted stock generally will recognize
ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares on the determination date (as
defined above under Nonstatutory Stock Options). If the participant is an employee, such ordinary
income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. If the determination
date is after the date on which the participant acquires the shares, the participant may elect,
pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, to have the date of acquisition be the determination date by
filing an election with the Internal Revenue Service no later than 30 days after the date the
shares are acquired.
11
Upon the sale of shares acquired pursuant to a restricted stock award, any
gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the
determination date, will be taxed as capital gain or loss. The Company generally should be entitled
to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant on the
determination date, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the
Code.
Performance and Restricted Stock Units Awards. A participant generally will recognize no
income upon the grant of a performance share, performance units or restricted stock units award.
Upon the settlement of such awards, participants normally will recognize ordinary income in the
year of receipt in an amount equal to the cash received and the fair market value of any
nonrestricted shares received. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is
subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. If the participant receives shares of
restricted stock, the participant generally will be taxed in the same manner as described above
(see discussion under Restricted Stock). Upon the sale of any shares received, any gain or loss,
based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the determination
date (as defined above under Nonstatutory Stock Options), will be taxed as capital gain or loss.
The Company generally should be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income
recognized by the participant on the determination date, except to the extent such deduction is
limited by applicable provisions of the Code.
Deferred Stock Unit Awards. A participant generally will recognize no income upon the grant of
a Deferred Stock Unit Award. Upon the settlement of such an award, the participant normally will
recognize ordinary income in the year of settlement in an amount equal to the fair market value of
any unrestricted shares of our Common Stock received. Upon the sale of any shares received, any
gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the
determination date, will be taxed as capital gain or loss. The Company generally should be entitled
to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant on the
determination date, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the
Code.
Other Stock-Based Awards. A participant generally will recognize income with respect to any
other stock-based award at the time and in the manner required by the applicable provisions of the
Code and such taxation will depend upon the specifics of any such award. Upon the sale of any
shares received, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair
market value on the determination date, will be taxed as capital gain or loss. The Company
generally should be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by
the participant on the determination date, except to the extent such deduction is limited by
applicable provisions of the Code.
Accounting Treatment
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, (SFAS No. 123R), which addresses
all forms of share-based payment (SBP) awards, including all shares issued under employee stock
purchase plans, stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. SFAS No. 123R
requires companies, including Cohu, to recognize as compensation expense, in its financial
statements, the grant date fair value of all SBP awards over the service
(vesting) period effective January 1, 2006.
New Plan Benefits
Except as otherwise set forth below, awards granted under the 2005 Plan are granted at the
discretion of the Committee, and, accordingly, are not yet determinable. Benefits under the 2005
Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the fair market value of the Companys Common
Stock on future dates, actual Company performance against performance goals established with
respect to performance awards and decisions made by the participants. Consequently, other than the
non-employee director stock options described below, it is not possible to determine the benefits
that might be received by participants under the 2005 Plan. The Company will issue an annual option
grant to each non-employee director as provided under the 2005 Plan as follows:
12
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Position |
|
Shares |
James A. Donahue, Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
0 |
|
John H. Allen, Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
0 |
|
James G. McFarlane, Senior Vice President |
|
|
0 |
|
Colin P. Scholefield, Senior Vice President |
|
|
0 |
|
Thomas G. Lightner, Vice President, Manufacturing |
|
|
0 |
|
All Current Executive Officers, as a Group |
|
|
0 |
|
All Current Non-Employee Directors who are not Executive Officers, as a Group (3 Persons) |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Employees and Directors, Including all Current Officers who are not Executive
Officers, as a Group |
|
|
15,000 |
|
Required Vote and Board of Directors Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting, at which a quorum is
present, either in person or by proxy, is required to approve the amendments to the 2005 Plan.
The Board of Directors believes that the proposed amendments to the 2005 Plan are in the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders for the reasons stated above. Therefore, the Board
recommends a vote for approval of the amendments to the 2005 Plan.
13
PROPOSAL NO. 3
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE COHU 1997 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The Cohu Board of Directors has approved and recommended for adoption certain amendments to
the Cohu 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the Purchase Plan). The amendments, if approved by
Cohus stockholders, will provide that the Purchase Plan would (i) continue in effect until the
first to occur of its termination by the Board of Directors; the date on which all shares
available for issuance under the Purchase Plan have been issued or the date on which all
outstanding purchase options are exercised in connection with an acquisition of Cohu and (ii)
increase the number of shares that may be issued under the Purchase Plan by 400,000 shares from
1,000,000 to 1,400,000. If the amendments are not approved by the stockholders, the Purchase Plan
will (i) terminate upon the earliest to occur of February 28, 2007; the date on which all shares
available for issuance under the Purchase Plan have been issued or the date on which all
outstanding purchase options are exercised in connection with an acquisition of Cohu and (ii) the
share reserve will remain at 1,000,000.
As of March 14, 2006, a total of 641,535 shares of Cohu Common Stock have been issued under
the Purchase Plan, and only 358,465 shares are available for future issuances. The Purchase Plan
is otherwise unchanged since Cohu stockholders approved the Purchase Plan at the Cohu 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. We believe strongly that approval of the amendments to the Purchase Plan
are essential to our continued success. Our employees are our most valuable assets. The Purchase
Plan is vital to our ability to attract and retain outstanding and highly skilled individuals in
the extremely competitive labor markets in which we must compete. The purchase of stock is also
crucial to our ability to motivate employees to achieve Cohus long-term goals and provides a
source of capital.
Summary of the Purchase Plan
The following summary of the Purchase Plan is qualified in its entirety by the specific
language of the Purchase Plan, a copy of which is available to any stockholder upon request.
Purpose. The Board of Directors believes that the recruitment and retention of qualified
personnel are essential to the Companys continued growth and success and that an incentive plan
such as the Purchase Plan is necessary for the Company to remain competitive in its compensation
practices. The majority of high technology companies have purchase plans similar to the Purchase
Plan described herein. The Purchase Plan provides employees the opportunity to purchase Common
Stock of Cohu at a discount from market through payroll deductions.
Administration. The Purchase Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Cohu. Such committee has full authority to adopt such rules and procedures as it may deem
necessary for proper plan administration and to interpret the provisions of the Purchase Plan. All
costs and expenses incurred in plan administration are paid by Cohu without charge to participants.
Eligibility and Participation. Any regular employee, including officers, who is employed by
Cohu (or any of its majority-owned subsidiaries) for more than 20 hours per week and more than five
months in a calendar year is eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan provided that the
employee is employed on the first day of an offering period and subject to certain limitations
imposed by the Code. As of March 14, 2006, approximately 1,000 employees were eligible to
participate in the Purchase Plan. Eligible employees become participants in the Purchase Plan by
delivering to Cohu a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions prior to the applicable
offering date, or at such other time as may be determined by the Compensation Committee with
respect to a given offering. By executing a subscription agreement to participate in the Purchase
Plan, each employee is in effect granted an option to purchase shares of Cohus Common Stock. No
employee shall be permitted to subscribe for shares under the Purchase Plan if, immediately after
the grant of the option, the employee would own 5% or more of the voting stock of all classes of
stock of Cohu nor shall any employee be granted an option that would permit such employee to
purchase stock under the Purchase Plan at a rate that exceeds $25,000 worth of stock
(determined at the fair market value of the shares at the time the option is granted) for each
calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time.
14
Offering Periods. The Purchase Plan is implemented in a series of successive offering periods
each with a duration of six months. Offering periods commence each November 1 and May 1. Shares are
purchased on the last business day of each offering period. The Board of Directors may alter the
duration of the offering periods without stockholder approval.
Purchase Price. The price per share at which shares are purchased under the Purchase Plan is
equal to the lower of (i) 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of
commencement of the offering period and (ii) 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on
the last day of the offering period. The fair market value of the Common Stock on any relevant date
will be deemed to equal the closing price on such date on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Payment of Purchase Price; Payroll Deductions. The purchase price of the shares is accumulated
by payroll deductions during the offering period. The deductions may not exceed 10% of a
participants eligible compensation, which is defined in the Purchase Plan to include regular
straight-time salary, exclusive of any payments for overtime, bonuses, commissions or incentive
compensation. Payroll deductions commence on the first payday following the commencement date of
the offering and continue until the end of the offering period unless sooner terminated as provided
for in the Purchase Plan. All payroll deductions are credited to the participants account under
the Purchase Plan and are deposited with the general funds of Cohu and until shares are purchased
under the Purchase Plan such funds may be used by Cohu for any corporate purpose.
Withdrawal. A participants interest in a given offering may be terminated in whole, but not
in part, by signing and delivering to Cohu a notice of withdrawal from the Purchase Plan. Such
withdrawal may be elected at any time prior to the end of the applicable six-month offering period
and will result in a refund of all payroll deductions for that offering period. Any withdrawal by
the participant of accumulated payroll deductions for a given offering automatically terminates the
participants interest in that offering. A participant who ceases to be an eligible employee
receives a refund of their payroll deductions for the offering period in which such loss of
eligibility status occurs. No interest is paid on such refunds.
Shares Reserved for Issuance; Capital Changes. Currently, a maximum of 1,000,000 shares of
Cohus Common Stock may be issued under the Purchase Plan. If the amendments are approved by the
stockholders, the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Purchase Plan will increase by
400,000 to 1,400,000. In the event any change is made in the capitalization of the Company, such as
stock splits or stock dividends, which results in an increase or decrease in the number of shares
of Common Stock outstanding, appropriate adjustments will be made by Cohu in the shares subject to
purchase and in the purchase price per share. In the event Cohu is acquired by merger or asset
sale during an offering period, all outstanding purchase options shall be assumed or an equivalent
option shall be substituted by the successor corporation. If the successor corporation does not
agree to assume the option or to substitute an equivalent option, the Board shall provide for the
optionee to have the right to exercise the option immediately prior to the acquisition.
Nonassignability. No rights or accumulated payroll deductions of an employee under the
Purchase Plan may be pledged, assigned or transferred for any reason and any such attempt may be
treated by Cohu as an election to withdraw from the Purchase Plan.
Amendment and Termination. The amendment to extend the life of the Purchase Plan as discussed
above, if approved by the stockholders at the Meeting, will provide that the Purchase Plan would
continue in effect until the first to occur of (i) its termination by the Board of Directors, (ii)
the date on which all shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan have been issued or
(iii) the date on which all outstanding purchase options are exercised in connection with an
acquisition of Cohu. If the amendment is not approved by the stockholders, the Purchase Plan will
terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) February 28, 2007, (ii) the date on which all shares
available for issuance under the Purchase Plan have been issued or (iii) the date on which all
outstanding purchase options are exercised in connection with an acquisition of Cohu. The Board of
Directors may at any time amend or terminate the Purchase Plan, except that such termination shall
not affect options previously granted nor may any
amendment make any change in an option granted prior thereto which adversely affects the rights of
any participant. No amendment may be made to the Purchase Plan without the prior approval of the
stockholders of Cohu if such amendment would increase the number of shares reserved under the
Purchase Plan, permit payroll deductions in
15
excess of 10% of the participants compensation,
materially modify the eligibility requirements or materially increase the benefits which may accrue
under the Purchase Plan.
Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is only a summary of the United States federal income tax consequences to
participants in the Purchase Plan and does not purport to be complete. Interested parties and
participants should refer to the applicable provisions of the Code. The summary does not address
other taxes such as state and local income taxes, federal and state estate, inheritance and gift
taxes and foreign taxes. Each participant should consult his or her own tax advisor concerning the
tax consequences of the Purchase Plan.
The Purchase Plan is intended to qualify under the provisions of Sections 421 and 423 of the
Code. Under these provisions, no income will be taxable to a participant at the time of grant of
the option or when shares are purchased. Upon disposition of the shares, the participant will
generally be subject to tax and the amount of the tax will depend upon the holding period. If the
shares have been held by the participant for more than two years after the first day of the
offering period in which the shares were acquired and more than one year after the purchase date of
the shares then the lesser of (i) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of
such disposition over the purchase price of the shares, or (ii) 15% of the fair market value of the
shares on the first day of the offering period, will be treated as ordinary income, and any further
gain upon such disposition will be treated as long-term capital gain. If the shares are disposed of
before the expiration of the holding periods described above, the excess of the fair market value
of the shares on the last day of the offering period over the purchase price will be treated as
ordinary income, and any further gain or loss on such disposition will be long-term or short-term
capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period. Cohu is not entitled to a deduction for
amounts taxable to a participant, except to the extent of ordinary income reported by participants
upon disposition of shares prior to the expiration of the holding periods described above.
Accounting Treatment
See discussion under Accounting Treatment on page 12 of this Proxy Statement.
New Plan Benefits
Because benefits under the Purchase Plan will depend on employees elections to participate
and to purchase shares under the Purchase Plan at various future dates, it is not possible to
determine the benefits that will be received by executive officers and other employees.
Non-employee directors are not eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan.
Required Vote and Board of Directors Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting, at which a quorum is
present, either in person or by proxy, is required to approve the amendments to the Purchase Plan.
The Board of Directors believes that the proposed amendments to the Purchase Plan are in the
best interests of the Company and its stockholders for the reasons stated above. Therefore, the
Board recommends a vote for approval of the amendments to the Purchase Plan.
16
PROPOSAL NO. 4
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Board has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as its independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2006. Ernst & Young LLP served as
Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005
and also provided certain tax and other audit related services. See Principal Accountant Fees and
Services on page 26. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to attend the Meeting,
where they are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, to
make a statement.
Our Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as
Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2006.
If the appointment is not ratified, the Board will consider whether it should select another
independent registered public accounting firm.
Required Vote and Board of Directors Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a majority of shares present, in person or by proxy at the Meeting
(provided a quorum is present) is required to approve the ratification of the appointment of Ernst
& Young LLP.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders approve the ratification of the
appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the
fiscal year ending December 30, 2006.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
Board Independence
The Board has determined that each director included under Independent Directors in the
table below and who is a member of the committees described below has no material relationship with
Cohu (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a
relationship with Cohu) and is independent as defined under the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock
Market independence standards, as currently in effect and the standards adopted by the Cohu Board
of Directors.
Board Structure and Committee Composition
As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board has six directors and the following three
committees: (1) Audit, (2) Compensation and (3) Nominating and Governance. The membership during
2005 and the function of each of the committees are described below. Each of the committees
operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. All of the committee charters are available
on Cohus website at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance. During 2005, the Board
held ten meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of all Board and applicable Committee
meetings. Directors are encouraged to attend annual meetings of Cohu stockholders. All six
directors attended the last annual meeting of stockholders held on May 10, 2005.
|
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|
Nominating and |
Name of Director |
|
Audit |
|
Compensation |
|
Governance |
Independent Directors: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James W. Barnes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harry L. Casari (1) |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
X |
* |
|
|
X |
|
Robert L. Ciardella |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
X |
* |
Harold Harrigian (1) |
|
|
X |
* |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
Other Directors: |
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|
|
|
James A. Donahue |
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|
Charles A. Schwan (Chairman) |
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|
|
|
Number of Meetings in 2005 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
X = Committee member; * = Chair; |
|
(1) Audit Committee financial expert as defined by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rules. |
17
Audit Committee
Cohu has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with
Section 3(a)(58) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Audit Committee assists
the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight of the integrity of Cohus
financial statements, Cohus compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent
registered public accounting firms qualifications and independence and risk assessment and risk
management. Among other things, the Audit Committee prepares the Audit Committee report for
inclusion in the annual proxy statement; annually reviews the Audit Committee charter and the
committees performance; appoints, evaluates and approves the fees of Cohus independent registered
public accounting firm; reviews and approves the scope of the annual audit, the audit fee and the
financial statements; reviews Cohus disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls
including such controls over financial reporting, information security policies and corporate
policies with respect to financial information and earnings guidance; oversees investigations into
complaints concerning financial matters; and reviews other risks that may have a significant impact
on Cohus financial statements. The Audit Committee works closely with management as well as
Cohus independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has the authority to
obtain advice and assistance from, and receive appropriate funding from Cohu for, outside legal,
accounting or other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties.
The report of the Audit Committee is included herein on page 25. The charter of the Audit
Committee is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee discharges the Boards responsibilities relating to compensation of
Cohus executives and directors; produces an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion
in Cohus proxy statement; provides general oversight of Cohus compensation structure, including
Cohus equity compensation plans and benefits programs and retains and approves the terms of the
retention of any compensation consultants and other compensation experts. Other specific duties
and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include; reviewing and approving objectives
relevant to executive officer compensation, evaluating performance and determining the compensation
of executive officers in accordance with those objectives; approving employment agreements for
executive officers; approving and amending Cohus incentive compensation and stock option programs
(subject to stockholder approval if required); approving any changes to non-equity based benefit
plans involving a material financial commitment by Cohu; recommending to the Board director
compensation; monitoring director and executive stock ownership; and annually evaluating its
performance and its charter.
