As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2025

 

Registration No. 333-

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM S-8

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

 


(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 27-1449820
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
1400 Prospect Avenue  
Helena, Montana 59601
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

2025 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN FOR DIRECTORS,

OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

(Full title of the Plan)

 

 

Laura F. Clark

President and Chief Executive Officer

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

(406) 442-3080

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone

number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

Copy to:

Lloyd H. Spencer, Esq.

Nixon Peabody LLP

799 9th Street NW, Suite 500

Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 585-8000

 

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

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated filer   ☐ Smaller reporting company ☒
  Emerging growth company ☐

 

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

 

 

 

Part I

 

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS

 

The documents containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8 will be sent or given to directors, officers and employees eligible to participate in the 2025 Stock Incentive Plan as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In accordance with the instructions of Part I of Form S-8, such documents will not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) either as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 of the Securities Act. These documents and the documents incorporated by reference pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this Registration Statement, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.

 

Part II

 

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

 

Item 3.           Incorporation of Documents by Reference

 

The following documents which have been filed by the Registrant (File No. 1-34682) with the Commission are incorporated herein by reference:

 

 

(a)

The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Commission on March 14, 2025;

 

 

(b)

The Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Schedule 14A), filed with the Commission on March 14, 2025;

 

 

(c)

All other reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 since December 31, 2024, including specifically, but not limited to the Registrant’s:

 

 

(i)

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025; and

 

 

(ii)

Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 31, 2025 (Item 5.02), March 14, 2025 (Item 4.02) and April 29, 2025 (Item 5.07); and

 

 

(d)

The description of the Company’s Common Stock contained in the Exhibit 4.4 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, including any amendment or report updating such description.

 

In addition, all documents and reports and any future filings made by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subsequent to the date of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents or reports, excluding, in each case, the information, if any, furnished under Items 2.02 or 7.01 on Form 8-K. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.

 

 

 

Item 4.         Description of Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.         Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6.         Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

The Registrant’s officers and directors are and will be indemnified against certain liabilities under Delaware law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, (“Certificate of Incorporation”), and the By-laws of the Registrant (“By-laws”). The Certificate of Incorporation requires the Company to indemnify its directors and officers in the manner and to the fullest extent permitted from time to time by the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”). The By-laws contain provisions which implement the indemnification provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) provides that the certificate of incorporation of a corporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director; provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director: (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL; or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit

 

Article Tenth of the Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation provides: “No Director or officer acting in the capacity of a Director or performing duties as Director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any stockholder for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iii) under Section 174 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code (relating to the Delaware Corporation Law); or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of Directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim, that, but for this Article, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.”

 

 

 

Section 145 of the DGCL empowers a Delaware corporation to indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed legal action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was an officer, director, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding; provided that such officer, director, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation’s best interests, and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A Delaware corporation may indemnify officers and directors in an action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against the expenses that such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred.

 

Article Seventh of the Registrant’s Bylaws provides: “The Corporation shall indemnify to the full extent authorized by law any Director or officer made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving, at the request of the Corporation, as a Director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The Corporation may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, indemnify to the full extent authorized by law any employee or agent made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. Expenses incurred with respect to any claim, action or proceeding of the character, actual or threatened, described in Section 1 of this Article VII, may be advanced by the Corporation prior to the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay the amount so advanced if and to the extent it shall ultimately be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he was not entitled to indemnification under this Bylaw. The intention of this Bylaw is to provide indemnification with the broadest and most inclusive coverage permitted by law (a) at the time of the act or omission to be indemnified against, or (b) so permitted at the time of carrying out such indemnification, whichever of (a) or (b) may be broader or more inclusive and permitted by law to be applicable. If the indemnification permitted by law at this present time, or at any future time, shall be broader or more inclusive than the provisions of this Bylaw, then indemnification shall nevertheless extend to the broadest and most inclusive permitted by law at any time and this Bylaw shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly. If any provision or portion of this Article shall be found, in any action, suit or proceeding, to be invalid or ineffective, the validity and effect of the remaining parts shall not be affected.”

 

Section 145 of the DGCL permits a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in such capacity, or arising out of their status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability. The Company has obtained officers’ and directors’ liability insurance for the members of the Company’s board of directors and executive officers for certain losses arising from claims or charges made against them while acting in their capacities as directors and officers of the Company.

 

Item 7.          Exemption from Registration Claimed.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

Item 8.         Exhibits.

 

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this registration statement.

 

 

Exhibit No.

           Description

     
 

4.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2010)

     
 

4.2

Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2019)

     
 

4.3

By-Laws of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., amended as of August 20, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2015)

     
 

*5.1

Opinion of Nixon Peabody LLP

     
 

*10.1

2025 Stock Incentive Plan for Directors, Officers and Employees

     
 

*23.1

Consent of Nixon Peabody LLP (Contained in opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement)

     
 

*23.2

Consent of Moss Adams LLP, independent accountants

     
 

24.1

Power of Attorney (Included on the signature page to this Registration Statement)

     
 

*107

Filing Fee Table

 


 

* Filed herewith

 

Item 9.          Undertakings.

 

(a)      The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1)      To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

 

(i)         To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(ii)        To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement.

 

(iii)       To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

 

 

 

(2)      That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3)      To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

(b)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(h)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of Lewis and Clark, State of Montana, on the 9th day of May, 2025.

 

 

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Laura F. Clark

 

 

Laura F. Clark

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby severally constitutes and appoints Laura F. Clark and Miranda J. Spaulding and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

/s/ Laura F. Clark

 

President, CEO and Director

May 9, 2025

Laura F. Clark

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 
       
       
       

/s/ Miranda J. Spaulding

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

May 9, 2025

Miranda J. Spaulding

 

(Principal Financial

 
   

and Accounting Officer)

 
       
       

/s/ Rick F. Hays

 

Chairman

May 9, 2025

Rick F. Hays

     
       
       
       

/s/ Thomas J. McCarvel

 

Vice Chairman

May 9, 2025

Thomas J. McCarvel

     

 

 

 

/s/ Maureen J. Rude

 

Director

May 9, 2025

Maureen J. Rude

     
       
       
       

/s/ Shavon R. Cape

 

Director

May 9, 2025

Shavon R. Cape

     
       
       
       

/s/ Tanya S. Chemodurow

 

Director

May 9, 2025

Tanya S. Chemodurow

     
       
       
       

/s/ Kenneth M. Walsh

 

Director

May 9, 2025

Kenneth M. Walsh

     
       
       
       

/s/ Corey Jensen

 

Director

May 9, 2025

Corey Jensen

     
       
       
       

/s/ Peter J. Johnson

 

Director

May 9, 2025

Peter J. Johnson

     
       
       
       

/s/ Cynthia A. Utterback

 

Director

May 9, 2025

Cynthia A. Utterback

     
       
       
       

/s/ Samuel D. Waters

 

Director

May 9, 2025

Samuel D. Waters

     

 

 

Exhibit 5.1

 

 

May 9, 2025

 

 

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

1400 Prospect Avenue

Helena, Montana 59601

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (the “Company”) in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed today by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), relating to the proposed issuance of up to 175,000 shares (the “Shares”) of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), authorized for issuance pursuant to the Company’s 2025 Stock Incentive Plan for Directors, Officers and Employees (the “Plan”). This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act.