The report of the Compensation Committee is included herein beginning on page 26. The charter
of the Compensation Committee is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies individuals qualified to become Board
members, consistent with criteria approved by the Board; oversees the organization of the Board to
discharge the Boards duties and responsibilities properly and efficiently; and identifies best
practices and recommends corporate governance principles, including giving proper attention and
making effective responses to stockholder concerns regarding corporate governance. Other specific
duties and responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee include: annually assessing
the size and composition of the Board; developing membership qualifications for Board committees;
defining specific criteria for director independence; monitoring compliance with Board and Board
committee membership criteria; annually reviewing and recommending directors for continued service;
coordinating and assisting management and the Board in recruiting new members to the Board;
annually, and together with the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, evaluating the performance
of the Chairman of the Board and CEO and presenting the results of the review to the Board and to
the Chairman and CEO; reviewing and recommending proposed changes to Cohus charter or bylaws and
Board committee charters; assessing periodically and recommending action with respect to
stockholder rights plans or other stockholder protections; recommending Board committee
assignments; reviewing and approving any employee director
standing for election for outside for-profit boards of directors; reviewing governance-related
stockholder proposals and recommending Board responses; overseeing the evaluation of the Board and
management and conducting a preliminary review of director independence and the financial literacy
and expertise of Audit Committee members. The Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee
receives communications directed to non-management directors.
18
The charter of the Nominating and Governance Committee is available at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
Stockholder Nominees
The policy of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to consider properly submitted
stockholder nominations for candidates for membership on the Board as described below under
Identifying and
Evaluating Nominees for Directors. In evaluating such nominations, the Nominating and Governance
Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board and to
address the membership criteria set forth under Director Qualifications. Any stockholder
nominations proposed for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee should include
the nominees name and qualifications for Board membership and should be addressed to:
|
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Corporate Secretary |
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Cohu, Inc. |
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12367 Crosthwaite Circle |
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|
Poway, CA 92064-6817 |
In addition, the bylaws of Cohu permit stockholders to nominate directors for consideration at
an annual stockholder meeting. For a description of the process for nominating directors in
accordance with Cohus bylaws, see Stockholder Proposals 2007 Annual Meeting on page 29.
Director Qualifications
Cohus Corporate Governance Guidelines are available at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance and contain Board membership criteria that apply
to the nominees recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee for a position on Cohus
Board. Under these criteria, members of the Board should have the highest professional and personal
ethics and values, consistent with longstanding Cohus values and standards. They should have
broad experience at the policy-making level in business, government, education, technology or
public interest. They should be committed to enhancing stockholder value and should have
sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on
experience. Their service on other boards of public companies should be limited to a number that
permits them, given their individual circumstances, to perform responsibly all director duties.
Each director must represent the interests of all stockholders.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors
Our Nominating and Governance Committee uses a variety of methods for identifying and
evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating and Governance Committee assesses the appropriate
size of the Board, and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or
otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Nominating and
Governance Committee considers various potential candidates for director. Candidates may come to
the attention of the Nominating and Governance Committee through current Board members,
professional search firms, stockholders or other persons. These candidates are evaluated at
regular or special meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, and may be considered at
any point during the year. As described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers
properly submitted stockholder nominations for candidates for the Board. Following verification of
the stockholder status of persons proposing candidates, recommendations are aggregated and
considered by the Nominating and Governance Committee at a regularly scheduled meeting. If any
materials are provided by a stockholder in connection with the nomination of a director candidate,
such materials are forwarded to the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and
Governance Committee also reviews materials provided by professional search firms or other parties
in connection with a nominee who is not proposed by a stockholder. In evaluating such nominations,
the Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and
capability on the Board.
Executive Sessions
Executive sessions of independent directors are held at least three times a year. The
sessions may be scheduled or held on an impromptu basis and are chaired by the Chair of the
Nominating and Governance Committee. Any independent director can request that an additional
executive session be initiated or scheduled.
19
Communications with the Board
Individuals may communicate with the Board, including the non-management directors, by
submitting an e-mail to Cohus Board at corp@cohu.com or by sending a letter to the Cohu Board of
Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Cohu, Inc., 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California
92064-6817.
Directors Compensation
During 2005, independent directors received (i) an annual retainer of $20,000; (ii) $5,000
annually for services as Chairman of a Board committee, if applicable, and (iii) an additional
annual fee of $2,500 with respect to membership on each committee. The Cohu 2005 Equity Incentive
Plan (the 2005 Plan), provides that each director who is not a current or former management
employee of Cohu will receive an automatic grant of an option to purchase 20,000 shares of Cohus
Common Stock upon their appointment to the Board and an annual grant of an option to purchase 5,000
shares thereafter. Options granted under the 2005 Plan have an exercise price equal to the fair
market value on the grant date. Cohu pays the cost of health care insurance premiums and expenses
for certain directors and their spouses. Mr. Schwan was paid a total of $35,000 for his services as
a member and Chairman of the Board in 2005. Mr. Schwan also participates in the Cohu, Inc.
Deferred Compensation Plan. On February 10, 2006, the Board of Directors increased the cash
compensation of the independent directors effective January 1, 2006 as follows: (i) an annual
retainer of $30,000; (ii) $7,500 annually for services as Chairman of a Board committee, and (iii)
an additional fee of $3,500 for services as a member of each Board committee. In addition, the
Chairman of the Boards annual cash compensation was increased to $50,000.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Cohu has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines (the Guidelines) that outline, among other
matters, the role and functions of the Board, the responsibilities of various Board committees,
selection of new directors and director independence. These Guidelines are available, along with
other important corporate governance materials, on our website at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance. As the operation of the Board is a dynamic process,
the Board regularly reviews changing legal and regulatory requirements, evolving best practices and
other developments. The Board may modify the Guidelines, as appropriate, from time to time.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Cohu has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code). The Code applies to all
of Cohus Board of Directors and employees including the principal executive officer, principal
financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code, among other things, is designed to
promote:
|
1. |
|
Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent
conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
|
|
2. |
|
Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents
that Cohu files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by
Cohu; |
|
|
3. |
|
Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; |
|
|
4. |
|
The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or
persons identified in the Code; and |
|
|
5. |
|
Accountability for adherence to the Code. |
The
Code is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance and is included as
Exhibit 14 to Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Cohus
Common Stock as of February 22, 2006 or as of December 31, 2005 for certain stockholders by (i)
each person known by Cohu, based on information provided by such person, to own more than 5% of
Cohus Common Stock; (ii) each director of Cohu; (iii) each named executive officer included in the
Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group.
20
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|
|
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
Name and address of beneficial owner |
|
Common Stock |
|
Equivalents (1) |
|
Total |
|
of class (2) |
Nicholas J. Cedrone |
|
|
1,336,138 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,336,138 |
|
|
|
5.93 |
% |
One Monarch Drive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Littleton, MA 01460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John H. Allen |
|
|
18,528 |
|
|
|
155,003 |
|
|
|
173,531 |
|
|
|
|
* |
James W. Barnes |
|
|
350,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,819 |
|
|
|
1.56 |
% |
Harry L. Casari |
|
|
1,600 |
|
|
|
16,250 |
|
|
|
17,850 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Robert L. Ciardella |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
|
* |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
62,904 |
|
|
|
360,699 |
|
|
|
423,603 |
|
|
|
1.85 |
% |
Harold Harrigian |
|
|
1,600 |
|
|
|
26,250 |
|
|
|
27,850 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Thomas G. Lightner |
|
|
1,702 |
|
|
|
41,252 |
|
|
|
42,954 |
|
|
|
|
* |
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
17,677 |
|
|
|
96,254 |
|
|
|
113,931 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Colin P. Scholefield |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
83,253 |
|
|
|
83,256 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Charles A. Schwan |
|
|
163,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
163,584 |
|
|
|
|
* |
All directors and executive officers
as a group (10 persons) |
|
|
618,417 |
|
|
|
791,461 |
|
|
|
1,409,878 |
|
|
|
6.04 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
Shares issuable upon exercise of stock options held by directors and executive officers that
were exercisable on or within 60 days of February 22, 2006. |
|
(2) |
|
Computed on the basis of 22,539,821 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 22,
2006, plus, with respect to each person holding options to purchase common stock exercisable
within 60 days of February 22, 2006, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise thereof. |
|
(3) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27,
2006. |
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND OTHER INFORMATION
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation
The following table discloses compensation paid to Cohus Chief Executive Officer, the other
executive officer and certain officers of Delta Design, Cohus principal business unit, whose
aggregate cash compensation exceeded $100,000 (the Named Executive Officers) during the last
three years.
21
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long Term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Annual |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
Underlying |
|
All Other |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary ($) |
|
Bonus ($) (1) |
|
Options (#) |
|
Compensation ($) (2) |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
436,165 |
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
17,447 |
|
President and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
400,005 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
374,062 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
14,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John H. Allen |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
265,364 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
10,615 |
|
Vice President, Finance & Chief |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
245,003 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
8,200 |
|
Financial Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
231,542 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
7,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas G. Lightner |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
176,941 |
|
|
|
110,674 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,139 |
|
Vice President, Manufacturing |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
160,784 |
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
7,431 |
|
Delta Design |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
149,807 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
6,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
200,013 |
|
|
|
111,539 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,400 |
|
Senior Vice President, |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
200,013 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
8,200 |
|
Delta Design |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
199,744 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
7,774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin P. Scholefield |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
204,630 |
|
|
|
132,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,400 |
|
Senior Vice President, Sales & Service |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
190,777 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
8,200 |
|
Delta Design |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts shown in this column reflect payments under Cohus Incentive Bonus Plan or the
2005 Plan for key executives or other amounts paid at the discretion of the Cohu Board of
Directors. |
|
(2) |
|
The amounts shown in this column reflect Cohus contributions to the Employees Retirement
401(k) Plan and the Cohu, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan. These amounts exclude investment
earnings (losses) on individual deferred compensation investment accounts. |
Incentive Bonus Plan
Cohu had an incentive bonus plan for key executives in effect through 2005. Under this plan,
Cohu corporate officers may receive incentive compensation based on overall corporate pre-tax
earnings and sales targets and other specified objectives and the principal executive of each
division and subsidiary may receive incentive compensation based upon the earnings performance of
the operations they manage. In each case, the incentive compensation is determined with reference
to pre-tax earnings and sales targets and other objectives fixed by the Compensation Committee, or
in the case of divisions and subsidiaries, by Cohus management.
Retirement Plan
The Cohu Employees Retirement 401(k) Plan was implemented on January 1, 1978. The majority
of Cohus employees, including the Named Executive Officers, who are at least 21 years of age and
complete six months of service are eligible to enroll in this Plan. The participant may contribute
a percentage of his or her annual compensation subject to maximum annual contribution limitations.
Cohu may match participant contributions up to 4% of annual employee compensation not to exceed
specified annual limits. The amounts contributed by Cohu are vested 10% after one year of
participation, another 10% after two years and an additional 20% each year thereafter to the full
100%. Generally, the maximum nontaxable annual amount that any participant could contribute in
2005 was $14,000.
Cohu, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
Cohu adopted the Cohu, Inc. Key Executive Long Term Incentive Plan in 1994. The Plan was
amended, restated and renamed the Cohu, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan in 2001. Under this Plan,
certain corporate officers, including the Cohu Executive Officers, may elect to defer a portion of
their current compensation. Cohu
will then match participant contributions up to 4% of the executives compensation in excess of
specified annual limits. These combined funds may be used by Cohu to purchase a specifically
designed life insurance policy on the executives life or maintained
22
in the general corporate funds
of Cohu. Cohu is not entitled to a corporate tax deduction until the year in which the executive
recognizes taxable income in connection with the Plan. Participant contributions, distributions
and investment earnings and losses are accumulated in deferral investment accounts as established
by the Plan. The trust assets, consisting primarily of the cash surrender value of life insurance
policies, and the payroll obligation to the participant are included in Cohus consolidated
financial statements. The payroll obligation increases or decreases based on changes in the
participants deferral investment account. Participants may elect to receive payment of their
deferral account in ten or fifteen annual installments upon retirement and in lump sum or five, ten
or fifteen annual installments upon disability, death, termination or change in control, as defined
in the Plan.
Termination Agreements
Cohu has entered into Termination Agreements with Mr. Donahue and Mr. Allen pursuant to which
those executives would be entitled to a payment in the event of a termination of employment for
specified reasons following a change of control of Cohu. For this purpose, a change of control of
Cohu means a merger or consolidation of Cohu (except with a wholly owned subsidiary), a sale by
Cohu of all or substantially all of its assets, the acquisition of beneficial ownership of a
majority of the outstanding voting stock of Cohu by any person, entity or affiliated group or a
change in the identities of a majority of the directors of Cohu within a period of thirty
consecutive months resulting in whole or in part from the election of persons who were not
management nominees. Termination of employment for purposes of these agreements means a discharge
of the executive by Cohu, other than for specified causes including death, disability, wrongful
acts, habitual intoxication, habitual neglect of duties or normal retirement. Termination also
includes resignation following the occurrence of an adverse change in the executives position,
duties, compensation or work conditions. The amounts payable under the agreements will change from
year to year based on the executives compensation. In the event of a termination in 2006
following a change of control, the amounts payable to Mr. Donahue and Mr. Allen would be
approximately $1,700,000 and $1,000,000, respectively.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table provides information on grants of options to purchase Cohus Common Stock
made to the Named Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individual Grants |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Percent of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential Realizable Value |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Total Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at Assumed Annual Rates of |
|
|
Options |
|
Granted |
|
Exercise or |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Price Appreciation |
|
|
Granted |
|
to Employees |
|
Base Price |
|
Expiration |
|
for Option Term (2) |
Name |
|
(#) (1) |
|
in Fiscal Year |
|
($/Sh) |
|
Date |
|
5% ($) |
|
10% ($) |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
44.8 |
% |
|
|
16.89 |
|
|
|
1/6/2015 |
|
|
|
1,168,423 |
|
|
|
2,961,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John H. Allen |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
20.4 |
% |
|
|
16.89 |
|
|
|
1/6/2015 |
|
|
|
531,102 |
|
|
|
1,345,916 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas G. Lightner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin P. Scholefield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of stock options, which (i) were granted at an exercise price of 100% of the
market price of the underlying shares on the date of grant, (ii) become exercisable over four
years at the rate of one-fourth each year and (iii) expire ten years from the date of grant.
The options were granted under Cohus 1998 Stock Option Plan. |
|
(2) |
|
The potential realizable value shown represents the potential gains based on annual
compound stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% from the date of grant through the full
10-year option term, net of exercise price,
but before taxes associated with the exercise. The amounts represent assumed rates of
appreciation only based on the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and do not represent
Cohus estimate of the possible future appreciation in Cohus Common Stock or gains, if any,
that may ultimately be realized by the above option holders. If the price of Cohus Common
Stock does not increase above the exercise price, no value will be realizable from these
options. |
23
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table provides information on option exercises in 2005 by the Named Executive
Officers and the value of such officers unexercised options at December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Value of Unexercised |
|
|
Acquired |
|
Value |
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
In-the-Money Options |
|
|
on Exercise |
|
Realized |
|
Options at Fiscal Year-End (#) |
|
at Fiscal Year-End ($) (2) |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
($)(1) |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
280,698 |
|
|
|
214,998 |
|
|
|
2,246,515 |
|
|
|
1,322,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John H. Allen |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
276,600 |
|
|
|
120,002 |
|
|
|
94,998 |
|
|
|
816,914 |
|
|
|
583,836 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas G. Lightner |
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
84,375 |
|
|
|
41,252 |
|
|
|
28,748 |
|
|
|
340,122 |
|
|
|
204,678 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
158,500 |
|
|
|
96,254 |
|
|
|
23,746 |
|
|
|
880,941 |
|
|
|
178,009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin P. Scholefield |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
40,290 |
|
|
|
83,253 |
|
|
|
31,247 |
|
|
|
766,233 |
|
|
|
232,692 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The value realized is based on the difference between the market price of the shares
purchased on the exercise date and the exercise price multiplied by the number of shares
acquired and before taxes associated with such exercise. |
|
(2) |
|
Calculated solely on the basis of the fair market value of Cohus Common Stock at December
30, 2005, minus the aggregate exercise price and before taxes associated with such exercise.
Accordingly, such amounts may bear no relationship to gains, if any, that may be realized upon
the ultimate disposition of the shares. The closing price of Cohus Common Stock on December
30, 2005, the last trading day of 2005, as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market was $22.87. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table summarizes our equity compensation plan information as of December 31,
2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities to |
|
Weighted average |
|
Number of securities |
|
|
be issued upon exercise |
|
exercise price of |
|
available for future issuance |
|
|
of outstanding options, |
|
outstanding options, |
|
under equity compensation |
|
|
warrants and rights (1) |
|
warrants and rights |
|
plans (excluding securities |
Plan Category |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
reflected in column (a)) (c) |
|
|
(In thousands, except per share amounts) |
Equity
compensation plans
approved
by security holders |
|
|
2,504 |
|
|
$ |
15.66 |
|
|
|
1,136 |
(2) |
Equity
compensation plans
not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,504 |
|
|
$ |
15.66 |
|
|
|
1,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes only options outstanding under Cohus stock option plans, as no stock warrants or
rights were outstanding as of December 31, 2005. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 358,465 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the Cohu 1997
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. |
24
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or
filed with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) except to the extent that Cohu specifically incorporates it
by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities
Act) or the Exchange Act.
Composition
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of three independent directors, as
defined by current rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., and operates under a written charter
adopted by the Board of Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Harold Harrigian
(Chairman), Harry L. Casari and Robert L. Ciardella.
Responsibilities
The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight
of the integrity of Cohus financial statements, Cohus compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements, the independent registered public accounting firms qualifications and independence
and risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee manages Cohus relationship with its
independent registered public accounting firm (who report directly to the Audit Committee). The
Audit Committee has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from outside legal, accounting or
other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties and receive
appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, from Cohu for such advice and
assistance.
Cohus management has primary responsibility for preparing Cohus financial statements and
Cohus financial reporting process. Cohus independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst &
Young LLP, is responsible for expressing an opinion on (i) the conformity of Cohus audited
financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and (ii)
managements assessment and their own as to the effectiveness of Cohus internal control over
financial reporting.
Review with Management and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and Ernst &
Young LLP. Management represented to the Audit Committee that Cohus consolidated financial
statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States and that Cohus internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31,
2005, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements and
Cohus effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting with management and the
independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also discussed with Ernst &
Young LLP matters required to be discussed under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61,
Communication with Audit Committees.
Ernst & Young LLP also provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter
required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees, and the Audit Committee discussed with them, the firms independence.
Summary
Based upon the Audit Committees discussions with management and the independent registered
public accounting firm and the Audit Committees review of the representations of management, and
the reports of Ernst & Young LLP to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended that the
Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in Cohus Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
SUBMITTED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF COHUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
|
|
|
|
|
Harold Harrigian (Chairman)
|
|
Harry L Casari
|
|
Robert L. Ciardella |
25
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table shows the fees billed to Cohu for the audit and other services provided by
Ernst & Young LLP for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Audit Fees(1) |
|
$ |
603 |
|
|
$ |
552 |
|
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
Tax Fees: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Compliance(3) |
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
Tax Planning and Advice |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
685 |
|
|
$ |
690 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures concerning the
engagement of Cohus independent registered public accounting firm to perform any services. These
policies require that all services rendered by Cohus independent registered public accounting firm
be pre-approved by the Audit Committee within specified, budgeted fee amounts. In addition to the
approval of all audit fees in 2005 and 2004, 100% of the non-audit fees were pre-approved by the
Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chair of the Audit Committee the authority to
pre-approve audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by Cohus
independent registered public accounting firm with associated fees up to a maximum for any one
non-audit service of $10,000, provided that the Chair shall report any decisions to pre-approve
such audit-related or non-audit services and fees to the full Audit Committee at its next regular
meeting.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of
our financial statements and review of our quarterly financial statements and audit services
provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings. In addition, audit fees
include those fees related to Ernst & Young LLPs audit of the effectiveness of our internal
controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
(2) |
|
Audit-related fees consisted primarily of accounting consultation services related to
business acquisitions and divestitures and other attestation services. |
|
(3) |
|
Tax compliance fees consisted primarily of assistance with (i) preparation of Cohus federal,
state and foreign tax returns; (ii) tax return examinations and (iii) expatriate tax return
filings. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or
filed with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act except to the
extent that Cohu specifically incorporates it by reference into a document filed under the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
The Compensation Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors determines and
administers Cohus executive compensation policies and programs. During 2005, Messrs. Casari,
Ciardella and Harrigian served as members of the Committee.
Compensation Philosophy
One of the Committees primary objectives in establishing compensation policies is to maintain
competitive programs to attract, retain and motivate high caliber executives and maximize the
long-term success of Cohu by appropriately rewarding such individuals for their achievements.
Another objective is to provide an incentive to executives to focus their efforts on long-term
goals for Cohu by closely aligning their financial interests with those of the stockholders. To
attain these goals, the Committee has designed Cohus executive compensation program to
26
include base salary, annual cash bonus incentives and long-term incentives in the form of stock
options. The Committee believes that Cohus executive compensation programs, as summarized below,
have met these objectives.
Base Salary
The Committee generally determines base salary levels for executive level positions prior to
the annual stockholders meeting in May or at other times as deemed appropriate. The process
involved in the determination of executive base salaries for 2005 is summarized below.
In January 2005, the Compensation Committee decided to increase the annual base salary of the
Chief Executive Officer from $400,000 to $436,000 and from $245,000 to $267,000 for the Chief
Financial Officer. These salary increases were based on a study of the base salaries of similar
positions at other high technology companies of comparable size and complexity prepared by an
independent compensation consulting firm. The base salaries for the other three Named Executive
Officers, all of whom are officers of Delta Design, were also adjusted in 2005 based on a
compensation study of similar sized technology companies prepared by the same independent
compensation consulting firm.
Annual Incentives
Bonuses are designed to be a significant component of cash compensation. For 2005, bonuses for
Cohu executive level positions were to be determined according to Cohus Incentive Bonus Plan (the
Incentive Plan), with 50% based upon predetermined sales and pretax income targets and 50% on
other criteria related to strategic objectives of Cohu. In general, the Incentive Plan performance
target objectives must be achieved before any bonuses may be paid to participants under this plan.
The 2005 target bonuses for the Cohu Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers were established
at 75% and 50% of base salary, respectively, with a maximum award of 150% of the specified target
bonuses, with Compensation Committee discretion to exceed 150% for exceptional performance.
In February, 2006, the Committee reviewed the Companys financial performance for the year
ended December 31, 2005 to assess the amount of the bonuses that had been earned in accordance with
Cohus Incentive Plan. The Committee decided to award bonuses to the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer consistent with the Incentive Plans sales and pretax income targets and
based on various other factors the Committee deemed relevant including the participants
contributions during the last year, the achievement of strategic initiatives, a comparison to
bonuses paid by other comparable sized technology companies in related industries and Cohus
financial performance relative to other semiconductor equipment companies. The 2005 bonuses paid to
the other three Named Executive Officers, all of whom are officers of Delta Design, were determined
by the Committee and were based on the individuals contributions and performance during the year,
the achievement of strategic objectives and the financial performance of Delta Design.
Stock Options
The Committee grants stock options to focus the executive on the long-term performance of Cohu
and on maximizing stockholder value. The grant of stock options is tied to individual executive
performance. The Committee grants such stock options after a review of various factors, including
the executives current equity ownership in Cohu, potential future contributions to Cohu and job
responsibilities. The Committee members weigh these subjective factors individually and arrive at
final determinations for option grants through consensus. Stock options are granted with an
exercise price equal to the current fair market value of Cohus stock and utilize vesting periods
to encourage retention of executive officers. The size of an option grant to an executive officer
has generally been determined with reference to similarly sized high technology companies in Cohus
industry, the responsibilities and expected future contributions of the executive officer, previous
grants to that officer, as well as recruitment and retention considerations. In 2005, the Committee
approved stock option grants to the Named Executive Officers consistent with these criteria. See
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year. The Committee believes stock options serve to align the
interests of executive officers with those of other stockholders.
Chief Executive Officers Compensation
During January, 2005, the Committee determined that it was appropriate to adjust Mr. Donahues
annual salary from $400,000 to $436,000 based on a study of the base salaries of similar positions
at other high technology companies of comparable size and complexity prepared by an independent
compensation consulting firm. The decisions made with respect to the 2005 compensation of the Chief
Executive Officer were intended to continue Cohus philosophy of aligning the interests of the
Chief Executive Officer with the interests of the Company and its
27
stockholders. The 2005 cash bonus
paid to Mr. Donahue was earned based on sales and pretax performance targets and other individual
goals related to strategic objectives of Cohu achieved during the year established in the Incentive
Plan.
Tax Deductibility Of Executive Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Code restricts deductibility of executive compensation paid to Cohus
chief executive officer and each of the four other most highly compensated executive officers
holding office at the end of any year to the extent such compensation exceeds $1,000,000 for any of
such officers in any year and does not qualify for an exception under Section 162(m) or related
regulations. The Committees policy is to qualify its executive compensation for deductibility
under applicable tax laws to the extent practicable and believes that compensation related to stock
options or bonuses that may be granted under the 2005 Plan will generally be deductible for federal
income tax purposes.
SUBMITTED BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF COHUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
|
|
|
|
|
Harry L. Casari (Chairman)
|
|
Robert L. Ciardella
|
|
Harold Harrigian |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
None of the current Compensation Committee members or Named Executive Officers have any
relationships which must be disclosed under this caption.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
There were no such reportable relationships or transactions during 2005.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that Cohus executive officers and directors and
persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Cohus equity securities, file an initial
report of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the SEC. Such officers,
directors and 10% stockholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish Cohu with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written
representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required for such persons, Cohu
believes that during the year ended December 31, 2005 its executive officers, directors and 10%
stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.
COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The information contained in this Stock Performance Graph section shall not be deemed to be
soliciting material or filed with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the
Exchange Act except to the extent that Cohu specifically incorporates it by reference into a
document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
28
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Common Stock of Cohu for
the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return on a Peer Group Index and a Nasdaq
Market Index over the same period (assuming the investment of $100 in Cohus Common Stock, Peer
Group Index and Nasdaq Market Index on December 31, 2000 and reinvestment of all dividends). The
Peer Group Index set forth on the Performance Graph is the index for Hemscott, Inc., Industry Group
834 Semiconductor Equipment/Material. Industry Group 834 is comprised of approximately 50
publicly-held semiconductor equipment and other related companies. Historical stock price
performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
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|
|
|
|
|
2000 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
Cohu |
|
$ |
100 |
|
|
$ |
143 |
|
|
$ |
108 |
|
|
$ |
142 |
|
|
$ |
139 |
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$ |
174 |
|
Peer Group |
|
$ |
100 |
|
|
$ |
109 |
|
|
$ |
66 |
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|
$ |
119 |
|
|
$ |
93 |
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|
$ |
98 |
|
Nasdaq |
|
$ |
100 |
|
|
$ |
80 |
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|
$ |
56 |
|
|
$ |
84 |
|
|
$ |
91 |
|
|
$ |
93 |
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OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is unaware of any other business to be presented for consideration at
the Meeting. If, however, such other business should properly come before the Meeting, the proxies
will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the proxy holders. The shares represented by
proxies received in time for the Meeting will be voted and if any choice has been specified the
vote will be in accordance with such specification.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS 2007 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholders are entitled to present proposals for action, including nominations for
candidates for membership on Cohus Board of Directors, at a forthcoming stockholders meeting if
they comply with the requirements of the proxy rules and Cohus bylaws. Any proposals intended to
be presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu must be received at Cohus offices
on or before December 1, 2006 in order to be considered for inclusion in Cohus proxy statement and
form of proxy relating to such meeting.
If a stockholder intends to submit a proposal at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Cohu, which proposal is not intended to be included in Cohus proxy statement and form of proxy
relating to such meeting, the stockholder should provide Cohu with appropriate notice no later than
December 1, 2006. If Cohu fails to receive notice of the proposal by such date, any such proposal
will be considered untimely and Cohu will not be required to provide any information about the
nature of the proposal in its proxy statement and the proposal will not be submitted to the
stockholders for approval at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu.
29
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Copies of Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available to stockholders without charge upon
written request addressed to Investor Relations, Cohu, Inc., 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway,
California 92064. The Annual Report on Form 10-K is also available at www.cohu.com and www.sec.gov.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Thomas L. Green |
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Secretary |
Poway, California
March 31, 2006
30
Appendix A
COHU, INC.
2005 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Establishment, Purpose and Term of Plan.
1.1 Establishment. The Cohu, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) was originally
established effective as of May 10, 2005, the date of its approval by the stockholders of the
Company (the Effective Date), and was subsequently amended and restated, subject to stockholder
approval, by the Board on March 17, 2006.
1.2 Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests of the Participating Company
Group and its stockholders by providing an incentive to attract, retain and reward persons
performing services for the Participating Company Group and by motivating such persons to
contribute to the growth and profitability of the Participating Company Group. The Plan seeks to
achieve this purpose by providing for Awards in the form of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights,
Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units, Deferred Stock and
Other Stock-Based Awards. After the Effective Date, the Company shall terminate, and no longer
issue any awards from under, the Companys 1998 Stock Option Plan, 1996 Outside Directors Stock
Option Plan and 1996 Stock Option Plan.
1.3 Term of Plan. The Plan shall continue in effect until the earlier of its termination by
the Board or the date on which all of the shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan
have been issued and all restrictions on such shares under the terms of the Plan and the agreements
evidencing Awards granted under the Plan have lapsed. However, all Incentive Stock Options shall
be granted, if at all, within ten (10) years from the Effective Date.
2. Definitions and Construction.
2.1 Definitions. Whenever used herein, the following terms shall have their respective
meanings set forth below:
(a) Affiliate means (i) an entity, other than a Parent Corporation, that directly, or
indirectly through one or more intermediary entities, controls the Company or (ii) an entity, other
than a Subsidiary Corporation, that is controlled by the Company directly, or indirectly through
one or more intermediary entities. For this purpose, the term control (including the term
controlled by) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of the relevant entity, whether through the ownership of
voting securities, by contract or otherwise; or shall have such other meaning assigned such term
for the purposes of registration on Form S-8 under the Securities Act.
(b) Award means any Option, SAR, Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit,
Restricted Stock Unit, Deferred Stock or Other Stock-Based Award granted under the Plan.
(c) Award Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant setting
forth the terms, conditions and restrictions of the Award granted to the Participant. An Award
Agreement may be an Option Agreement, a SAR Agreement, a Restricted Stock Agreement, a
Performance Share Agreement, a Performance Unit Agreement, a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement,
a Deferred Stock Unit Agreement, or an Other Stock-Based Award Agreement.
(d) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company. If one or more Committees have been
appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, Board also means such Committee(s).
(e) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any applicable regulations
promulgated thereunder.
(f) Committee means the Compensation Committee or other committee of the Board duly
appointed to administer the Plan and having such powers as shall be specified by the Board. Unless
the
powers of the Committee have been specifically limited, the Committee shall have all of the
powers of the Board granted herein, including, without limitation, the power to amend or terminate
the Plan at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable limitations imposed by
law.
(g) Company means Cohu, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor corporation thereto.
(h) Consultant means a person engaged to provide consulting or advisory services (other than
as an Employee or a Director) to a Participating Company, provided that the identity of such
person, the nature of such services or the entity to which such services are provided would not
preclude the Company from offering or selling securities to such person pursuant to the Plan in
reliance on a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act.
(i) Covered Employee means an Employee who is, or could be, a covered employee within the
meaning of Section 162(m).
(j) Deferred Stock means a bookkeeping entry representing a right granted to a Participant
pursuant to Section 10.3 of the Plan to receive a share of Stock on a date determined in accordance
with the Plan and the Participants Award Agreement.
(k) Director means a member of the Board or of the board of directors of any other
Participating Company.
(l) Disability means the inability of the Participant, in the opinion of a qualified
physician acceptable to the Company, to perform the major duties of the Participants position with
the Participating Company Group because of the sickness or injury of the Participant.
(m) Dividend Equivalent means a credit, made at the discretion of the Board or as otherwise
provided by the Plan, to the account of a Participant in an amount equal to the cash dividends paid
on one share of Stock for each share of Stock represented by an Award held by such Participant.