 

We have examined the originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and all such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company, and such other documents, certificates and corporate or other records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth herein, including: (i) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended to the date hereof (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), (ii) the By-Laws of the Company, as amended to the date hereof (the “By-Laws”), and (iii) certified copies of certain resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company, adopted February 27, 2025, and of the stockholders of the Company, adopted on April 24, 2025. We have also assumed that (i) valid book-entry notations for the issuance of the Shares in uncertificated form will have been duly made in the share register of the Company, (ii) each award agreement setting forth the terms of each award granted pursuant to the Plan is consistent with the Plan and has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the parties thereto, (iii) at the time of each issuance of Shares, there will be sufficient shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation that have not otherwise been issued or reserved or committed for issuance, and (iv) the price per share paid for Shares issued pursuant to the Plan is not less than the par value of the Shares. As to factual matters material to the opinions set forth below we have relied, without investigation, upon the representations and statements of the Company in the Registration Statement and in such certificates of government officials and officers of the Company as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of the opinions expressed herein.

 

The opinions stated herein are limited to the federal laws of the United States and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

 

May 9, 2025

Page 2

i01.jpg

 

Based upon and subject to the assumptions, exceptions, qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

When the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act and the Shares have been issued and delivered upon payment therefor in accordance with the Plan and any applicable award agreement, the Shares will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

This opinion letter is limited to the matters expressly stated herein and no opinion is to be inferred or implied beyond the opinion expressly set forth herein. We undertake no, and hereby disclaim any, obligation to make any inquiry after the date hereof or to advise you of any changes in any matter set forth herein, whether based on a change in the law, a change in any fact relating to the Company or any other person or any other circumstance.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the above-referenced Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

/s/ Nixon Peabody LLP

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.

 

2025 Stock Incentive Plan for Directors, Officers and Employees

 

ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL

 

Section 1.1      Purpose, Effective Date and Term. The purpose of this Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. 2025 Stock Incentive Plan for Directors, Officers and Employees (the “Plan”) is to promote the long-term financial success of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (the “Company”), and its Subsidiaries, including Opportunity Bank of Montana (the “Bank”) by providing a means to attract, retain and reward individuals who contribute to that success and to further align their interests with those of the Company’s stockholders through the ownership of shares of Company Stock. The “Effective Date” of the Plan shall be the date on which the Plan satisfies the applicable stockholder approval requirements. The Plan will remain in effect as long as any Awards remain outstanding; provided, however, that no Awards may be granted under the Plan after the day immediately prior to the ten-year anniversary of the Effective Date. Upon the Effective Date of the Plan, no further awards shall be granted under the Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan for Directors, Officers and Employees, as amended (the “2011 Plan”) which shall remain in existence solely for the purpose of administering outstanding grants under the 2011 Plan.

 

Section 1.2      Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”), in accordance with Section 5.1.

 

Section 1.3      Participation. Each individual who is granted or holds an Award in accordance with the terms of the Plan will be a participant in the Plan (a “Participant”). The grant of Awards shall be limited to Employees, Directors and Consultants.

 

Section 1.4      Definitions. Capitalized terms used in the Plan are defined in Article 8 and elsewhere in the Plan.

 

ARTICLE 2 - AWARDS

 

Section 2.1      General. Any Award under the Plan may be granted singularly, or in combination with another Award (or Awards). Each Award under the Plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and any additional terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions provided by the Committee with respect to the Award and as evidenced in an Award Agreement. Every Award under the Plan shall require a written Award Agreement. The types of Awards that may be granted under the Plan include:

 

(a)      Stock Options. A Stock Option means a grant under Section 2.2 that represents the right to purchase shares of Stock at an Exercise Price established by the Committee. Any Stock Option may be either an Incentive Stock Option (an “ISO”) that is intended to satisfy the requirements applicable to an “incentive stock option” described in Code Section 422(b), or a Non-Qualified Stock Option (a “Non-Qualified Option”) that is not intended to be an ISO, provided, however, that no ISOs may be granted: (i) after the ten-year anniversary of the Effective Date or the date the Plan is approved by the Board of Directors, whichever is earlier, or (ii) to a non-employee. Unless otherwise specifically provided by its terms, any Stock Option granted under the Plan to an employee shall be an ISO to the maximum extent permitted. Any ISO granted under this Plan that does not qualify as an ISO for any reason (whether at the time of grant or as the result of a subsequent event) shall be deemed to be a Non-Qualified Option. In addition, any ISO granted under this Plan may be unilaterally modified by the Committee to disqualify the Stock Option from ISO treatment such that it shall become a Non-Qualified Option; provided however, that any modification will be ineffective if it causes the Award to be subject to Code Section 409A (unless, as modified, the Award complies with Code Section 409A).

 

1

 

(b)      Restricted Stock Awards. A Restricted Stock Award means a grant of shares of Stock under Section 2.3 for no consideration or for such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law, subject to a time-based vesting schedule or the satisfaction of market conditions or performance conditions.

 

(c)      Restricted Stock Units. A Restricted Stock Unit means a grant under Section 2.4 denominated in shares of Stock that is similar to a Restricted Stock Award except no shares of Stock are actually awarded on the date of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit. A Restricted Stock Unit is subject to a time-based vesting schedule or the satisfaction of market conditions or performance conditions and shall be settled in shares of Stock; provided, however, that in the sole discretion of the Committee, a Restricted Stock Unit may be settled in whole or in part in cash based on the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock multiplied by the number of Restricted Stock Units being settled.

 

(d)      Performance Awards. A Performance Award means an Award under Sections 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 that vests upon the achievement of one or more specified performance measures, as further set forth in Section 8.1 under “Performance Award.”

 

(e)      Substitute Awards. The Committee may grant Awards upon assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by a company or other entity (i) all or a portion of the assets or equity of which is acquired by the Company or (ii) with which the Company merges or otherwise combines (“Substitute Awards”). Notwithstanding any terms or conditions of the Plan to the contrary, Substitute Awards may have substantially the same terms and conditions, including without limitation provisions relating to vesting, exercise periods, expiration, payment, forfeiture, and the consequences of termination of service, as the awards that they replace, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The recipient or holder of a Substitute Award shall be an eligible Participant hereunder even if not an Employee or Director or Consultant with respect to the Company or an Affiliate. In the case of a Substitute Award, the date of grant may be treated as the effective date of the grant of such Award under the original plan under which the award was authorized.

 

Section 2.2      Stock Options.

 

(a)      Grant of Stock Options. Each Stock Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that specifies: (i) the number of Stock Options covered by the Stock Option; (ii) the date of grant of the Stock Option and the Exercise Price; (iii) the vesting period or conditions to vesting; and (iv) such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan, including the effect of termination of a Participant’s employment or Service with the Company as the Committee may, in its discretion, prescribe. Stock Options may be granted as Performance Awards.