(n) Employee means any person treated as an employee (including an Officer or a Director who
is also treated as an employee) in the records of a Participating Company and, with respect to any
Incentive Stock Option granted to such person, who is an employee for purposes of Section 422 of
the Code; provided, however, that neither service as a Director nor payment of a directors fee
shall be sufficient to constitute employment for purposes of the Plan. The Company shall determine
in good faith and in the exercise of its discretion whether an individual has become or has ceased
to be an Employee and the effective date of such individuals employment or termination of
employment, as the case may be. For purposes of an individuals rights, if any, under the Plan as
of the time of the Companys determination, all such determinations by the Company shall be final,
binding and conclusive, notwithstanding that the Company or any court of law or governmental agency
subsequently makes a contrary determination.
(o) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(p) Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of a share of Stock or other property
as determined by the Board, in its discretion, or by the Company, in its discretion, if such
determination is expressly allocated to the Company herein, subject to the following:
(i) If, on such date, the Stock is listed on a national or regional securities exchange or
market system, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock shall be the closing price of a share of
Stock (or the mean of the closing bid and asked prices of a share of Stock if the Stock is so
quoted instead) as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, The Nasdaq SmallCap Market or such other
national or regional securities exchange or market system constituting the primary market for the
Stock, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Company deems
reliable. If the relevant date does not fall on a day on which the Stock has traded on such
securities exchange or market system, the date on which the Fair Market Value shall be established
shall be the
2
last day on which the Stock was so traded prior to the relevant date, or such other
appropriate day as shall be determined by the Board, in its discretion.
(ii) If, on such date, the Stock is not listed on a national or regional securities exchange
or market system, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock shall be as determined by the Board in
good faith without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which, by its terms, will
never lapse.
(q) Incentive Stock Option means an Option intended to be (as set forth in the Award
Agreement) and which qualifies as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of
the Code.
(r) Indexed Option means an Option with an exercise price which either increases by a fixed
percentage over time or changes by reference to a published index, as determined by the Board and
set forth in the Option Agreement.
(s) Insider means an Officer, a Director of the Company or other person whose transactions
in Stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(t) Net-Exercise means a procedure by which the Participant will be issued a number of
shares of Stock determined in accordance with a formula X + Y(A-B) / A, where:
X = the number of shares of Stock to be issued to the Participant upon exercise of the Option;
Y = the total number of shares with respect to which the Participant has elected to exercise
the Option;
A = the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Stock;
B = the exercise price per share (as defined in the Participants Award Agreement).
(u) Nonstatutory Stock Option means an Option not intended to be (as set forth in the Award
Agreement) or which does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(v) Officer means any person designated by the Board as an officer of the Company.
(w) Option means a right to purchase Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
An Option may be either an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option or an Indexed
Option.
(x) Other Stock-Based Award means an Award granted or denominated in Stock or units of Stock
pursuant to Section 10.5 of the Plan.
(y) Outside Director means a Director who is not an Employee of the Company or of any Parent
Corporation or Subsidiary Corporation.
(z) Parent Corporation means any present or future parent corporation of the Company, as
defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(aa) Participant means any eligible person who has been granted one or more Awards.
(bb) Participating Company means the Company or any Parent Corporation or Subsidiary
Corporation or Affiliate.
(cc) Participating Company Group means, at any point in time, all corporations collectively
which are then Participating Companies.
3
(dd) Performance-Based Award means an Award granted to selected Covered Employees pursuant
to Sections 9 and 10, but which are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 11.
All Performance-Based Awards are intended to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation
under Section 162(m).
(ee) Performance Bonus Award means the cash award set forth in Section 10.6
(ff) Performance Goal means the criteria that the Committee uses to establish qualified
performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) and the formulas for determining whether such
performance targets have been obtained. Such Performance Goals may be based upon one or more
Performance Measures, subject to the following: Performance Measures shall have the same meanings
as used in the Companys financial statements, or, if such terms are not used in the Companys
financial statements, they shall have the meaning applied pursuant to generally accepted accounting
principles, or as used generally in the Companys industry. Performance Measures shall be
calculated with respect to the Company and each Subsidiary Corporation consolidated therewith for
financial reporting purposes or such division or other business unit as may be selected by the
Committee. For purposes of the Plan, the Performance Measures applicable to a Performance-Based
Award shall be calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, but
prior to the accrual or payment of any Performance-Based Award for the same Performance Period and
excluding the effect (whether positive or negative) of any change in accounting standards or any
extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring item, as determined by the Committee, occurring after the
establishment of the Performance Goals applicable to the Performance-Based Award. Performance
targets may include a minimum, maximum, target level and intermediate levels of performance, with
the final value of a Performance-Based Award determined under the applicable Performance-Based
Award formula by the level attained during the applicable Performance Period. A Performance target
may be stated as an absolute value or as a value determined relative to a standard selected by the
Committee.
(gg) Performance Measures may be one or more of the following, or a combination of the any
of the following, as determined by the Committee: (i) revenue; (ii) gross margin; (iii) operating
margin; (iv) operating income; (v) pre-tax profit; (vi) earnings before interest, taxes and
depreciation; (vii) net income; (viii) cash flow; (ix) expenses; (x) the market price of the Stock;
(xi) earnings per share; (xii) return on stockholder equity; (xiii) return on capital; (xiv) return
on net assets; (xv) economic value added; (xvi) number of customers; (xvii) market share; (xviii)
return on investment; (xix) profit after tax; (xx) customer satisfaction; (xxi) business
divestitures and acquisitions; (xxii) supplier awards from significant customers; (xxiii) new
product development and (xxiv) working capital.
(hh) Performance Period means a period established by the Committee pursuant to Section 11
of the Plan at the end of which one or more Performance Goals are to be measured.
(ii) Performance Share means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 10.1, to
receive Stock, the payment of which is contingent upon achieving certain Performance Goals or other
performance based targets established by the Committee.
(jj) Performance Unit means a bookkeeping entry representing a right granted to a
Participant pursuant to Section 10.2 of the Plan to receive a payment equal to the value of a
Performance Unit, as determined by the Committee, based upon achieving certain Performance Goals or
other performance based targets.
(kk) Prior Plan Award means, any option or other award granted pursuant to the Companys
1998 Stock Option Plan, 1996 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan, 1996 Stock Option Plan or 1994
Stock Option Plan which is outstanding on or after the Effective Date.
(ll) Restricted Stock means Stock granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan
that is subject to certain conditions (including any applicable Vesting Conditions), and may be
subject to risk of forfeiture.
(mm) Restricted Stock Unit or Stock Unit means a bookkeeping entry representing a right
granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 10.4 of the Plan to receive the value associated with
4
a share of Stock on a date determined in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and the
Participants Award Agreement.
(nn) Restriction Period means the period established in accordance with Section 9 of the
Plan during which shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award are subject to Vesting Conditions.
(oo) Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time, or
any successor rule or regulation.
(pp) SAR or Stock Appreciation Right means a bookkeeping entry representing, for each
share of Stock subject to such SAR, a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8 of the
Plan to receive payment of an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a
share of Stock on the date of exercise of the SAR over the exercise price.
(qq) Section 162(m) means Section 162(m) of the Code.
(rr) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(ss) Service means a Participants employment or service with the Participating Company
Group, whether in the capacity of an Employee, a Director or a Consultant. A Participants Service
shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the
Participant renders Service to the Participating Company Group or a change in the Participating
Company for which the Participant renders such Service, provided that there is no interruption or
termination of the Participants Service. Furthermore, a Participants Service with the
Participating Company Group shall not be deemed to have terminated if the Participant takes any
military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence approved by the Company; provided,
however, that if any such leave exceeds ninety (90) days, on the ninety-first (91st) day of such
leave the Participants Service shall be deemed to have terminated unless the Participants right
to return to Service with the Participating Company Group is guaranteed by statute or contract.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise designated by the Company or required by law, a
leave of absence shall not be treated as Service for purposes of determining vesting under the
Participants Option Agreement. The Participants Service shall be deemed to have terminated
either upon an actual termination of Service or upon the corporation for which the Participant
performs Service ceasing to be a Participating Company. Subject to the foregoing, the Company, in
its discretion, shall determine whether the Participants Service has terminated and the effective
date of such termination.
(tt) Stock means the common stock of the Company, as adjusted from time to time in
accordance with Section 4.2.
(uu) Subsidiary Corporation means any present or future subsidiary corporation of the
Company, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
(vv) Ten Percent Owner Participant means a Participant who, at the time an Option is granted
to the Participant, owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock of a Participating Company (other than an Affiliate) within the
meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code.
(ww) Vesting Conditions mean those conditions established in accordance with the Plan prior
to the satisfaction of which shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit
Award, respectively, remain subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option in favor of the Company
upon the Participants termination of Service.
2.2 Construction. Captions and titles contained herein are for convenience only and shall not
affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of the Plan. Except when otherwise indicated
by the context, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular.
Use of the term or is not intended to be exclusive, unless the context clearly requires
otherwise.
5
3. Administration.
3.1 Administration by the Board. The Plan shall be administered by the Board. All questions
of interpretation of the Plan or of any Award shall be determined by the Board, and such
determinations shall be final and binding upon all persons having an interest in the Plan or such
Award.
3.2 Authority of Officers. Any Officer shall have the authority to act on behalf of the
Company with respect to any matter, right, obligation, determination or election which is the
responsibility of or which is allocated to the Company herein, provided the Officer has apparent
authority with respect to such matter, right, obligation, determination or election. The Board
may, in its discretion, delegate to a committee comprised of one or more Officers the authority to
grant one or more Awards, without further approval of the Board or the Committee, to any Employee,
other than a person who, at the time of such grant, is an Insider; provided, however, that (a) such
Awards shall not be granted for shares in excess of the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock
authorized for issuance pursuant to Section 4.1, (b) the exercise price per share of each Option
shall be not less than the Fair Market Value per share of the Stock on the effective date of grant
(or, if the Stock has not traded on such date, on the last day preceding the effective date of
grant on which the Stock was traded), and (iii) each such Award shall be subject to the terms and
conditions of the appropriate standard form of Award Agreement approved by the Board or the
Committee and shall conform to the provisions of the Plan and such other guidelines as shall be
established from time to time by the Board or the Committee.
3.3
Powers of the Board. In addition to any other powers set forth in the Plan and subject to
the provisions of the Plan, the Board shall have the full and final power and authority, in its
discretion:
(a) to determine the persons to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards shall be granted
and the number of shares of Stock or units to be subject to each Award;
(b) to designate Options as Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options or Indexed
Options;
(c) to determine the type(s) of Other Stock-Based Awards, and their terms and conditions that
may be granted under the Plan;
(d) to determine the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock or other property;
(e) to determine the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to each Award (which need
not be identical) and any shares acquired upon the exercise thereof, including, without limitation,
(i) the exercise or purchase price of shares purchased pursuant to any Award, (ii) the method of
payment for shares purchased pursuant to any Award, (iii) the method for satisfaction of any tax
withholding obligation arising in connection with the Award, including by the withholding or
delivery of shares of Stock, (iv) the timing, terms and conditions of the exercisability of the
Award or the vesting of any Award of any shares acquired pursuant thereto, (v) the Performance
Goals applicable to any Award and the extent to which such Performance Goals have been attained,
(vi) the time of the expiration of any Award, (vii) the effect of the Participants termination of
Service with the Participating Company Group on any of the foregoing, and (viii) all other terms,
conditions and restrictions applicable to any Award or shares acquired pursuant thereto not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan;
(f) to determine whether an Award will be settled in shares of Stock, cash, or in any
combination thereof;
(g) to approve one or more forms of Award Agreement;
(h) to amend, modify, extend, cancel or renew any Award or to waive any restrictions or
conditions applicable to any Award or any shares acquired pursuant thereto;
6
(i) to accelerate, continue, extend or defer the exercisability of any Award or any shares
acquired pursuant thereto, including with respect to the period following a Participants
termination of Service with the Participating Company Group;
(j) to prescribe, amend or rescind rules, guidelines and policies relating to the Plan, or to
adopt sub-plans or supplements to, or alternative versions of, the Plan, including, without
limitation, as the Board deems necessary or desirable to comply with the laws or regulations of, or
to accommodate the tax policy, financial accounting or custom of, foreign jurisdictions whose
citizens may be granted Awards;
(k) to authorize, in conjunction with any applicable Company deferred compensation plan, that
the receipt of cash or Stock subject to any Award under this Plan, may be deferred under the terms
and conditions of such Company deferred compensation plan; and
(l) to correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or
any Award Agreement and to make all other determinations and take such other actions with respect
to the Plan or any Award as the Board may deem advisable to the extent not inconsistent with the
provisions of the Plan or applicable law.
3.4 Administration with Respect to Insiders. With respect to participation by Insiders in the
Plan, at any time that any class of equity security of the Company is registered pursuant to
Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be administered in compliance with the requirements,
if any, of Rule 16b-3.
3.5 Committee Complying with Section 162(m). If the Company is a publicly held corporation
within the meaning of Section 162(m), the Board may establish a Committee of outside directors
within the meaning of Section 162(m) to approve the grant of any Option which might reasonably be
anticipated to result in the payment of employee remuneration that would otherwise exceed the limit
on employee remuneration deductible for income tax purposes pursuant to Section 162(m).
3.6 No Repricing. Without the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of
Stock cast in person or by proxy at a meeting of the stockholders of the Company at which a quorum
representing a majority of all outstanding shares of Stock is present or represented by proxy, the
Board shall not approve a program providing for either (a) the cancellation of outstanding Options
and/or SARs and the grant in substitution therefore of any new Awards, including specifically any
new Options and/or SARs having a lower exercise price or (b) the amendment of outstanding Options
and/or SARs to reduce the exercise price thereof. This paragraph shall not be construed to apply
to issuing or assuming a stock option in a transaction to which section 424(a) applies, within
the meaning of Section 424 of the Code.
3.7 No Restricted Stock Award Acceleration. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the
contrary, no Restricted Stock Award may be granted which provides, or subsequently amended to
provide, for (i) any acceleration of vesting for any reason other than upon a Change in Control or
after the Participants death or Disability and (ii) vesting of one hundred percent (100%) of any
such Restricted Stock Award prior to the passage of three (3) years of Service (unless such
Restricted Stock Award will vest in accordance with the satisfaction of any Performance Goal).
3.8 Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as
members of the Board or officers or employees of the Participating Company Group, members of the
Board and any officers or employees of the Participating Company Group to whom authority to act for
the Board or the Company is delegated shall be indemnified by the Company against all reasonable
expenses, including attorneys fees, actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the
defense of any action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal therein, to which they
or any of them may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in
connection with the Plan, or any right granted hereunder, and against all amounts paid by them in
settlement thereof (provided such settlement is approved by independent legal counsel selected by
the Company) or paid by them in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding,
except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding
that such person is liable for gross negligence, bad faith or intentional misconduct in duties;
provided, however, that within sixty (60) days after the institution of such action,
7
suit or proceeding, such person shall offer to the Company, in writing, the opportunity at its
own expense to handle and defend the same.
4. Shares Subject to Plan.
4.1 Maximum Number of Shares Issuable. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.2, the
maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall be Four Million
One Hundred and Eleven Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety-Two (4,111,492). This share reserve shall
consist of authorized but unissued or reacquired shares of Stock or any combination thereof.
However, the share reserve, determined at any time, shall be reduced by the number of shares
subject to the Prior Plan Awards (which as of March 14, 2006 equaled 2,249,410). If any
outstanding Award, including any Prior Plan Award, for any reason expires or is terminated or
canceled without having been exercised or settled in full, or if shares of Stock acquired pursuant
to an Award subject to forfeiture or repurchase, including any Prior Plan Award, are forfeited or
repurchased by the Company, the shares of Stock allocable to the terminated portion of such Award,
including any Prior Plan Award, or such forfeited or repurchased shares of Stock shall again be
available for grant under the Plan. Shares of Stock shall not be deemed to have been granted
pursuant to the Plan with respect to any portion of an Award that is settled in cash.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.1, the following shares of Stock shall
not be available for reissuance under the Plan: (i) shares of Stock with respect to which the
Participant has received the benefits of ownership (other than voting rights), either in the form
of dividends, shares sold pursuant to a Cashless Exercise described in Section 6.3(a) or otherwise;
(ii) shares of Stock which are withheld from any Award or payment under the Plan to satisfy tax
withholding obligations pursuant to Section 16.2; (iii) shares of Stock which are surrendered by
any Participant (through a Cashless Exercise, actual delivery of the shares or attestation of
ownership) to fulfill tax withholding obligations or to pay the applicable exercise price for any
Award; and (iv) shares of Stock subject to the grant of a SAR which are not issued upon settlement
of the SAR.