 

2

 

(b)        Terms and Conditions. A Stock Option shall be exercisable in accordance with such terms and conditions and during such periods as may be established by the Committee. In no event, however, shall a Stock Option expire later than ten (10) years after the date of its grant (or five (5) years with respect to an ISO granted to an Employee who is a 10% Stockholder). The “Exercise Price” of each Stock Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of grant (or, if greater, the par value of a share of Stock); provided, however, that the Exercise Price of an ISO shall not be less than 110% of Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of grant if granted to a 10% Stockholder; further, provided, that the Exercise Price may be higher or lower in the case of Stock Options granted or exchanged in replacement of existing Awards held by an employee or a director of an acquired entity. The payment of the Exercise Price of a Stock Option shall be by cash or, subject to limitations imposed by applicable law, by such other means as the Committee may from time to time permit, including: (i) by tendering, either actually or constructively by attestation, shares of Stock valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise; (ii) by irrevocably authorizing a third party, acceptable to the Committee, to sell shares of Stock (or a sufficient portion of the shares) acquired upon exercise of the Stock Option and to remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire Exercise Price and any tax withholding resulting from such exercise; (iii) by net settlement of the Stock Option, using a portion of the shares obtained on exercise in payment of the Exercise Price of the Stock Option (and if applicable, tax withholding); (iv) by personal, certified or cashier’s check; (v) by other property deemed acceptable by the Committee; or (vi) by any combination thereof. The total number of shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of a Stock Option shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share, with cash-in-lieu paid by the Company, at its discretion, for the value of any fractional share.

 

(c)      Prohibition of Cash Buy-Outs of Underwater Stock Options. Under no circumstances will any Stock Option with an Exercise Price as of an applicable date that is greater than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock as of the same date that was granted under the Plan be bought back by the Company without stockholder approval.

 

(d)      Prohibition Against Repricing. Except for adjustments pursuant to Section 3.4 or reductions of the Exercise Price approved by the Company’s stockholders, neither the Committee nor the Board of Directors shall have the right or authority to make any adjustment or amendment that reduces or would have the effect of reducing the Exercise Price of a Stock Option previously granted under the Plan, whether through amendment, cancellation (including cancellation in exchange for a cash payment in excess of the Award’s in-the-money value or in exchange for Stock Options or other Awards), replacement grants, or other means.

 

(e)       No Reload Options. No Option granted under the Plan shall contain any provision entitling the Participant to the automatic grant of additional Options in connection with any exercise of the original Option.

 

(f)      Prohibition on Paying Dividends. No dividends shall be paid on Stock Options and no Dividend Equivalent Rights may be granted with respect to Stock Options.

 

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Section 2.3      Restricted Stock Awards.

 

(a)      Grant of Restricted Stock. Each Restricted Stock Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, that specifies: (i) the number of shares of Stock covered by the Restricted Stock Award; (ii) the date of grant of the Restricted Stock Award; (iii) the vesting period or conditions to vesting; and (iv) such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan, including the effect of termination of Participant’s employment or Service with the Company as the Committee may, in its discretion, prescribe. Restricted Stock Awards may be granted as Performance Awards. All Restricted Stock Awards shall be in the form of issued and outstanding shares of Stock. Restricted Stock granted under the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall determine, including in book entry on the books and records maintained by the transfer agent. If certificates representing Restricted Stock are registered in the name of the Participant, the Committee may require that such certificates bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock (including that the Restricted Stock may not be sold, encumbered, hypothecated or otherwise transferred except in accordance with the terms of the Plan and Award Agreement) and/or that the Company retain physical possession of the certificates, and that the Participant deliver a stock power to the Company, endorsed in blank, relating to the Restricted Stock.

 

(b)      Terms and Conditions. Each Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

(i)    Dividends. No cash dividends shall be paid with respect to any Restricted Stock Awards unless and until the Participant vests in the underlying share(s) of Restricted Stock. Upon the vesting of a Restricted Stock Award, any dividends declared but not paid during the vesting period shall be paid within thirty (30) days following the vesting date. Any stock dividends declared on shares of Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to the same restrictions and shall vest at the same time as the shares of Restricted Stock from which said dividends were derived. All unvested dividends shall be forfeited by the Participants to the extent their underlying Restricted Stock Awards are forfeited.

 

(ii)    Voting Rights. Unless the Committee determines otherwise with respect to any Restricted Stock Award and specifies such determination in the relevant Award Agreement, a Participant shall have voting rights related to unvested, non-forfeited Restricted Stock Awards and the voting rights may be exercised by the Participant in his or her discretion.

 

(iii)    Tender Offers and Merger Elections. Each Participant to whom a Restricted Stock Award is granted shall have the right to respond, or to direct the response, with respect to the related shares of Restricted Stock, to any tender offer, exchange offer, cash/stock merger consideration election or other offer made to, or elections made by, the holders of shares of Stock.

 

Section 2.4      Restricted Stock Units.

 

(a)      Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Each Restricted Stock Unit shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that specifies: (i) the number of Restricted Stock Units covered by the Award; (ii) the date of grant of the Restricted Stock Units; (iii) the Restriction Period; and (iv) such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan, including the effect of termination of a Participant’s employment or Service with the Company as the Committee may, in its discretion, prescribe.

 

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(b)      Terms and Conditions. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

(i)      A Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be similar to a Restricted Stock Award except that no shares of Stock are actually awarded to the recipient on the date of grant. The Committee shall impose such conditions and/or restrictions on any Restricted Stock Unit Award granted pursuant to the Plan as it may deem advisable including, without limitation, a requirement that Participants pay a stipulated purchase price for each Restricted Stock Unit, time-based restrictions and vesting following the attainment of performance measures, restrictions under applicable laws or under the requirements of any Exchange or market upon which shares of Stock may be listed, or holding requirements or sale restrictions placed by the Company upon vesting of the Restricted Stock Units. The Committee may make grants of Restricted Stock Units upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, which may include, but is not limited to, deferring receipt of the underlying shares of Stock provided the deferral complies with Section 409A of the Code and applicable provisions of the Plan.

 

(ii)     Restricted Stock Units may be granted as Performance Awards.

 

(iii)    Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, during the period, if any, set by the Committee, commencing with the date of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit for which a Participant’s continued Service is required (the “Restriction Period”), and until the later of (A) the expiration of the Restriction Period or (B) the date the applicable performance measures (if any) are satisfied, the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber Restricted Stock Units.

 

(iv)    A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder.

 

(v)     No dividends shall be paid on Restricted Stock Units. In the sole discretion of the Committee, as determined in the Award Agreement, Dividend Equivalent Rights may be assigned to Restricted Stock Units. A Dividend Equivalent Right, if any, shall be paid at the same time as the shares of Stock or cash subject to the Restricted Stock Unit are distributed to the Participant and is otherwise subject to the same rights and restrictions as the underlying Restricted Stock Unit.

 

Section 2.5      Vesting of Awards. The Committee shall specify the vesting schedule or conditions of each Award. At least ninety-five percent (95%) of all Awards under the Plan shall be subject to a minimum vesting period requiring at least one year of service; provided that the Committee may adopt shorter vesting periods or provide for accelerated vesting after less than one year: (i) in connection with terminations of employment due to death, disability, retirement or other circumstances that the Committee determines to be appropriate; (ii) in connection with a Change in Control in which the Award is not continued or assumed (e.g., the Award is not equitably converted or substituted for a substantially similar award of the successor company); (iii) for grants made in connection with an acquisition by the Company or its Subsidiaries in substitution for pre-existing awards; (iv) for new hire inducement awards or off-cycle awards; or (v) to comply with contractual rights in effect on the Effective Date.

 

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Section 2.6      Deferred Compensation. Subject to the requirements of Code Section 409A, the Committee may in its sole discretion permit or require a Participant to defer such Participant’s receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant. If any such deferral election is required or permitted, the Committee shall, in its sole discretion, establish rules and procedures for such payment deferrals provided that such rules must comply with the requirements of Section 409A. If any Award would be considered “deferred compensation” as defined under Code Section 409A (“Deferred Compensation”), the Committee reserves the absolute right (including the right to delegate such right) to unilaterally amend the Plan or the Award Agreement, without the consent of the Participant, to maintain exemption from, or to comply with, Code Section 409A. Any amendment by the Committee to the Plan or an Award Agreement pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall maintain, to the extent practicable, the original intent of the applicable provision without violating Code Section 409A. A Participant’s acceptance of any Award under the Plan constitutes acknowledgement and consent to such rights of the Committee, without further consideration or action. Any discretionary authority retained by the Committee pursuant to the terms of this Plan or pursuant to an Award Agreement shall not be applicable to an Award that is determined to constitute Deferred Compensation, if such discretionary authority would contravene Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or an Award, none of the Company, Bank, Committee or any agent or employee thereof shall be liable to any Participant for the tax consequences of any failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

Section 2.7      Effect of Termination of Service on Awards. The Committee shall establish the effect of a Termination of Service on the continuation of rights and benefits available under an Award and, in so doing, may make distinctions based upon, among other things, the reason(s) for the Termination of Service and type of Award. Unless otherwise specified by the Committee and set forth in an Award Agreement or as set forth in any employment or severance agreement entered into by and between the Company and/or a Subsidiary and the Participant, the following provisions shall apply to each Award granted under this Plan:

 

(a)      Upon the Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason other than due to Disability, death, Retirement or Cause, Stock Options shall be exercisable only as to those shares that were immediately exercisable by the Participant at the date of termination, and may be exercised only for a period of ninety (90) days following termination and any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units that have not vested as of the date of Termination of Service shall expire and be forfeited.

 

(b)      In the event of a Termination of Service for Cause, all Stock Options granted to a Participant that have not been exercised (whether or not vested), and all Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units that have not vested, shall expire and be forfeited.

 

(c)      Upon Termination of Service on account of Disability or death, all Service-based Stock Options shall be fully exercisable, whether or not then exercisable, and all Service-based Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units shall immediately vest as to all shares subject to an outstanding Award at the date of Termination of Service. Upon Termination of Service for reason of Disability or death, any Awards that vest based on the achievement of performance targets shall vest, pro-rata, by multiplying (i) the number of Awards that would be obtained based on achievement at target (or if actual achievement of the performance measures is greater than the target level, at the actual achievement level) as of the date of Disability or death, by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole or partial months the Participant was in Service during the performance period and the denominator of which is the number of months in the performance period. Stock Options may be exercised for a period of one (1) year following Termination of Service due to death or Disability, or the remaining unexpired term of the Stock Option, if less, provided, however, in order to obtain ISO treatment for Stock Options exercised by heirs or devisees of an optionee, the optionee’s death must have occurred while employed or within three (3) months after Termination of Service.

 

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(d)      In the event of Termination of Service due to Retirement, a Participant’s vested Stock Options shall be exercisable for one (1) year following Termination of Service, provided that no Stock Option shall be eligible for treatment as an ISO in the event such Stock Option is exercised more than three (3) months following Termination of Service due to Retirement and all Stock Options that have not vested as of the date of Termination of Service due to Retirement shall expire and be forfeited. In the event of Termination of Service due to Retirement, all Service-based Restricted Stock Awards and Service-based Restricted Stock Units that have not vested as of the date of Termination of Service due to Retirement shall expire and be forfeited and all Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units that vest based on the achievement of performance targets shall vest, pro-rata, at the end of the applicable performance period, based on actual performance, by multiplying (i) the number of Awards that would be obtained based on achievement at the actual achievement level, by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole or partial months the Participant was in Service during the performance period and the denominator of which is the number of months in the performance period.

 

(e)      Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Stock Option shall be exercisable beyond the last day of the original term of the Stock Option.

 

(f)      Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.7, the effect of a Change in Control on the vesting/exercisability of Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Awards is as set forth in Article 4.

 

ARTICLE 3 - SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN

 

Section 3.1      Available Shares. The shares of Stock with respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan shall be shares currently authorized but unissued, currently held or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, subsequently acquired by the Company, including shares purchased in the open market or in private transactions.

 

Section 3.2      Share Limitations.

 

(a)      Share Reserve. Subject to the following provisions of this Section 3.2, the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be delivered to Participants and their beneficiaries under the Plan shall be equal to (i) 175,000 shares of Stock, plus (ii) the number of shares of Stock which as of the Effective Date of this Plan have been reserved but not issued under the 2011 Plan, plus (iii) any shares of Stock returned to the 2011 Plan after the Effective Date of this Plan as a result of expiration, cancellation, or forfeiture of awards issued under such 2011 Plan, and shall be subject to adjustment as provided herein. As of the Effective Date of this Plan, no further grants will be made under the 2011 Plan. Subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 3.2, Awards under the Plan may be made in any combination of shares of Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units or Stock Options and all Awards may be granted as either Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units or Stock Options, in the discretion of the Committee, and all Stock Options may be granted as Incentive Stock Options (such that the maximum number of Incentive Stock Options that may be granted hereunder is the maximum number of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan). The aggregate number of shares available for grant under the Plan and the number of shares of Stock subject to outstanding Awards shall be subject to adjustment as provided herein and in Section 3.4.

 

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(b)      Computation of Shares Available. For purposes of this Section 3.2 and in connection with the granting of an Award, the number of shares of Stock available for the grant shall be reduced by the number of shares previously granted, subject to the following. To the extent any shares of Stock covered by an Award under the Plan are not delivered to a Participant or beneficiary for any reason, including because the Award is forfeited or canceled or because a Stock Option is not exercised, then the shares shall not be deemed to have been delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of shares of Stock available for delivery under the Plan. To the extent that: (i) a Stock Option is exercised by using an actual or constructive exchange of shares of Stock to pay the Exercise Price; (ii) shares of Stock are withheld to satisfy tax withholding upon exercise or vesting of an Award granted hereunder; or (iii) shares are withheld to satisfy the Exercise Price of Stock Options in a net settlement of Stock Options, then the number of shares of Stock available shall be reduced by the gross number of Stock Options exercised or Stock returned to satisfy tax withholding, rather than by the net number of shares of Stock issued.

 

Section 3.3      Limitations on Grants to Non-Employee Directors.