4.2 Adjustments for Changes in Capital Structure. In the event of any stock dividend, stock
split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, combination, reclassification or similar change in
the capital structure of the Company, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the number and class
of shares subject to the Plan and to any outstanding Awards, in the Section 162(m) Grant Limit set
forth in Section 5.4 and in the exercise price or purchaser price of any outstanding Awards. If a
majority of the shares which are of the same class as the shares that are subject to outstanding
Awards are exchanged for, converted into, or otherwise become (whether or not pursuant to an
Ownership Change Event, as defined in Section 13.1) shares of another corporation (the New
Shares), the Board may unilaterally amend the outstanding Awards to provide that such Awards are
accurately reflected for New Shares. In the event of any such amendment, the number of shares
subject to, and the exercise price and/or purchase price per share of, the outstanding Awards (if
any) shall be adjusted in a fair and equitable manner as determined by the Board, in its
discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any fractional share resulting from an adjustment
pursuant to this Section 4.2 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and in no event may
the exercise price and/or purchase price of any Award be decreased to an amount less than the par
value, if any, of the stock subject to the Award. The adjustments determined by the Board pursuant
to this Section 4.2 shall be final, binding and conclusive.
5. Eligibility and Award Limitations.
5.1 Persons Eligible for Awards. Awards may be granted only to Employees, Consultants, and
Directors. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, Employees, Consultants and Directors
shall include prospective Employees, prospective Consultants and prospective Directors to whom
Awards are granted in connection with written offers of an employment or other service relationship
with the Participating Company Group; provided, however, that no Stock subject to any such Award
shall vest, become exercisable or be issued prior to the date on which such person commences
Service.
5.2 Participation. Awards are granted solely at the discretion of the Board. Eligible
persons may be granted more than one (1) Award. However, eligibility in accordance with this
Section shall not entitle any person to be granted an Award, or, having been granted an Award, to
be granted an additional Award.
8
5.3 Incentive Stock Option Limitations.
(a) Persons Eligible. An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to a person who, on the
effective date of grant, is an Employee of the Company, a Parent Corporation or a Subsidiary
Corporation (each being an ISO-Qualifying Corporation). Any person who is not an Employee of an
ISO-Qualifying Corporation on the effective date of the grant of an Option to such person may be
granted only a Nonstatutory Stock Option. An Incentive Stock Option granted to a prospective
Employee upon the condition that such person become an Employee of an ISO-Qualifying Corporation
shall be deemed granted effective on the date such person commences Service with an ISO-Qualifying
Corporation, with an exercise price determined as of such date in accordance with Section 6.1.
(b) Fair Market Value Limitation. To the extent that options designated as Incentive Stock
Options (granted under all stock option plans of the Participating Company Group, including the
Plan) become exercisable by a Participant for the first time during any calendar year for stock
having a Fair Market Value greater than One Hundred Thousand dollars ($100,000), the portion of
such options which exceeds such amount shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For
purposes of this Section, options designated as Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account
in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of stock shall be determined as
of the time the option with respect to such stock is granted. If the Code is amended to provide
for a different limitation from that set forth in this Section, such different limitation shall be
deemed incorporated herein effective as of the date and with respect to such Options as required or
permitted by such amendment to the Code. If an Option is treated as an Incentive Stock Option in
part and as a Nonstatutory Stock Option in part by reason of the limitation set forth in this
Section, the Participant may designate which portion of such Option the Participant is exercising.
In the absence of such designation, the Participant shall be deemed to have exercised the Incentive
Stock Option portion of the Option first. Upon exercise, shares issued pursuant to each such
portion shall be separately identified.
5.4 Award Limits.
(a) Aggregate Limit on Restricted Stock, Performance Shares and Performance Units. Subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 4.2, in no event shall more
than One-Million Five-Hundred Thousand (1,500,000) shares of Stock in the aggregate be issued under the Plan pursuant to the exercise or
settlement of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units.
(b) Section 162(m) Award Limits. The following limits shall apply to the grant of any Award
if, at the time of grant, the Company is a publicly held corporation within the meaning of
Section 162(m).
(i) Options and SARs. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.2, no Employee shall be
granted within any fiscal year of the Company one or more Options or Freestanding SARs which in the
aggregate are for more than Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) shares of Stock, provided, however,
that the Company may make an additional one-time grant to any newly-hired Employee of an Option
and/or SAR for the purchase of up to an additional Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand (250,000) shares
of Stock. An Option which is canceled (or a Freestanding SAR as to which the exercise price is
reduced to reflect a reduction in the Fair Market Value of the Stock) in the same fiscal year of
the Company in which it was granted shall continue to be counted against such limit for such fiscal
year.
(ii) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Subject to adjustment as provided in
Section 4.2, no Employee shall be granted within any fiscal year of the Company one or more
Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units, subject to Vesting Conditions based on the
attainment of Performance Goals, for more than Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) shares of Stock,
provided, however, that the Company may make an additional one-time grant to any newly-hired
Employee of a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Units of up to an additional One Hundred
Thousand (100,000) shares of Stock.
(iii) Performance Shares and Performance Units. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section
4.2, no Employee shall be granted (A) Performance Shares which could result in such Employee
receiving more than One Hundred Thousand (100,000) shares of Stock for each full fiscal year of the
9
Company contained in the Performance Period for such Award, or (B) Performance Units which
could result in such Employee receiving more than $1,000,000 for each full fiscal year of the
Company contained in the Performance Period for such Award. No Participant may be granted more
than one Performance Share or Performance Unit for the same Performance Period.
(iv) Performance Bonus Awards. No Employee shall be paid a Performance Bonus Award pursuant
to Section 10.6 which is greater than $1,000,000 for each full fiscal year of the Company contained
in the Performance Period for such award.
6. Terms and Conditions of Options.
Options shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying the number of shares of Stock
covered thereby, in such form as the Board shall from time to time establish. No Option or
purported Option shall be a valid and binding obligation of the Company unless evidenced by a fully
executed Award Agreement. Award Agreements evidencing Options may incorporate all or any of the
terms of the Plan by reference and shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and
conditions:
6.1 Exercise Price. The exercise price for each Option shall be established in the discretion
of the Board; provided, however, that (a) the exercise price per share for an Option shall be not
less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the effective date of grant of the Option,
(b) no Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Owner Participant shall have an exercise
price per share less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of
Stock on the effective date of grant of the Option, and (c) notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Section 6.1, in the case of an Indexed Option, the Board shall determine the
exercise price of such Indexed Option and the terms and conditions that affect, if any, any
adjustments to the exercise price of such Indexed Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option
may be granted with an exercise price lower than the minimum exercise price set forth above if such
Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner
qualifying under the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.
6.2 Exercisability and Term of Options. Options shall be exercisable at such time or times,
or upon such event or events, and subject to such terms, conditions, performance criteria and
restrictions as shall be determined by the Board and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing
such Option; provided, however, that (a) no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten
(10) years after the effective date of grant of such Option, (b) no Incentive Stock Option granted
to a Ten Percent Owner shall be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years after the
effective date of grant of such Option, and (c) no Option granted to a prospective Employee,
prospective Consultant or prospective Director may become exercisable prior to the date on which
such person commences Service with a Participating Company. Subject to the foregoing, unless
otherwise specified by the Board in the grant of an Option, any Option granted hereunder shall
terminate ten (10) years after the effective date of grant of the Option, unless earlier terminated
in accordance with its provisions.
6.3 Payment of Exercise Price.
(a) Forms of Consideration Authorized. Except as otherwise provided below, payment of the
exercise price for the number of shares of Stock being purchased pursuant to any Option shall be
made (i) in cash, by check or cash equivalent, (ii) by tender to the Company, or attestation to the
ownership, of shares of Stock owned by the Participant having a Fair Market Value not less than the
exercise price, (iii) by delivery of a properly executed notice of exercise together with
irrevocable instructions to a broker providing for the assignment to the Company of the proceeds of
a sale or loan with respect to some or all of the shares being acquired upon the exercise of the
Option (including, without limitation, through an exercise complying with the provisions of
Regulation T as promulgated from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System) (a Cashless Exercise), (iv) by delivery of a properly executed notice of exercise
electing a Net-Exercise, (v) by such other consideration as may be approved by the Board from time
to time to the extent permitted by applicable law, or (vi) by any combination thereof. The Board
may at any time or from time to time, by approval of or by amendment to the standard forms of Award
Agreement described in Section 12, or by other means, grant Options which do not permit all of the
foregoing forms of consideration to be used in payment of the exercise price or which otherwise
restrict one or more forms of consideration.
10
(b) Limitations on Forms of Consideration.
(i) Tender of Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may not be exercised by tender
to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock to the extent such tender or
attestation would constitute a violation of the provisions of any law, regulation or agreement
restricting the redemption of the Companys stock. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, an
Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of
Stock unless such shares either have been owned by the Participant for more than six (6) months
(and not used for another Option exercise by attestation during such period) or were not acquired,
directly or indirectly, from the Company.
(ii) Cashless Exercise. The Company reserves, at any and all times, the right, in the
Companys sole and absolute discretion, to establish, decline to approve or terminate any program
or procedures for the exercise of Options by means of a Cashless Exercise, including with respect
to one or more Participants specified by the Company notwithstanding that such program or
procedures may be available to other Participants.
(iii) Net-Exercise. The Company reserves, at any and all times, the right, in the Companys
sole and absolute discretion, to grant Incentive Stock Options, or to grant, or amend, any
Nonstatutory Options to provide that such Options may be exercised by the means of a Net-Exercise,
including with respect to one or more Participants specified by the Company notwithstanding that
such program or procedures may be available to other Participants. No Option will be granted (or
amended in the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option) to permit a Net-Exercise prior to the
effectiveness of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123R.
6.4 Effect of Termination of Service. An Option shall be exercisable after a Participants
termination of Service to such extent and during such period as determined by the Board, in its
discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Option.
6.5 Transferability of Options. During the lifetime of the Participant, an Option shall be
exercisable only by the Participant or the Participants guardian or legal representative. Prior
to the issuance of shares of Stock upon the exercise of an Option, the Option shall not be subject
in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge,
encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participants beneficiary,
except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
to the extent permitted by the Board, in its discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement
evidencing such Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be assignable or transferable subject to
the applicable limitations, if any, described in the General Instructions to Form S-8 Registration
Statement under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Board may permit
further transferability of any Option, on a general or specific basis, and may impose conditions
and limitations on any permitted transferability.
7. Terms and Conditions of Outside Director Options.
Outside Director Options shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying the number of
shares of Stock covered thereby, in such form as the Board shall from time to time establish.
Outside Director Award Agreements may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference
and shall comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 6 to the extent not
inconsistent with this Section and the following terms and conditions:
7.1 Automatic Grant. Subject to the execution by an Outside Director of an appropriate Award
Agreement, Options shall be granted automatically and without further action of the Board, as
follows:
(a) Initial Option. Each person who first becomes an Outside Director after the Effective
Date shall be granted on the date such person first becomes an Outside Director an Option to
purchase Twenty Thousand (20,000) shares of Stock (an Initial Option).
11
(b) Annual Option. Each Outside Director shall be granted on the first anniversary of the
grant of the Initial Option and each successive anniversary, an Option to purchase Five Thousand
(5,000) shares of Stock (an Annual Option).
(c) Right to Decline Outside Director Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any person may
elect not to receive an Outside Director Option by delivering written notice of such election to
the Board no later than the day prior to the date such Option would otherwise be granted. A person
so declining an Outside Director Option shall receive no payment or other consideration in lieu of
such declined Outside Director Option. A person who has declined an Outside Director Option may
revoke such election by delivering written notice of such revocation to the Board no later than the
day prior to the date such Outside Director Option would be granted pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or
(b), as the case may be.
7.2 Exercisability and Term of Outside Director Options. Each Outside Director Option shall
vest and become exercisable as set forth below and shall terminate and cease to be exercisable on
the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of grant of the Outside Direct Option, unless earlier
terminated in accordance with the terms of the Plan or the Award Agreement evidencing such Outside
Director Option.
(a) Initial Options. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in the Award Agreement
evidencing such Outside Director Option, each Initial Option shall vest and become exercisable in
four (4) substantially equal installments on each of the first four (4) anniversaries of the date
of grant of the Initial Option, provided that the Outside Directors Service has not terminated
prior to the relevant date.
(b) Annual Options. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in the Award Agreement
evidencing such Outside Director Option, each Annual Option shall vest and become exercisable in
two (2) substantially equal installments on each of the first two (2) anniversaries of the date of
grant of the Annual Option, provided that the Outside Directors Service has not terminated prior
to the relevant date.
7.3 Effect of Change in Control on Outside Director Options. In the event of a Change in
Control, as defined in Section 13.1, any unexercisable or unvested portions of outstanding Outside
Director Options and any shares acquired upon the exercise thereof held by Outside Directors whose
Service has not terminated prior to such date shall be immediately exercisable and vested in full
as of the date ten (10) days prior to the date of the Change in Control. The exercise or vesting
of any Outside Director Option and any shares acquired upon the exercise thereof that was
permissible solely by reason of this Section 7.3 shall be conditioned upon the consummation of the
Change in Control. In addition, the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing corporation or
parent corporation thereof, as the case may be (the Acquiring Corporation), may either assume the
Companys rights and obligations under outstanding Outside Director Options or substitute for
outstanding Options substantially equivalent options for the Acquiring Corporations stock. Any
Outside Director Options which are neither assumed or substituted for by the Acquiring Corporation
in connection with the Change in Control nor exercised as of the date of the Change in Control
shall terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of the date of the Change in Control.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the corporation the stock of which is subject to the outstanding
Outside Director Options immediately prior to an Ownership Change Event described in Section
13.1(a)(i) constituting a Change in Control is the surviving or continuing corporation and
immediately after such Ownership Change Event less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined
voting power of its voting stock is held by another corporation or by other corporations that are
members of an affiliated group within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code without regard to
the provisions of Section 1504(b) of the Code, the outstanding Outside Director Options shall not
terminate.
8. Terms and Conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights.
Stock Appreciation Rights shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying the number of
shares of Stock subject to the Award, in such form as the Board shall from time to time establish.
No SAR or purported SAR shall be a valid and binding obligation of the Company unless evidenced by
a fully executed Award Agreement. Award Agreements evidencing SARs may incorporate all or any of
the terms of the Plan by reference and shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and
conditions:
12
8.1 Types of SARs Authorized. SARs may be granted in tandem with all or any portion of a
related Option (a Tandem SAR) or may be granted independently of any Option (a Freestanding
SAR). A Tandem SAR may be granted either concurrently with the grant of the related Option or at
any time thereafter prior to the complete exercise, termination, expiration or cancellation of such
related Option.
8.2 Exercise Price and Other Terms. The Board, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will
have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of each SAR granted under the Plan;
provided, however, that (a) the exercise price per share subject to a Tandem SAR shall be the
exercise price per share under the related Option and (b) the exercise price per share subject to a
Freestanding SAR shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the effective
date of grant of the SAR.
8.3 Exercise of SARs. SARs will be exercisable on such terms and conditions as the Board, in
its sole and absolute discretion, will determine.
8.4 Award Agreement. Each SAR grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify
the exercise price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and
conditions as the Board, in its sole discretion, will determine.
8.5 Expiration of SARs. Each SAR grant under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by
the Board, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the requirements of Sections 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 also will apply to SARs to the extent
not replaced or superseded by the terms of any Award Agreement.
9. Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Awards.
Restricted Stock Awards shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying the number of shares
of Stock subject to the Award, in such form as the Board shall from time to time establish. No
Restricted Stock Award or purported Restricted Stock Award shall be a valid and binding obligation
of the Company unless evidenced by a fully executed Award Agreement. Award Agreements evidencing
Restricted Stock Awards may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and shall
comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:
9.1 Grant of Restricted Stock. The Board is authorized to make Awards of Restricted Stock to
any Participant selected by the Board in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as
determined by the Board.
9.2 Issuance and Restrictions. Restricted Stock Awards will be subject to such restrictions
on transferabilty and other restrictions as the Board may impose (including, without limitation,
limitations on the right to vote shares of Stock or the right to receive dividends on the Stock).
These restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, pursuant to such
circumstances, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Board determines at the time of the grant
of the Award or thereafter. The minimum period for such restrictions shall be a period of three
(3) years. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, Restricted Stock Awards may become one hundred
percent (100%) vested earlier than after the passage of three (3) years upon (i) the occurrence of
a Change in Control, as provided in any applicable Award Agreement, or (ii) achievement of such the
Awards applicable Performance Goals.