 

(a)      Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units. The maximum number of shares of Stock, in the aggregate, that may be subject to Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units granted to any one individual non‑Employee Director during any calendar year shall be a number equal to the quotient of (i) $200,000 divided by (ii) the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock for a grant of Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units on the date of grant or, for Stock Options, the fair value on the date of grant as determined under applicable accounting standards.

 

(b)      Awards Subject to Adjustment. The aggregate number of shares available for grant under this Plan and the number of shares subject to outstanding Awards, including the limit on the number of Awards available for grant under this Plan described in this Section 3.3, shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.4.

 

Section 3.4      Adjustments.

 

(a)      Recapitalization, etc. If the shares of Stock are changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company on account of any recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, reverse split, combination of shares, exchange of shares, stock dividend or other distribution payable in capital stock, or other increase or decrease in such shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company occurring after the Effective Date, the number and kinds of shares for which grants of Awards may be made under the Plan shall be adjusted proportionately, so that the proportionate interest of the grantee immediately following such event shall, to the extent practicable, be the same as immediately before such event. Any such adjustment in outstanding Stock Options shall not change the aggregate purchase price payable with respect to shares that are subject to the unexercised portion of the Stock Option outstanding but shall include a corresponding proportionate adjustment in the purchase price per share.

 

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(b)      Unusual Events, etc. In addition, the Committee is authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including the events described in the preceding subparagraph, events presented as extraordinary (or similar term) on the Company’s audited financial statements, purchase or sale of substantial assets, an unbudgeted material expense incurred by or at the direction of the Board, or a material litigation settlement or judgment) affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan; provided that, unless the Committee determines otherwise at the time such adjustment is considered, no such adjustment shall be authorized to the extent that such authority would be inconsistent with the Plan’s or any Award’s meeting the requirements of Code Section 409A or an Incentive Stock Option ceasing to meet the requirements of Code Section 422

 

(c)      Merger in which Company is Not Surviving Entity. In the event of any merger, consolidation, or other business reorganization (including, but not limited to, a Change in Control) in which the Company is not the surviving entity, unless otherwise set forth in the agreement relating to the consummation of such merger, consolidation or other business reorganization, any Stock Options granted under the Plan that are outstanding immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other business combination shall be converted into Stock Options to purchase voting common equity securities of the business entity that survives such merger, consolidation or other business reorganization having substantially the same terms and conditions as the outstanding Stock Options under this Plan and reflecting the same economic benefit (as measured by the difference between the aggregate Exercise Price and the value exchanged for outstanding shares of Stock in such merger, consolidation or other business reorganization), all as determined by the Committee prior to the consummation of such merger.

 

Section 3.5      Delivery of Shares. Delivery of shares of Stock or other amounts under the Plan shall be subject to the following:

 

(a)      Compliance with Applicable Laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Company shall have no obligation to deliver any shares of Stock or make any other distribution of benefits under the Plan unless such delivery or distribution complies with all applicable laws (including, the requirements of the Securities Act), and the applicable requirements of any Exchange or similar entity.

 

(b)      Certificates. To the extent that the Plan provides for the issuance of shares of Stock, the issuance may be made on a non-certificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of any Exchange.

 

ARTICLE 4 - CHANGE IN CONTROL

 

Section 4.1      Consequence of a Change in Control.

 

(a)      If upon a Change in Control an Award is assumed or replaced by comparable Awards, then such Award shall be effective or continue in effect, as may be adjusted pursuant to Section 3.4, except that the following provisions shall apply:

 

(i)      Upon an Involuntary Termination at or following a Change in Control, all Service-based Stock Options then held by the Participant shall become fully earned and exercisable (subject to the expiration provisions otherwise applicable to the Stock Option). All Stock Options may be exercised for a period of one (1) year following an Involuntary Termination following a Change in Control, provided, however, that no Stock Option shall be eligible for treatment as an ISO in the event such Stock Option is exercised more than three (3) months following a termination of employment.

 

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(ii)     Upon an Involuntary Termination at or following a Change in Control, all Service-based Awards of Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, shall be fully earned and vested immediately.

 

(iii)    Upon an Involuntary Termination at or following a Change in Control, all Performance Awards shall vest at the greater of the target level of performance or actual annualized performance measured as of the most recent completed fiscal quarter.

 

For the purposes of this Section, an Award shall be considered assumed or replaced by a comparable Award if, following the Change in Control constituting a Change of Control, the replacement award confers the right to receive, for each share of Stock subject or relating to the Award immediately prior to such Change in Control the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in such Change in Control by holders of Stock on the effective date of such Change in Control (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Stock); provided, however, that if such consideration received in such Change in Control was not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent or Subsidiary, the Committee may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Award for each share of Stock subject to the Award to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent or Subsidiary equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Stock in such Change in Control.

 

(b)      If upon a Change in Control an Award is not assumed or replaced by comparable Awards, then Awards granted under the Plan that are outstanding immediately prior to such Change in Control shall become fully vested in the event the successor entity does not assume the Awards granted under the Plan and Performance Awards shall vest at the rate specified in Section 4.1(c) of the Plan and the Committee may in its discretion:

 

(i)      terminate vested Options in exchange for a payment in cash, securities, and/or other property equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to such Option or SAR to the extent the Option or SAR has vested exceeds the exercise price with respect to such Shares;

 

(ii)     terminate Options provided that each Participant is first notified of and given the opportunity to exercise his/her vested Options for a specified period of time from the date of notification and before the Option is terminated;

 

(iii)    accelerate the time for payment of any Award, other than an Award subject to Code Section 409A the acceleration of payment of which would result in additional taxes under Section 409A;

 

(iv)    implement any combination of the foregoing or implement any other action with respect to an Award that it deems appropriate.

 

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Section 4.2      Definition of Change in Control. For purposes of the Plan, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred upon the earliest to occur of the following:

 

(a)      A change in ownership occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in Treasury regulation section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), acquires ownership of stock of the Bank or Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of such corporation.

 

(b)      A change in the effective control of the Bank or Company occurs on the date that either (i) any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in Treasury regulation section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)) acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Bank or Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Bank or Company, or (ii) a majority of the members of the Bank’s or Company’s board of directors is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Bank’s or Company’s board of directors prior to the date of the appointment or election.

 

(c)      A change in a substantial portion of the Bank’s or Company’s assets occurs on the date that any one person or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in Treasury regulation section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii)(C)) acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Bank or Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of (i) all of the assets of the Bank or Company, or (ii) the value of the assets being disposed of, either of which is determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. For all purposes hereunder, the definition of Change in Control shall be construed to be consistent with the requirements of Treasury regulation section 1.409A-3(g)(5).

 

ARTICLE 5 - COMMITTEE

 

Section 5.1      Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the members of the Compensation Committee of the Company, which shall consist of two or more Disinterested Directors of the Company, who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more separate committees of the Board of Directors, each composed of one or more directors of the Company who need not be disinterested and who may grant awards and administer the Plan with respect to employees and directors who are not considered officers or directors of the Company under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

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Section 5.2      Powers of Committee. The Committee’s administration of the Plan shall be subject to the following:

 

(a)      The Committee will have the authority and discretion to select from among the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ Employees, Directors and Consultants those persons who shall receive Awards, to determine the time or times of receipt, to determine the types of Awards and the number of shares covered by the Awards, to establish the terms, conditions, features, performance criteria, restrictions (including without limitation, provisions relating to non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality), and other provisions of such Awards, to cancel or suspend Awards (subject to the restrictions imposed by Article 6) and to reduce, eliminate or accelerate any restrictions applicable to an Award at any time after the grant of the Award, or to extend the time period to exercise a Stock Option, provided that such extension is consistent with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee will not have the authority or discretion to accelerate the vesting requirements applicable to an Award to avoid the one-year minimum vesting requirement pursuant to Section 2.5 except in the event of a Change in Control as provided under Section 4.1 of the Plan and in the event of termination due to death or Disability.

 

(b)      The Committee will have the authority and discretion to interpret the Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to make all other determinations that may be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

 

(c)      The Committee will have the authority to define terms not otherwise defined herein.

 

(d)      In controlling and managing the operation and administration of the Plan, the Committee shall take action in a manner that conforms to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company and applicable state corporate law.

 

(e)      The Committee will have the authority to: (i) suspend a Participant’s right to exercise a Stock Option in a particular manner (i.e., such as a “cashless exercise” or “broker-assisted exercise”) during a blackout period (or similar restricted period) (a “Blackout Period”) to the extent that the Committee deems it necessary or in the best interests of the Company in order to comply with the securities laws and regulations issued by the SEC; and (ii) to extend the period to exercise a Stock Option by a period of time equal to the Blackout Period, provided that the extension does not violate Section 409A of the Code, the Incentive Stock Option requirements or applicable laws and regulations.

 

Section 5.3      Delegation by Committee. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, the applicable rules of an Exchange upon which the Company lists its shares or the Plan, or as necessary to comply with the exemptive provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, the Committee may allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members and may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities and powers to any person or persons selected by it, including (a) delegating to a committee of one or more members of the Board of Directors who are not “Disinterested Board Members,” the authority to grant Awards under the Plan to eligible persons who are not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act; or (b) delegating to a committee of one or more members of the Board of Directors who would be eligible to serve on the Compensation Committee of the Company pursuant to the listing requirements imposed by any Exchange on which the Company lists, has listed or seeks to list its securities, the authority to grant awards under the Plan. The acts of such delegates shall be treated hereunder as acts of the Committee and such delegates shall report regularly to the Committee regarding the delegated duties and responsibilities and any awards so granted. Any such allocation or delegation may be revoked by the Committee at any time.

 

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Section 5.4      Information to be Furnished to Committee. As may be permitted by applicable law, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall furnish the Committee with data and information it determines may be required for it to discharge its duties. The records of the Company and its Subsidiaries as to a Participant’s employment, termination of employment, leave of absence, reemployment and compensation shall be conclusive on all persons unless determined by the Committee to be manifestly incorrect. Subject to applicable law, Participants and other persons entitled to benefits under the Plan must furnish the Committee any evidence, data or information as the Committee considers desirable to carry out the terms of the Plan.

 

Section 5.5      Committee Action. The Committee shall hold meetings, and may make administrative rules and regulations, as it may deem proper. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the action of a majority of the members of the Committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, as well as actions taken pursuant to the unanimous written consent of all of the members of the Committee without holding a meeting, shall be deemed to be actions of the Committee. Subject to Section 5.1, all actions of the Committee, including interpretations of provisions of the Plan, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Company, Participants and all other interested parties. Any person dealing with the Committee shall be fully protected in relying upon any written notice, instruction, direction or other communication signed by a member of the Committee or by a representative of the Committee authorized to sign the same in its behalf.

 

ARTICLE 6 - AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

Section 6.1      General. The Board of Directors may, as permitted by law, at any time, amend or terminate the Plan, and the Board of Directors or the Committee may, at any time, amend any Award Agreement, provided that no amendment or termination (except as provided in Section 2.6, Section 3.4 and Section 6.2) may cause the Award to violate Code Section 409A, may cause the repricing of a Stock Option, or, in the absence of written consent to the change by the affected Participant (or, if the Participant is not then living, the affected beneficiary), adversely impair the rights of any Participant or beneficiary under any Award granted under the Plan before the date the amendment is adopted by the Board of Directors or made by the Committee; provided, however, that, no amendment may (a) materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan; (b) other than pursuant to Section 3.4, materially increase the aggregate number of securities that may be issued under the Plan, or (c) materially modify the requirements for participation in the Plan, unless the amendment under (a), (b) or (c) above is approved by the Company’s stockholders.

 

Section 6.2      Amendment to Conform to Law and Accounting Changes. Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Committee may amend the Plan or any Award Agreement, to take effect retroactively or otherwise, as deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of (i) conforming the Plan or the Award Agreement to any present or future law relating to plans of this or similar nature (including, but not limited to, Code Section 409A), or (ii) avoiding an accounting treatment resulting from an accounting pronouncement or interpretation thereof issued by the SEC or Financial Accounting Standards Board subsequent to the adoption of the Plan or the making of the Award affected thereby, which in the sole discretion of the Committee, may materially and adversely affect the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. By accepting an Award under this Plan, each Participant agrees and consents to any amendment made pursuant to this Section 6.2 to any Award granted under the Plan without further consideration or action.

 

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ARTICLE 7 - GENERAL TERMS

 

Section 7.1      No Implied Rights.

 

(a)      No Rights to Specific Assets. Neither a Participant nor any other person shall by reason of participation in the Plan acquire any right in or title to any assets, funds or property of the Company or any Subsidiary whatsoever, including any specific funds, assets, or other property that the Company or any Subsidiary, in its sole discretion, may set aside in anticipation of a liability under the Plan. A Participant shall have only a contractual right, evidenced by an Award Agreement, to the shares of Stock or amounts, if any, payable or distributable under the Plan, unsecured by any assets of the Company or any Subsidiary, and nothing contained in the Plan shall constitute a guarantee that the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary shall be sufficient to pay any benefits to any person.

 

(b)      No Contractual Right to Employment or Future Awards. The Plan does not constitute a contract of employment, and selection as a Participant will not give any participating Employee the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or any right or claim to any benefit under the Plan, unless the right or claim has specifically accrued under the terms of the Plan. No individual shall have the right to be selected to receive an Award under the Plan, or, having been so selected, to receive a future Award under the Plan.

 

(c)      No Rights as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in an Award Agreement, no Award shall confer upon the holder thereof any rights as a stockholder of the Company before the date on which the individual fulfills all conditions for receipt of such rights.