9.3 Forfeiture. Except as otherwise determined by the Board at the time of grant of the Award
or thereafter, upon termination of Service during the applicable Restriction Period, Restricted
Stock that is at that time subject to restrictions will be forefeited; provided, however, that the
Board may (a) provide in any Restricted Stock Award Agreement that restrictions or forfeiture
conditions will be waived in whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified
causes, and (b) in other cases waive in whole or in part restrictions or forfeiture conditions.
9.4 Voting Rights; Dividends and Distributions. Except as may be provided in any Award
Agreement, during the Restriction Period applicable to shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award,
the Participant shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding shares of
Stock, including the right to vote such
13
shares and to receive all dividends and other distributions
paid with respect to such shares. However, in the event of a dividend or distribution paid in
shares of Stock or any other adjustment made upon a change in the capital structure of the Company
as described in Section 4.2, then any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other
property (other than normal cash dividends) to which the Participant is entitled by reason of the
Participants Restricted Stock Award shall be immediately subject to the same Vesting Conditions as
the shares subject to the Restricted Stock Award with respect to which such dividends or
distributions were paid or adjustments were made.
10. Terms and Conditions of Other Types of Awards.
Other types of Awards, such as Performance Shares, Performance Units, Deferred Stock,
Restricted Stock Units, Other Stock-Based Awards and Performance Bonus Awards (collectively Other
Types of Award) shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying the type of Award and the number
of shares of Stock subject to the Award, in such form as the Board shall from time to time
establish. No Other Type of Award or purported Award shall be a valid and binding obligation of
the Company unless evidenced by a fully executed Award Agreement. Award Agreements evidencing any
Other Type of Award may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and shall
comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:
10.1 Performance Shares. Any Participant selected by the Committee may be granted one or more
Performance Share awards which will be denominated in a number of shares of Stock and which may be
linked to any one or more of the Performance Goals or other specific performance criteria
determined appropriate by the Committee, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any
period or periods determined by the Committee. In making such determinations, the Committee will
consider (among other such factors as it deems relevant in light of the specific type of Award) the
contributions, responsibilities and other compensation of the particular Participant.
10.2 Performance Units. Any Participant selected by the Committee may be granted one or more
Performance Unit awards which will be denominated in units of value, which, without limitation, may
include the dollar value of shares of Stock, and which may be linked to any one or more of the
Performance Goals or other specific performance criteria determined appropriate by the Committee,
in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the
Committee. In making such determinations, the Committee will consider (among other such factors as
it deems relevant in light of the specific type of Award) the contributions, responsibilities and
other compensation of the particular Participant.
10.3 Deferred Stock. Any Participant selected by the Board may be granted an award of
Deferred Stock in the manner determined from time to time by the Board. The number of shares of
Deferred Stock will be determined by the Board and may be linked to the Performance Goals or other
specific performance criteria determined to be appropriate by the Board, in each case on a
specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Board. Stock underlying a
Deferred Stock award will not be issued until the Deferred Stock award has vested, pursuant to a
vesting schedule or performance criteria set by the Committee, or upon such settlement date as may
be elected by the Participant. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, a Participant awarded
Deferred Stock will have no rights as a Company stockholder with respect to such Deferred Stock
until such time as the Award has vested and the Stock underlying such Award has been issued. In
addition, Deferred Stock may be granted automatically with respect to such number of shares of
Stock and upon such other terms and conditions as established by the Board in lieu of:
(a) cash or shares of Stock otherwise issuable to such Participant upon the exercise or
settlement of a Restricted Stock Award or Performance Award; or
(b) any cash to be otherwise paid to the Participant in the form of salary, bonus,
commissions, or such other compensation program maintained by the Company.
10.4 Restricted Stock Units. The Board is authorized to make Awards of Restricted Stock Units
to any Participant selected by the Board in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions
as determined by the Board. The number of Restricted Stock Units will be determined by the Board
and may be linked to the Performance Goals or other specific performance criteria determined to be
appropriate by the Board, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods
determined by the Board. At the time of grant, the Board will specify the date or dates on which
the Restricted Stock Units will become fully vested and nonforfeitable, and may specify such
conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate. At the time of grant, the
14
Board will specify the
settlement date applicable to each grant of Restricted Stock Units which will be no earlier than
the vesting date or dates of the Award and may be determined at the election of the Participant.
On the settlement date, the Company will transfer to the Participant either (i) one unrestricted,
fully transferable share of Stock or (ii) cash equal to the value of one such share of Stock for
each Restricted Stock Unit scheduled to be paid out on such date and which was not previously
forfeited. The Board will specify the purchase price, if any, to be paid by the Participant to the
Company for such shares of Stock.
10.5 Other Stock-Based Awards. Any Participant selected by the Board may be granted one or
more awards that provide Participants with shares of Stock or the right to purchase shares of Stock
or that have a value derived from the value of, or an exercise or conversion privilege at a price
related to, or that are otherwise payable in shares of Stock and which may be linked to any one or
more of the Performance Goals or other specific performance criteria determined appropriate by the
Board, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the
Board. In making such determinations, the Board will consider (among such other factors as it
deems relevant in light of the specific type of award) the contributions, responsibilities and
other compensation to the particular Participant.
10.6 Performance Bonus Awards. Any Participant selected by the Committee may be granted one
or more Performance-Based Award in the form of a cash bonus payable upon the attainment of
Performance Goals that are established by the Committee, in each case on a specified date or dates
or over any period or periods determined by the Committee. Any such Performance Bonus Award paid
to a Covered Employee will be based upon objectively determinable bonus formulas established in
accordance with Section 11.
10.7 Term of Other Type Awards. Except as otherwise provided herein, the term of any Other
Type Award will be set by the Board in its sole and absolute discretion and set forth in any
applicable Award Agreement.
10.8 Exercise or Purchase Price. The Board may establish the exercise or purchase price, if
any, of any Other Type Award; provided, however, that such price will not be less than the par
value of a share of Stock on the date of grant, unless otherwise permitted by applicable law.
10.9 Exercise Upon Termination of Service. Any Other Type of Award will only be exercisable
or payable while the Participant is an Employee, Consultant or Director, as applicable; provided,
however, that the Board in its sole and absolute discretion may provide that any Other Type of
Award may be exercised or paid subsequent to a termination of Service, as applicable, or following
a Change in Control, or because of the Participants retirement, death or disability, or otherwise;
provided, however, that any such provision with respect to Performance Shares, Performance Units or
Performance Bonus Awards will be subject to the requirements of Section 162(m) that apply to such
award and/or compensation.
10.10 Form of Payment. Payments with respect to any Other Type of Award will be made in cash,
in Stock or a combination of both, as determined by the Board and as set forth in any applicable
Award Agreement.
10.11 Award Agreement. All Other Types of Awards will be subject to such additional terms and
conditions as determined by the Board and will be evidenced by a written Award Agreement.
10.12 Voting Rights; Dividend Equivalent Rights and Distributions. Participants shall have no
voting rights with respect to shares of Stock represented by any Other Type of Award until the date
of the issuance of such shares, if any (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the
Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the
Company). However, the Board, in its discretion, may provide in the Award Agreement
evidencing any Other Type of Award that the Participant shall be entitled to receive Dividend
Equivalents with respect to the payment of cash dividends on Stock having a record date prior to
the date on which such shares of Stock underlying any such award are settled or forfeited. Such
Dividend Equivalents, if any, shall be credited to the Participant in the form of additional whole
shares of Stock, or such cash equivalent, depending on the type of award, as of the date of payment
of such cash dividends on Stock. The number of additional shares of Stock
15
(rounded to the nearest
whole number) to be so credited shall be determined by dividing (a) the amount of cash dividends
paid on such date with respect to the number of shares of Stock represented by the shares of Stock
underlying such award previously credited to the Participant by (b) the Fair Market Value per share
of Stock on such date. Dividend Equivalents may be paid currently or may be accumulated and paid
to the extent that such award becomes nonforfeitable, as determined by the Board. Settlement of
Dividend Equivalents may be made in cash, shares of Stock, or a combination thereof as determined
by the Board, and may be paid on the same basis as settlement of the related award. In the event
of a dividend or distribution paid in shares of Stock or any other adjustment made upon a change in
the capital structure of the Company as described in Section 4.2, appropriate adjustments shall be
made in the Participants Other Type of Awards so that it represents the right to receive upon
settlement any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property (other than
normal cash dividends) to which the Participant would be entitled by reason of the shares of Stock
issuable upon settlement of the award, and all such new, substituted or additional securities or
other property shall be immediately subject to the same Performance Goals as are applicable to the
Award.
10.13 Nontransferability of Awards. Prior to settlement or payment of any Other Type of Award
in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, no such award shall be subject in any manner to
anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment
by creditors of the Participant or the Participants beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the
laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to such award granted to a Participant
hereunder shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such Participant or the
Participants guardian or legal representative.
11. Terms and Conditions of Any Performance-Based Award.
11.1 Purpose. The purpose of this Section 11 is to provide the Committee the ability to
qualify Awards (other than Options and SARs) that are granted pursuant to Sections 9 and 10 as
qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). If the Committee, in its
discretion, decides to grant a Performance-Based Award subject to Performance Goals to a Covered
Employee, the provisions of this Section 11 will control over any contrary provision in the Plan;
provided, however, that the Committee may in its discretion grant Awards to such Covered Employees
that are based on Performance Goals or other specific criteria or goals but that do not satisfy the
requirements of this Section 11.
11.2 Applicability. This Section 11 will apply to those Covered Employees which are selected
by the Committee to receive any Award subject to Performance Goals. The designation of a Covered
Employee as being subject to Section 162(m) will not in any manner entitle the Covered Employee to
receive an Award under the Plan. Moreover, designation of a Covered Employee subject to Section
162(m) for a particular Performance Period will not require designation of such Covered Employee in
any subsequent Performance Period and designation of one Covered Employee will not require
designation of any other Covered Employee in such period or in any other period.
11.3 Procedures with Respect to Performance Based Awards. To the extent necessary to comply
with the performance-based compensation of Section 162(m), with respect to any Award granted
subject to Performance Goals, no later than ninety (90) days following the commencement of any
fiscal year in question or any other designated fiscal period or period of service (or such other
time as may be required or permitted by Section 162(m)), the Committee will, in writing, (a)
designate one or more Participants who are Covered Employees, (b) select the Performance Goals
applicable to the Performance Period, (c) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts of such
Awards, as applicable, which may be earned for such Performance Period, and (d) specify the
relationship between Performance Goals and the amounts of such Awards, as applicable, to be earned
by each Covered Employee for such Performance Period. Following the completion of each Performance
Period, the Committee will certify in writing whether the applicable Performance Goals have been
achieved for such
Performance Period. In determining the amounts earned by a Covered Employee, the Committee
will have the right to reduce or eliminate (but not to increase) the amount payable at a given
level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Committee may deem relevant
to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the Performance Period.
11.4 Payment of Performance Based Awards. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award
Agreement, a Covered Employee must be employed by the Participating Company Group on the day a
16
Performance-Based Award for such Performance Period is paid to the Covered Employee. Furthermore,
a Covered Employee will be eligible to receive payment pursuant to a Performance-Based Award for a
Performance Period only if the Performance Goals for such period are achieved.
11.5 Additional Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any Award which
is granted to a Covered Employee and is intended to constitute qualified performance based
compensation under Section 162(m) will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in the
Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m) or any regulations and ruling issued thereunder
that are requirements for qualification as qualified performance-based compensation as described in
Section 162(m), and the Plan will be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such
requirements.
12. Standard Forms of Award Agreement.
12.1 Award Agreements. Each Award shall comply with and be subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in the appropriate form of Award Agreement approved by the Board and as
amended from time to time. Any Award Agreement may consist of an appropriate form of Notice of
Grant and a form of Agreement incorporated therein by reference, or such other form or forms as the
Board may approve from time to time.
12.2 Authority to Vary Terms. The Board shall have the authority from time to time to vary
the terms of any standard form of Award Agreement either in connection with the grant or amendment
of an individual Award or in connection with the authorization of a new standard form or forms;
provided, however, that the terms and conditions of any such new, revised or amended standard form
or forms of Award Agreement are not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan.
13. Change in Control.
13.1 Definitions.
(a) An Ownership Change Event shall be deemed to have occurred if any of the following
occurs with respect to the Company: (i) the direct or indirect sale or exchange in a single or
series of related transactions by the stockholders of the Company of more than fifty percent (50%)
of the voting stock of the Company; (ii) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is a party;
(iii) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company
(other than a sale, exchange or transfer to one or more subsidiaries of the Company); or (iv) a
liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
(b) A Change in Control shall mean an Ownership Change Event or a series of related
Ownership Change Events (collectively, a Transaction) in which the stockholders of the Company
immediately before the Transaction do not retain immediately after the Transaction, in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Companys voting stock
immediately before the Transaction, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of more than fifty
percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the
Company or, in the case of an Ownership Change Event described in Section 13.1(a)(iii), the entity
to which the assets of the Company were transferred (the Transferee), as the case may be. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without
limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more
corporations or other business entities which own the Company or the Transferee, as the case may
be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities. The
Board shall have the right to determine whether multiple sales or exchanges of the voting
securities of the Company or multiple Ownership Change Events are related, and its determination
shall be final, binding and conclusive.
13.2 Effect of Change in Control on Options and SARs.
(a) Accelerated Vesting. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the
Board, in its sole discretion, may provide in any Award Agreement or, in the event of a Change in
Control, may take such actions as it deems appropriate to provide for the acceleration of the
exercisability and vesting in connection with such Change in Control of any or all outstanding
Options and SARs and shares acquired upon the exercise of such Options and SARs upon such
conditions and to such extent as the Board shall determine.
17
(b) Assumption or Substitution. In the event of a Change in Control, the Acquiring
Corporation may, without the consent of the Participant, either assume the Companys rights and
obligations under outstanding Options and SARs or substitute for outstanding Options and SARs
substantially equivalent options and stock appreciation rights for the Acquiring Corporations
stock. In the event that the Acquiring Corporation elects not to assume or substitute for
outstanding Options and SARs in connection with a Change in Control, or if the Acquiring
Corporation is not a publicly held corporation within the meaning of Section 162(m), the
exercisability and vesting of each such outstanding Option, SAR and any shares acquired upon the
exercise thereof held by a Participant whose Service has not terminated prior to such date shall be
accelerated, effective as of the date ten (10) days prior to the date of the Change in Control.
The exercise or vesting of any Option, SAR and any shares acquired upon the exercise thereof that
was permissible solely by reason of this Section 13.2 and the provisions of such applicable Award
Agreement shall be conditioned upon the consummation of the Change in Control. Any Options and
SARs which are neither assumed or substituted for by the Acquiring Corporation in connection with
the Change in Control nor exercised as of the date of the Change in Control shall terminate and
cease to be outstanding effective as of the date of the Change in Control. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, shares acquired upon exercise of an Option prior to the Change in Control and any
consideration received pursuant to the Change in Control with respect to such shares shall continue
to be subject to all applicable provisions of the applicable Award Agreement evidencing such Option
or SAR except as otherwise provided in such applicable Award Agreement. Furthermore,
notwithstanding the foregoing, if the corporation the stock of which is subject to the outstanding
Options and SARs immediately prior to an Ownership Change Event described in Section 13.1(a)(i)
constituting a Change in Control is the surviving or continuing corporation and immediately after
such Ownership Change Event less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of its
voting stock is held by another corporation or by other corporations that are members of an
affiliated group within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code without regard to the provisions
of Section 1504(b) of the Code, the outstanding Options and SARs shall not terminate unless the
Board otherwise provides in its discretion.
(c) Cash-Out. The Board may, in its sole discretion and without the consent of any
Participant, determine that, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, each or any Option or SAR
outstanding immediately prior to the Change in Control shall be canceled in exchange for a payment
with respect to each vested share of Stock subject to such canceled Option or SAR in (i) cash, (ii)
stock of the Company or of a corporation or other business entity a party to the Change in Control,
or (iii) other property which, in any such case, shall be in an amount having a Fair Market Value
equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the consideration to be paid per share of Stock in
the Change in Control over the exercise price per share under such Option or SAR (the Spread).
In the event such determination is made by the Board, the Spread (reduced by applicable withholding
taxes, if any) shall be paid to Participants in respect of their canceled Options and SARs as soon
as practicable following the date of the Change in Control.