 

Section 7.2      Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7.2, Awards shall not be transferable, and no Award or interest therein may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. All of a Participant’s rights in any Award may be exercised during the life of the Participant only by the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative. However, the Committee may (but need not) in its discretion, at or after the grant of an Award of a Nonstatutory Option or after the vesting of Restricted Stock, provide that such Award may be transferred by the Participant through a gift or domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights to any of the following donees or transferees and may be reacquired by the Participant from any of such donors or transferees (each a “Permitted Transferee”):

 

 

any “family member,” which includes any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships and any individual sharing the Participant’s household (other than a tenant or employee);

 

 

a trust in which family members have more than 50% of the beneficial interest;

 

 

a foundation in which family members (or the Participant) control the management of assets; and

 

 

any other entity in which family members (or the Participant) own more than 50% of the voting interests,

 

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provided, that (x) any such transfer is without payment of any value whatsoever and that no transfer shall be valid unless first approved by the Committee, acting in its sole discretion; (y) the Award Agreement pursuant to which such Awards are granted, and any amendments thereto, must be approved by the Committee and must expressly provide for transferability in a manner consistent with this Section; and (z) subsequent transfers of transferred Awards shall be prohibited except in accordance with this Section. Following transfer, any such Awards and any securities issued pursuant thereto shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to transfer (including but not limited to Forfeiture), provided that the term of the Plan and the Award Agreement shall continue to be applied with respect to the original Participant, and any Awards shall be exercisable by the transferee only to the extent and for the periods specified in the Award Agreement or otherwise under the Plan, as applicable.                   

 

Section 7.3      Designation of Beneficiaries. A Participant may file with the Company a written designation of a beneficiary or beneficiaries under this Plan and may from time to time revoke or amend the designation. Any designation of beneficiary under this Plan shall be controlling over any other disposition, testamentary or otherwise (unless such disposition is pursuant to a domestic relations order); provided, however, that if the Committee is in doubt as to the entitlement of the beneficiary to any Award, the Committee may determine to recognize only the legal representative of the Participant in which case the Company, the Committee and the members thereof shall not be under any further liability to anyone.

 

Section 7.4      Non-Exclusivity. Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Board of Directors nor the submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval (and any subsequent approval by the stockholders of the Company) shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board of Directors or the Committee to adopt other incentive arrangements as may be deemed desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units and/or Stock Options otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

 

Section 7.5      Award Agreement. Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. A copy of the Award Agreement, in any medium chosen by the Committee, shall be provided (or made available electronically) to the Participant, and the Committee may, but need not require, that the Participant sign a copy of the Award Agreement. In the absence of a specific provision in the Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall control. In the event of a conflict between the terms of an Award Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan will control.

 

Section 7.6      Form and Time of Elections; Notification Under Code Section 83(b). Unless otherwise specified herein, each election required or permitted to be made by any Participant or other person entitled to benefits under the Plan, and any permitted modification, or revocation thereof, shall be filed with the Company at such times, in such form, and subject to such restrictions and limitations, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee shall require. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Committee may, on the date of grant or at a later date, as applicable, prohibit an individual from making an election under Code Section 83(b). If the Committee has not prohibited an individual from making this election, an individual who makes this election shall notify the Committee of the election within ten (10) days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service or as otherwise required by the Committee. This requirement is in addition to any filing and notification required under the regulations issued under the authority of Code Section 83(b).

 

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Section 7.7      Evidence. Evidence required of anyone under the Plan may be by certificate, affidavit, document or other written information upon which the person is acting considers pertinent and reliable, and signed, made or presented by the proper party or parties.

 

Section 7.8      Tax Withholding.

 

(a)      Payment by Participant. Each Participant shall, no later than the date as of which the value of an Award or of any Stock or other amounts received thereunder first becomes includable in the gross income of the Participant for Federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee regarding payment of, any Federal, state, or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld by the Company with respect to such income. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant. The Company's obligation to deliver evidence of book entry (or stock certificates) to any Participant is subject to and conditioned on tax withholding obligations being satisfied by the Participant.

 

(b)      Payment in Stock. The Committee may require or permit the Company's tax withholding obligation to be satisfied, in whole or in part, by the Company withholding from shares of Stock to be issued pursuant to any Award a number of shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date the withholding is effected) that would satisfy the withholding amount due; provided, however, that the amount withheld does not exceed the maximum statutory tax rate or such lesser amount as is necessary to avoid liability accounting treatment. For purposes of share withholding, the Fair Market Value of withheld shares shall be determined in the same manner as the value of Stock includible in income of the Participants.

 

Section 7.9      Action by Company or Subsidiary. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Company or any Subsidiary shall be by resolution or unanimous written consent of its board of directors, or by action of one or more members of the board of directors (including a committee of the board of directors) who are duly authorized to act for the board or directors, or (except to the extent prohibited by applicable law or applicable rules of the Exchange on which the Company lists its securities) by a duly authorized officer of the Company or Subsidiary.

 

Section 7.10    Successors. All obligations of the Company under this Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business, stock, and/or assets of the Company.

 

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Section 7.11    Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law and the Company’s governing documents, each person who is or shall have been a member of the Committee, or of the Board of Directors, or an officer or Employee of the Company or a Subsidiary to whom authority was delegated in accordance with Section 5.3, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company (i) against and from any loss (including amounts paid in settlement), cost, liability or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan; and (ii) against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf, unless such loss, cost, liability, or expense is a result of his or her own willful misconduct or except as expressly provided by statute or regulation. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless. The foregoing right to indemnification shall include the right to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that, if required by applicable law, an advancement of expenses shall be made only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking by or on behalf of such persons to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such person is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses.

 

Section 7.12    No Fractional Shares. Unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, no fractional shares of Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award Agreement. The Committee shall determine whether cash or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares or whether the fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated by rounding down.

 

Section 7.13    Governing Law; Venue. The Plan, all awards granted hereunder, and all actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws, except as superseded by applicable federal law. The federal and state courts located nearest to the Company’s home office within the state of Montana shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any claim, action, complaint or lawsuit brought under the terms of the Plan. By accepting any Award, each Participant, and any other person claiming any rights under the Plan, agrees to submit himself or herself, and any legal action brought with respect to the Plan, to the sole jurisdiction of such courts for the adjudication and resolution of any such disputes.

 

Section 7.14    Benefits Under Other Plans. Except as otherwise provided by the Committee or as set forth in a Qualified Retirement Plan, non-qualified plan or other benefit plan, Awards to a Participant (including the grant and the receipt of benefits) under the Plan shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the Participant’s benefits under, or contributions to, any Qualified Retirement Plan, non-qualified plan and any other benefit plans maintained by the Participant’s employer. The term “Qualified Retirement Plan” means any plan of the Company or a Subsidiary that is intended to be qualified under Code Section 401(a).

 

Section 7.15    Validity. If any provision of this Plan is determined to be illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had never been included in the Plan.

 

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Section 7.16    Notice. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, all written notices and all other written communications to the Company provided for in the Plan or an Award Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid (provided that international mail shall be sent via overnight or two-day delivery), or sent by facsimile, email or prepaid overnight courier to the Company at its principal executive office. Notices, demands, claims and other communications shall be deemed given: (i) in the case of delivery by overnight service with guaranteed next day delivery, the next day or the day designated for delivery; (ii) in the case of certified or registered U.S. mail, five (5) days after deposit in the U.S. mail; or (iii) in the case of facsimile or email, the date upon which the transmitting party received confirmation of receipt; provided, however, that in no event shall any such communications be deemed to be given later than the date they are actually received, provided they are actually received.

 

If a communication is not received, it shall only be deemed received upon the showing of an original of the applicable receipt, registration or confirmation from the applicable delivery service. Communications that are to be delivered by the U.S. mail or by overnight service to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and to the Corporate Secretary, unless otherwise provided in the Participant’s Award Agreement.