13.3 Effect of Change in Control on Restricted Stock and Other Type of Awards. The Board may,
in its discretion, provide in any Award Agreement evidencing a Restricted Stock or Other Type of
Award that, in the event of a Change in Control, the lapsing of any applicable Vesting Condition,
Restriction Period or Performance Goal applicable to the shares subject to such Award held by a
Participant whose Service has not terminated prior to the Change in Control shall be accelerated
and/or waived effective immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control to such
extent as specified in such Award Agreement. Any acceleration, waiver or the lapsing of any
restriction that was permissible solely by reason of this Section 13.3 and the provisions of such
Award Agreement shall be conditioned upon the consummation of the Change in Control.
14. Provision of Information.
Each Participant shall be given access to information concerning the Company equivalent to
that information generally made available to the Companys common stockholders.
15. Compliance with Securities Law.
The grant of Options and the issuance of shares of Stock upon exercise of Options shall be
subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state and foreign law with
respect to such securities. Options may not be exercised if the issuance of shares of Stock upon
exercise would constitute a violation of any applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws
or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock
18
exchange or market system upon which
the Stock may then be listed. In addition, no Option may be exercised unless (a) a registration
statement under the Securities Act shall at the time of exercise of the Option be in effect with
respect to the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option or (b) in the opinion of legal counsel
to the Company, the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option may be issued in accordance with
the terms of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The
inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if
any, deemed by the Companys legal counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any
shares hereunder shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or
sell such shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. As a condition
to the exercise of any Option, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any
qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law
or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested
by the Company.
16. Tax Withholding.
16.1 Tax Withholding in General. The Company shall have the right to deduct from any and all
payments made under the Plan, or to require the Participant, through payroll withholding, cash
payment or otherwise, including by means of a Cashless Exercise of an Option, to make adequate
provision for, the federal, state, local and foreign taxes, if any, required by law to be withheld
by the Participating Company Group with respect to an Award or the shares acquired pursuant
thereto. The Company shall have no obligation to deliver shares of Stock, to release shares of
Stock from an escrow established pursuant to an Award Agreement, or to make any payment in cash
under the Plan until the Participating Company Groups tax withholding obligations have been
satisfied by the Participant.
16.2 Withholding in Shares. The Company shall have the right, but not the obligation, to
deduct from the shares of Stock issuable to a Participant upon the exercise or settlement of an
Award, or to accept from the Participant the tender of, a number of whole shares of Stock having a
Fair Market Value, as determined by the Company, equal to all or any part of the tax withholding
obligations of the Participating Company Group. The Fair Market Value of any shares of Stock
withheld or tendered to satisfy any such tax withholding obligations shall not exceed the amount
determined by the applicable minimum statutory withholding rates.
17. Termination or Amendment of Plan.
The Board may terminate or amend the Plan at any time. However, subject to changes in
applicable law, regulations or rules that would permit otherwise, without the approval of the
Companys stockholders, there shall be (a) no increase in the maximum aggregate number of shares of
Stock that may be issued under the Plan (except by operation of the provisions of Section 4.2), (b)
no change in the class of persons eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options, and (c) no other
amendment of the Plan that would require approval of the Companys stockholders under any
applicable law, regulation or rule. No termination or amendment of the Plan shall affect any then
outstanding Option unless expressly provided by the Board. In any event, no termination or
amendment of the Plan may adversely affect any then outstanding Option without the consent of the
Participant, unless such termination or amendment is required to enable an Option designated as an
Incentive Stock Option to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option or is necessary to comply with any
applicable law, regulation or rule.
18. Stockholder Approval.
The Plan or any increase in the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock issuable
thereunder as provided in Section 4.1 (the Authorized Shares) shall be approved by the
stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months of the date of adoption thereof by the Board.
Options granted prior to stockholder approval of the Plan or in excess of the Authorized Shares
previously approved by the stockholders shall become exercisable no earlier than the date of
stockholder approval of the Plan or such increase in the Authorized Shares, as the case may be.
19
Appendix B
COHU, INC.
1997 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(as amended)
1. Establishment and Purpose
1.1 Establishment. The Cohu, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the Plan) was
originally established effective as of February 28, 1997 (the Effective Date) and was
subsequently amended and restated as of March 17, 2006.
1.2 Purpose. The purpose of the Plan to provide Eligible Employees of the Participating
Company Group with an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company through the
purchase of Stock. The Company intends that the Plan shall qualify as an employee stock purchase
plan under Sections 421 and 423 of the Code (including any amendments or replacements of such
section), and the Plan shall be so construed.
2. Definitions and Construction.
2.1 Definitions. Any term not expressly defined in the Plan but defined for purposes of
Section 423 of the Code shall have the same definition herein. Whenever used herein, the following
terms shall have their respective meanings set forth below:
(a) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company. If one or more Committees have been
appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, Board also means such Committee(s).
(b) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any applicable regulations
promulgated thereunder.
(c) Committee means a committee of the Board duly appointed to administer the Plan and
having such powers as shall be specified by the Board. Unless the powers of the Committee have
been specifically limited, the Committee shall have all of the powers of the Board granted herein,
including, without limitation, the power to amend or terminate the Plan at any time, subject to the
terms of the Plan and any applicable limitations imposed by law.
(d) Company means Cohu, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor corporation thereto.
(e) Compensation means, with respect to an Offering Period under the Plan, all amounts paid
in cash in the form of base salary, paid during such Offering Period before deduction for any
contributions to any plan maintained by a Participating Company and described in Section 401(k) or
Section 125 of the Code. Compensation shall not include payments of overtime, bonuses,
commissions, other incentive compensation, reimbursements of expenses, allowances, long-term
disability, workers compensation or any amount deemed received or any amounts directly or
indirectly paid pursuant to the Plan or any other stock purchase or stock option plan.
1
(f) Eligible Employee means an Employee who meets the requirements set forth in Section 5
for eligibility to participate in the Plan.
(g) Employee means any person treated as an employee (including an officer or a director who
is also treated as an employee) in the records of a Participating Company and for purposes of
Section 423 of the Code; provided, however, that neither service as a director nor payment of a
directors fee shall be sufficient to constitute employment for purposes of the Plan.
(h) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(i) Fair Market Value means, as of any date, if there is then a public market for the Stock,
the closing price of a share of Stock (or the mean of the closing bid and asked prices of a share
of Stock if the Stock is so reported instead) as reported on the National Association of Securities
Dealers Automated Quotation (Nasdaq) System, the Nasdaq National Market System or such other
national or regional securities exchange or market system constituting the primary market for the
Stock. If the relevant date does not fall on a day on which the Stock is trading on Nasdaq, the
Nasdaq National Market System or other national or regional securities exchange or market system,
the date on which the Fair Market Value shall be established shall be the last day on which the
Stock was so traded prior to the relevant date, or such other appropriate day as shall be
determined by the Board, in its sole discretion. If there is then no public market for the Stock,
the Fair Market Value on any relevant date shall be as determined by the Board without regard to
any restriction other than a restriction which, by its terms, will never lapse.
(j) Offering means an offering of Stock as provided in Section 6.
(k) Offering Date means, for any Offering Period, the first day of such Offering Period.
(l) Offering Period means a period determined in accordance with Section 6.1.
(m) Parent Corporation means any present or future parent corporation of the Company, as
defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(n) Participant means an Eligible Employee participating in the Plan.
(o) Participating Company means the Company or any Parent Corporation or Subsidiary
Corporation which the Board determines should be included in the Plan. The Board shall have the
sole and absolute discretion to determine from time to time what Parent Corporations or Subsidiary
Corporations shall be Participating Companies.
(p) Participating Company Group means, at any point in time, the Company and all other
corporations collectively which are then Participating Companies.
2
(q) Purchase Date means, for any Offering Period, the last day of such Offering Period.
(r) Purchase Price means the price at which a share of Stock may be purchased pursuant to
the Plan, as determined in accordance with Section 9.
(s) Purchase Right means an option pursuant to the Plan to purchase such shares of Stock as
provided in Section 8 which may or may not be exercised at the end of an Offering Period. Such
option arises from the right of a Participant to withdraw such Participants accumulated payroll
deductions (if any) and terminate participation in the Plan or any Offering therein at any time
during a Offering Period.
(t) Stock means the common stock, $1.00 par value, of the Company, as adjusted from time to
time in accordance with Section 4.2.
(u) Subsidiary Corporation means any present or future subsidiary corporation of the
Company, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
2.2 Construction. Captions and titles contained herein are for convenience only and shall not
affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of the Plan. Except when otherwise indicated
by the context, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and
use of the term or shall include the conjunctive as well as the disjunctive.
3. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Board, including any duly
appointed Committee of the Board. All questions of interpretation of the Plan or of any Purchase
Right shall be determined by the Board and shall be final and binding upon all persons having an
interest in the Plan or such Purchase Right. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board
shall determine all of the relevant terms and conditions of Purchase Rights granted pursuant to the
Plan; provided, however, that all Participants granted Purchase Rights pursuant to the Plan shall
have the same rights and privileges within the meaning of Section 423(b)(5) of the Code. All
expenses incurred in connection with the administration of the Plan shall be paid by the Company.
4. Shares Subject to Plan.
4.1 Maximum Number of Shares Issuable. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.2, the
maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall be one million
four hundred thousand (1,400,000) and shall consist of authorized but unissued or reacquired shares
of the Stock, or any combination thereof. If an outstanding Purchase Right for any reason expires
or is terminated or canceled, the shares of Stock allocable to the unexercised portion of such
Purchase Right shall again be available for issuance under the Plan.
4.2 Adjustments for Changes in Capital Structure. In the event of any stock dividend, stock
split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, combination, reclassification or similar change in
the capital structure of the Company, or in the event of any merger (including a merger effected
for the purpose of changing the Companys domicile), sale of assets or other reorganization in
which the Company is a party, appropriate adjustments shall be made to the
3
number and class of shares subject to the Plan, to the Per Offering Share Limit set forth in
Section 8.1 and to each Purchase Right and to the Purchase Price.
5. Eligibility.
5.1 Employees Eligible to Participate. Any Employee of a Participating Company is eligible to
participate in the Plan except the following:
(a) Employees who are customarily employed by the Participating Company Group for twenty (20)
hours or less per week;
(b) Employees who are customarily employed by the Participating Company Group for not more
than five (5) months in any calendar year; and
(c) Employees who own or hold options to purchase or who, as a result of participation in the
Plan, would own or hold options to purchase, stock of the Company or of any Parent Corporation or
Subsidiary Corporation possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or
value of all classes of stock of such corporation within the meaning of Section 423(b)(3) of the
Code.
5.2 Leased Employees Excluded. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any
individual performing services for a Participating Company solely through a leasing agency or
employment agency shall not be deemed an Employee of such Participating Company.
6. Offerings.
6.1 Offering Periods. Except as otherwise set forth below, the Plan shall be implemented by
sequential Offerings of six (6) months duration (an Offering Period). Subsequent Offerings shall
commence on the first days of November and May of each year and end on the last days of the first
April and October, respectively, occurring thereafter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board
may establish a different term for one or more Offerings or different commencing or ending dates
for such Offerings; provided, however, that no Offering may exceed a term of twenty-seven (27)
months. An Employee who becomes an Eligible Employee after an Offering Period has commenced shall
not be eligible to participate in such Offering but may participate in any subsequent Offering
provided such Employee is still an Eligible Employee as of the commencement of any such subsequent
Offering. In the event the first or last day of an Offering Period is not a business day, the
Company shall specify the business day that will be deemed the first or last day, as the case may
be, of the Offering Period.
6.2 Governmental Approval; Stockholder Approval. Notwithstanding any other provision of the
Plan to the contrary, any Purchase Right granted pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to (a)
obtaining all necessary governmental approvals or qualifications of the sale or issuance of the
Purchase Rights or the shares of Stock and (b) obtaining stockholder approval of the Plan.
4
7. Participation in the Plan.
7.1 Initial Participation. An Eligible Employee shall become a Participant on the first
Offering Date after satisfying the eligibility requirements of Section 5 and delivering to the
Companys payroll office or other office designated by the Company not later than the close of
business for such office on the last business day before such Offering Date (the Subscription
Date) a subscription agreement indicating the Employees election to participate in the Plan and
authorizing payroll deductions. An Eligible Employee who does not deliver a subscription agreement
to the Companys payroll or other designated office on or before the Subscription Date shall not
participate in the Plan for that Offering Period or for any subsequent Offering Period unless such
Employee subsequently enrolls in the Plan by filing a subscription agreement with the Company by
the Subscription Date for such subsequent Offering Period. The Company may, from time to time,
change the Subscription Date as deemed advisable by the Company in its sole discretion for proper
administration of the Plan.
7.2 Continued Participation. A Participant shall automatically participate in each subsequent
Offering Period until such time as such Participant (a) ceases to be an Eligible Employee, (b)
withdraws from the Plan pursuant to Section 13.2 or (c) terminates employment as provided in
Section 14. If a Participant automatically may participate in a subsequent Offering Period
pursuant to this Section 7.2, then the Participant is not required to file any additional
subscription agreement for such subsequent Offering Period in order to continue participation in
the Plan. However, a Participant may file a subscription agreement with respect to a subsequent
Offering Period if the Participant desires to change any of the Participants elections contained
in the Participants then effective subscription agreement.
8. Right to Purchase Shares.
8.1 Purchase Right. Except as set forth below, during an Offering Period each Participant
shall have a Purchase Right consisting of the right to purchase up to that number of whole shares
of Stock arrived at by dividing Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($12,500) by the Fair Market
Value of a share of Stock on the Offering Date of such Offering Period. Shares of Stock may only
be purchased through a Participants payroll deductions pursuant to Section 10.
8.2 Pro Rata Adjustment of Purchase Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Board shall
establish an Offering Period of less than five and one-half (51/2) months or more than six and
one-half (6 1/2) months in duration, the dollar amount in Section 8.1 shall be determined by
multiplying $2,083.33 by the number of months in the Offering Period and rounding to the nearest
whole dollar. For purposes of the preceding sentence, fractional months shall be rounded to the
nearest whole month.
9. Purchase Price. The Purchase Price at which each share of Stock may be acquired in
a given Offering Period pursuant to the exercise of all or any portion of a Purchase Right granted
under the Plan shall be set by the Board; provided, however, that the Purchase Price shall not be
less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the lesser of (a) the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock
on the Offering Date of the Offering Period, or (b) the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on
the Purchase Date of the Offering Period. Unless otherwise provided by the Board prior to the
commencement of an Offering Period, the Purchase Price for that Offering Period shall be
eighty-five percent (85%) of the lesser of (a) the Fair Market Value of a share of
5
Stock on the Offering Date of the Offering Period, or (b) the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock
on the Purchase Date of the Offering Period.
10. Accumulation of Purchase Price through Payroll Deduction. Shares of Stock which
are acquired pursuant to the exercise of all or any portion of a Purchase Right for an Offering
Period may be paid for only by means of payroll deductions from the Participants Compensation
accumulated during the Offering Period. Except as set forth below, the amount of Compensation to
be deducted from a Participants Compensation during each pay period shall be determined by the
Participants subscription agreement.
10.1 Commencement of Payroll Deductions. Payroll deductions shall commence on the first
payday following the Offering Date and shall continue to the end of the Offering Period unless
sooner altered or terminated as provided in the Plan.
10.2 Limitations on Payroll Deductions. The amount of payroll deductions with respect to the
Plan for any Participant during any pay period shall be in one percent (1%) increments not to
exceed ten percent (10%) of the Participants Compensation for such pay period. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Board may change the limits on payroll deductions effective as of a future
Offering Date, as determined by the Board. Amounts deducted from Compensation shall be reduced by
any amounts contributed by the Participant and applied to the purchase of Company stock pursuant to
any other employee stock purchase plan qualifying under Section 423 of the Code.
10.3 Election to Increase, Decrease or Stop Payroll Deductions. During an Offering Period, a
Participant may elect to increase or decrease the amount deducted or stop deductions from his or
her Compensation by filing an amended subscription agreement with the Company on or before the
Change Notice Date. The Change Notice Date shall initially be the seventh (7th) day prior to
the end of the first pay period for which such election is to be effective; however, the Company
may change such Change Notice Date from time to time.
10.4 Participant Accounts. Individual Plan accounts shall be maintained for each Participant.
All payroll deductions from a Participants Compensation shall be credited to such account and
shall be deposited with the general funds of the Company. All payroll deductions received or held
by the Company may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose.
10.5 No Interest Paid. Interest shall not be paid on sums deducted from a Participants
Compensation pursuant to the Plan.
10.6 Company Established Procedures. The Company may, from time to time, establish or change
(a) a minimum required payroll deduction amount for participation in an Offering, (b) limitations
on the frequency or number of changes in the rate of payroll deduction during an Offering, (c) an
exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, (d) payroll
deduction in excess of or less than the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for
delays or mistakes in the Companys processing of subscription agreements, (e) the date(s) and
manner by which the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock is determined for purposes of
administration of the Plan, or (f) such other limitations or procedures as deemed advisable by the
Company in the Companys sole discretion which are consistent with the Plan and in accordance with
the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
6
11. Purchase of Shares.
11.1 Exercise of Purchase Right. On each Purchase Date, each Participant who has not
withdrawn from the Offering or whose participation in the Offering has not terminated on or before
such Purchase Date shall automatically acquire pursuant to the exercise of the Participants
Purchase Right the number of whole shares of Stock arrived at by dividing the total amount of the
Participants accumulated payroll deductions for the Purchase Period by the Purchase Price;
provided, however, in no event shall the number of shares purchased by the Participant during an
Offering Period exceed the number of shares subject to the Participants Purchase Right. No shares
of Stock shall be purchased on a Purchase Date on behalf of a Participant whose participation in
the Offering or the Plan has terminated on or before such Purchase Date.
11.2 Return of Cash Balance. Any cash balance remaining in the Participants Plan account
shall be refunded to the Participant as soon as practicable after the Purchase Date. In the event
the cash to be returned to a Participant pursuant to the preceding sentence is an amount less than
the amount necessary to purchase a whole share of Stock, the Company may establish procedures
whereby such cash is maintained in the Participants Plan account and applied toward the purchase
of shares of Stock in the subsequent Offering Period.
11.3 Tax Withholding. At the time a Participants Purchase Right is exercised, in whole or in
part, or at the time a Participant disposes of some or all of the shares of Stock he or she
acquires under the Plan, the Participant shall make adequate provision for the foreign, federal,
state and local tax withholding obligations of the Participating Company Group, if any, which arise
upon exercise of the Purchase Right or upon such disposition of shares, respectively. The
Participating Company Group may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the Participants
compensation the amount necessary to meet such withholding obligations.
11.4 Expiration of Purchase Right. Any portion of a Participants Purchase Right remaining
unexercised after the end of the Offering Period to which such Purchase Right relates shall expire
immediately upon the end of such Offering Period.
12. Limitations on Purchase of Shares; Rights as a Stockholder.
12.1 Fair Market Value Limitation. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, no
Participant shall be entitled to purchase shares of Stock under the Plan (or any other employee
stock purchase plan which is intended to meet the requirements of Section 423 of the Code sponsored
by the Company or a Parent Corporation or Subsidiary Corporation at a rate which exceeds $25,000 in
Fair Market Value, which Fair Market Value is determined for shares purchased during a given
Offering Period as of the Offering Date (or such other limit as may be imposed by the Code), for
each calendar year in which the Participant participates in the Plan (or any other employee stock
purchase plan described in this sentence).
12.2 Pro Rata Allocation. In the event the number of shares of Stock which might be purchased
by all Participants in the Plan exceeds the number of shares of Stock available in the Plan, the
Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the remaining shares in as uniform a manner as shall be
practicable and as the Company shall determine to be equitable.
12.3 Rights as a Stockholder and Employee. A Participant shall have no rights as a
stockholder by virtue of the Participants participation in the Plan until the date of the
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issuance of a stock certificate for the shares of Stock being purchased pursuant to the exercise of
the Participants Purchase Right. No adjustment shall be made for cash dividends or distributions
or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued.
Nothing herein shall confer upon a Participant any right to continue in the employ of the
Participating Company Group or interfere in any way with any right of the Participating Company
Group to terminate the Participants employment at any time.
13. Withdrawal.
13.1 Withdrawal From an Offering. A Participant may withdraw from an Offering by signing and
delivering to the Companys payroll or other designated office a written notice of withdrawal on a
form provided by the Company for such purpose. Such withdrawal may be elected at any time prior to
the end of an Offering Period. Unless otherwise indicated, withdrawal from an Offering shall not
result in a withdrawal from the Plan or any succeeding Offering therein. A Participant is
prohibited from again participating in an Offering at any time following withdrawal from such
Offering. The Company may impose, from time to time, a requirement that the notice of withdrawal
be on file with the Companys payroll office or other designated office for a reasonable period
prior to the effectiveness of the Participants withdrawal from an Offering.
13.2 Withdrawal from the Plan. A Participant may withdraw from the Plan by signing and
delivering to the Companys payroll office or other designated office a written notice of
withdrawal on a form provided by the Company for such purpose. Withdrawals made after a Purchase
Date shall not affect shares of Stock acquired by the Participant on such Purchase Date. In the
event a Participant voluntarily elects to withdraw from the Plan, the Participant may not resume
participation in the Plan during the same Offering Period, but may participate in any subsequent
Offering under the Plan by again satisfying the requirements of Sections 5 and 7.1. The Company
may impose, from time to time, a requirement that the notice of withdrawal be on file with the
Companys payroll office or other designated office for a reasonable period prior to the
effectiveness of the Participants withdrawal from the Plan.
13.3 Return of Payroll Deductions. Upon a Participants withdrawal from an Offering or the
Plan pursuant to Sections 13.1 or 13.2, respectively, the Participants accumulated payroll
deductions which have not been applied toward the purchase of shares of Stock shall be returned as
soon as practicable after the withdrawal, without the payment of any interest, to the Participant,
and the Participants interest in the Offering or the Plan, as applicable, shall terminate. Such
accumulated payroll deductions may not be applied to any other Offering under the Plan.
14. Termination of Employment or Eligibility. Termination of a Participants
employment with a Participating Company for any reason, including retirement, disability or death
or the failure of a Participant to remain an Eligible Employee, shall terminate the Participants
participation in the Plan immediately. In such event, the payroll deductions credited to the
Participants Plan account since the last Purchase Date shall, as soon as practicable, be returned
to the Participant or, in the case of the Participants death, to the Participants legal
representative, and all of the Participants rights under the Plan shall terminate. Interest shall
not be paid on sums returned to a Participant pursuant to this Section 14. A Participant whose
participation has been so terminated may again become eligible to participate in the Plan by again
satisfying the requirements of Sections 5 and 7.1.
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15. Transfer of Control.
15.1 Definitions.
(a) An Ownership Change Event shall be deemed to have occurred if any of the following
occurs with respect to the Company: (i) the direct or indirect sale or exchange in a single or
series of related transactions by the stockholders of the Company of more than fifty percent (50%)
of the voting stock of the Company; (ii) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is a party;
(iii) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or
(iv) a liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
(b) A Transfer of Control shall mean an Ownership Change Event or a series of related
Ownership Change Events (collectively, the Transaction) wherein the stockholders of the Company
immediately before the Transaction do not retain immediately after the Transaction, in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Companys voting stock
immediately before the Transaction, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of more than fifty
percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the Company or
the corporation or corporations to which the assets of the Company were transferred (the
Transferee Corporation(s)), as the case may be. For purposes of the preceding sentence, indirect
beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the
voting stock of one or more corporations which, as a result of the Transaction, own the Company or
the Transferee Corporation(s), as the case may be, either directly or through one or more
subsidiary corporations. The Board shall have the right to determine whether multiple sales or
exchanges of the voting stock of the Company or multiple Ownership Change Events are related, and
its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.
15.2 Effect of Transfer of Control on Purchase Rights. In the event of a Transfer of Control,
the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing corporation or parent corporation thereof, as
the case may be (the Acquiring Corporation), may assume the Companys rights and obligations
under the Plan or substitute substantially equivalent Purchase Rights for stock of the Acquiring
Corporation. If the Acquiring Corporation elects not to assume or substitute for the outstanding
Purchase Rights, the Board shall, notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary,
adjust the Purchase Date of the then current Offering Period to a date immediately before the date
of the Transfer of Control, but shall not adjust the number of shares of Stock subject to any
Purchase Right. All Purchase Rights which are neither assumed or substituted for by the Acquiring
Corporation in connection with the Transfer of Control nor exercised as of the date of the Transfer
of Control shall terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of the date of the Transfer of
Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the corporation the stock of which is subject to the
outstanding Purchase Rights immediately prior to an Ownership Change Event described in Section
15.1(a)(i) constituting a Transfer of Control is the surviving or continuing corporation and
immediately after such Ownership Change Event less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined
voting power of its voting stock is held by another corporation or by other corporations that are
members of an affiliated group within the meaning of section 1504(a) of the Code without regard to
the provisions of section 1504(b) of the Code, the outstanding Purchase Rights shall not terminate
unless the Board otherwise provides in its sole discretion.
16. Nontransferability of Purchase Rights. A Purchase Right may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and shall
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be exercisable
during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant. Any attempt to
pledge, assign or transfer such Purchase Rights or accumulated payroll deductions shall be treated
as an election to withdraw from the Plan. The Company, in its absolute discretion, may impose such
restrictions on the transferability of the shares purchasable upon the exercise of a Purchase Right
as it deems appropriate and any such restriction shall be set forth in the respective subscription
agreement and may be referred to on the certificates evidencing such shares.
17. Reports. Each Participant who exercised all or part of his or her Purchase Right
for an Offering Period shall receive, as soon as practicable after the Purchase Date, a report of
such Participants Plan account setting forth the total payroll deductions accumulated, the number
of shares of Stock purchased, the Purchase Price for such shares, the date of purchase and the
remaining cash balance to be refunded or retained in the Participants Plan account pursuant to
Section 11.2, if any. Each Participant shall be provided information concerning the Company
equivalent to that information generally made available to the Companys common stockholders.
18. Restriction on Issuance of Shares. The issuance of shares under the Plan shall be
subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of foreign, federal or state law with
respect to such securities. A Purchase Right may not be exercised if the issuance of shares upon
such exercise would constitute a violation of any applicable foreign, federal or state securities
laws or other law or regulations. In addition, no Purchase Right may be exercised unless (a) a
registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall at the time of exercise
of the Purchase Right be in effect with respect to the shares issuable upon exercise of the
Purchase Right, or (b) in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, the shares issuable upon
exercise of the Purchase Right may be issued in accordance with the terms of an applicable
exemption from the registration requirements of said Act. The inability of the Company to obtain
from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Companys legal
counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any shares under the Plan shall relieve
the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such shares as to which
such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. As a condition to the exercise of a
Purchase Right, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be
necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation, and to make
any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested by the Company.
19. Legends. The Company may at any time place legends or other identifying symbols
referencing any applicable foreign, federal or state securities law restrictions or any provision
convenient in the administration of the Plan on some or all of the certificates representing shares
of Stock issued under the Plan. The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly
present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares acquired pursuant to a Purchase
Right in the possession of the Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this Section.
Unless otherwise specified by the Company, legends placed on such certificates may include but
shall not be limited to the following:
THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED BY THE CORPORATION TO THE REGISTERED
HOLDER UPON THE PURCHASE OF SHARES UNDER AN EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN AS DEFINED IN SECTION 423
OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED. THE TRANSFER AGENT FOR THE SHARES EVIDENCED
HEREBY SHALL NOTIFY THE CORPORATION IMMEDIATELY OF ANY TRANSFER OF THE SHARES BY THE REGISTERED
HOLDER HEREOF MADE ON OR BEFORE
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20___. THE
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REGISTERED HOLDER SHALL
HOLD ALL SHARES PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN
IN THE REGISTERED HOLDERS NAME (AND NOT IN THE NAME OF ANY NOMINEE) PRIOR TO THIS DATE.
20. Notification of Sale of Shares. The Company may require the Participant to give
the Company prompt notice of any disposition of shares acquired by exercise of a Purchase Right
within two years from the date of granting such Purchase Right or one year from the date of
exercise of such Purchase Right. The Company may require that until such time as a Participant
disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of a Purchase Right, the Participant shall hold all such
shares in the Participants name (and not in the name of any nominee) until the lapse of the time
periods with respect to such Purchase Right referred to in the preceding sentence. The Company may
direct that the certificates evidencing shares acquired by exercise of a Purchase Right refer to
such requirement to give prompt notice of disposition.
21. Amendment or Termination of the Plan. The Plan shall terminate on the earliest to
occur of (i) the date on which all available shares are issued; or (ii) the date on which the
outstanding Purchase Rights are exercised in connection with a Transfer of Control. The Board may
at any time amend or terminate the Plan, except that (a) such termination shall not affect Purchase
Rights previously granted under the Plan, except as permitted under the Plan, and (b) no amendment
may adversely affect a Purchase Right previously granted under the Plan (except to the extent
permitted by the Plan or as may be necessary to qualify the Plan as an employee stock purchase plan
pursuant to Section 423 of the Code or to obtain qualification or registration of the shares of
Stock under applicable foreign, federal or state securities laws). In addition, an amendment to
the Plan must be approved by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months of the
adoption of such amendment if such amendment would (a) authorize the sale of more shares than are
authorized for issuance under the Plan; or (b) change the definition of the corporations that may
be designated by the Board as Participating Companies; or (c) materially modify the eligibility
requirements of the Plan except as required by changes in the Code; or (d) permit payroll
deductions with respect to the Plan in excess of 10% of the Participants Compensation; or (e)
materially increase the benefits which may accrue under the Plan.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Secretary of the Company certifies that the foregoing
Cohu, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated, was duly adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Company on March 17, 2006.
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/s/ John H. Allen
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John H. Allen |
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11
PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
COHU, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints CHARLES A. SCHWAN, JAMES A. DONAHUE and JOHN H. ALLEN, and
each of them, with full power to act without the other and with power of substitution, as proxies
and attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as provided on the other
side, all the shares of COHU, INC. Common Stock which the undersigned is entitled to vote, and, in
their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders of Cohu to be held May 9, 2006 or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, with
all powers which the undersigned would possess if present at the Meeting.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED FOR THE
PROPOSALS.
(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
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Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side) |
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5FOLD AND DETATCH HERE5
You can now access your COHU, INC. account online.
Access your Cohu, Inc. shareholder/stockholder account online via Investor ServiceDirect®
(ISD).
Mellon Investor Services LLC, Transfer Agent for Cohu, Inc., now makes it easy and convenient to
get current information on your shareholder account.
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View account status
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View payment history for dividends
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View certificate history
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Make address changes |
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View book-entry information
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Obtain a duplicate 1099 tax form |
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Establish/change your PIN |
Visit us on the web at http://www.melloninvestor.com
For Technical Assistance Call 1-877-978-7778 between 9am-7pm
Monday-Friday Eastern Time
Investor
ServiceDirect® is a registered trademark of Mellon Investor Services LLC
Mellon Online
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3 AND 4
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Mark Here for
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Address Change |
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or Comments
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PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE |
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WITHHELD |
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FOR |
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FOR ALL |
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FOR |
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ABSTAIN |
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FOR |
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AGAINST |
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ABSTAIN |
1ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
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2TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS |
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4TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT |
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Nominees: |
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TO THE COHU 2005 EQUITY |
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OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP |
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INCENTIVE PLAN |
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AS COHUS INDEPENDENT |
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01 Harry L. Casari |
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REGISTERED PUBLIC |
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02 Harold Harrigian |
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3TO APPROVE AMENDMENTS |
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ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2006 |
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TO THE COHU 1997 |
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EMPLOYEE STOCK |
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PURCHASE PLAN |
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Withheld for the
nominees you list below:
(Write that nominees name
in the space provided
below.) |
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Choose MLinkSM for fast, easy and
secure 24/7 online access to your future proxy
materials, investment plan statements,
tax documents and more. Simply log on to
Investor ServiceDirect® at
www.melloninvestor.com/isd where step-by-step
instructions will prompt you through enrollment. |
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NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.
5 FOLD AND DETATCH HERE 5
Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern
Time the day prior to May 9, 2006.
Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same
manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
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Internet
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Telephone
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Mail |
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http://www.proxyvoting.com/cohu
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1-866-540-5760 |
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Use the internet to vote your proxy.
Have your proxy card in hand when
you access the web site.
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OR
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Use any touch-tone telephone to vote
your proxy. Have your proxy card in
hand when you call, and follow the
instructions.
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OR
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Mark, sign and date
your proxy card
and
return it in the
enclosed postage-paid
envelope. |
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If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone,
you do
NOT need to mail back your proxy card.
You can
view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement
on the internet at
www.cohu.com
Mellon Online