 

Section 7.17    Forfeiture Events. The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. These events include, but are not limited to, termination of employment for Cause, termination of the Participant’s provision of Services to the Company or any Subsidiary, violation of material Company or Subsidiary policies, breach of noncompetition, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that may apply to the Participant, or other conduct of the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

Section 7.18    Automatic Exercise. In the sole discretion of the Committee exercised in accordance with Section 5.2(a), any Stock Options that are exercisable but unexercised as of the day immediately before the expiration date of the Stock Option may be automatically exercised in accordance with procedures established for this purpose by the Committee, but only if the Exercise Price is less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on such date and the automatic exercise will result in the issuance of at least one (1) whole share of Stock to the Participant after payment of the Exercise Price and any applicable minimum tax withholding requirements. Payment of the exercise price and any applicable tax withholding requirements shall be made by a net settlement of the Stock Option whereby the number of shares of Stock to be issued upon exercise are reduced by a number of shares having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price and any applicable minimum tax withholding.

 

Section 7.19    Regulatory Requirements. The grant and settlement of Awards under this Plan shall be conditioned upon and subject to compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828(k), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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Section 7.20    Awards Subject to Company Clawback Policies and Restrictions.

 

(a)      Clawback Policies. Awards granted hereunder are subject to any clawback policy that may be adopted by the Company from time to time, whether pursuant to the provisions of Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act, implementing regulations thereunder, or otherwise. If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws, and the automatic forfeiture provisions under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 apply as a result, any Participant who was an executive officer of the Company at the time of grant or at the time of restatement shall be subject to “clawback” as if such person was subject to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(b)      Trading Policy Restrictions. Option exercises and other Awards under the Plan shall be subject to the Company’s insider trading policies and procedures, as in effect from time to time.

 

ARTICLE 8 - DEFINED TERMS; CONSTRUCTION

 

Section 8.1      In addition to the other definitions contained herein, unless otherwise specifically provided in an Award Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

 

10% Stockholder” means an individual who, at the time of grant, owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company.

 

Award” means any Stock Option, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Award or any other right or interest relating to Stock or cash, granted to a Participant under the Plan.

 

Award Agreement means the document (in whatever medium prescribed by the Committee and whether or not a signature is required or provided by a Participant) that evidences the terms and conditions of an Award. A copy of the Award Agreement will be provided (or made available electronically) to each Participant.

 

Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Cause.” If the Participant is subject to a written employment agreement (or other similar written agreement) with the Company or a Subsidiary that provides a definition of termination for “cause,” then, for purposes of this Plan, the term “Cause” shall have the meaning set forth in such agreement. In the absence of such a definition, “Cause” means termination because of a Participant’s personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, material breach of the Bank’s Code of Ethics, material violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley requirements for officers of public companies that in the reasonable opinion of the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank or the Board will likely cause substantial financial harm or substantial injury to the reputation of the Bank, willfully engaging in actions that in the reasonable opinion of the Board will likely cause substantial financial harm or substantial injury to the business reputation of the Bank, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than routine traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order, or material breach of any provision of the contract.

 

Change in Control” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.2.

 

Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any rules, regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, as modified from time to time.

 

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Consultant” means a natural person (other than an Employee or Director) who provides bona fide services to the Company or a Subsidiary, provided the services are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities (within the meaning of Rule 701(c)(1) issued under the Securities Act of 1933). However, “Consultant” shall not be so limited if the Committee specifically determines that the term shall have a wider meaning in connection with a specific grant.

 

Director” means a member of the Board of Directors or of a board of directors of a Subsidiary.

 

Disability.” If the Participant is subject to a written employment agreement (or other similar written agreement) with the Company or a Subsidiary that provides a definition of “Disability” or “Disabled,” then, for purposes of this Plan, the terms “Disability” or “Disabled” shall have meaning set forth in such agreement. In the absence of such a definition, “Disability” shall be defined in accordance with the Bank’s long-term disability plan. To the extent that an Award hereunder is subject to Code Section 409A, “Disability” or “Disabled” shall mean that a Participant: (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering Employees. Except to the extent prohibited under Code Section 409A, if applicable, the Committee shall have discretion to determine if a Disability has been incurred.

 

Disinterested Board Member” means a member of the Board of Directors who satisfies such requirements as the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish for non-employee directors administering plans intended to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3 (or its successor) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

 

Dividend Equivalent Rights” means the right, associated with a Restricted Stock Unit, to receive a payment, in cash or Stock, as applicable, equal to the amount of dividends paid on a share of Stock, as specified in the Award Agreement.

 

Employee” means any person employed by the Company or a Subsidiary, including Directors who are employed by the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

Exchange” means any national securities exchange on which the Stock may from time to time be listed or traded.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules, regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, as modified from time to time.

 

Exercise Price” means the price established with respect to a Stock Option pursuant to Section 2.2.

 

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Fair Market Value” on any date, means (i) if the Stock is listed on an Exchange, national market system or automated quotation system, the closing sales price on that Exchange or over such system on that date or, in the absence of reported sales on that date, the closing sales price on the immediately preceding date on which sales were reported, or (ii) if the Stock is not listed on a an Exchange, national market system or automated quotation system, “Fair Market Value” shall mean a price determined by the Committee in good faith on the basis of objective criteria consistent with the requirements of Code Section 422 and applicable provisions of Section 409A.

 

Good Reason.” A termination of employment by an Employee Participant shall be deemed a termination of employment for “Good Reason” as a result of the Participant’s resignation from the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(i)         a material reduction in Participant’s base salary or base compensation;

 

(ii)        a material diminution in Participant’s authority, duties or responsibilities without the written consent of Participant;

 

(iii)       a change in the geographic location at which Participant must perform his duties that is more than fifty (50) miles from the location of Participant’s principal workplace on the date of this Agreement; or

 

(ii)        in the event a Participant is a party to an employment or change in control agreement that provides a definition for “Good Reason” or a substantially similar term, then the occurrence of any event set forth in such definition.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an Award is subject to Code Section 409A, then “Good Reason” shall be defined in accordance with Code Section 409A, including the requirement that a Participant gives sixty (60) days’ notice to the Company or the Subsidiary for whom the Participant is employed of the Good Reason condition and the Company or Subsidiary, as applicable, shall have thirty (30) days to cure the Good Reason condition. Any distribution of an Award subject to Code Section 409A shall be subject to the distribution timing rules of Code Section 409A, including any delay in the distribution of such Award, which rules shall be set forth in the Award Agreement.

 

Involuntary Termination” means the Termination of Service of a Participant by the Company or Subsidiary, other than a termination for Cause, or termination of employment by an Employee Participant for Good Reason.

 

Incentive Stock Option” or “ISO” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.1(a).

 

Non-Qualified Option” means the right to purchase shares of Stock that is either (i) granted to a Participant who is not an Employee, or (ii) granted to an Employee and either is not designated by the Committee to be an ISO or does not satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

 

Performance Award” means an Award that vests in whole or in part upon the achievement of one or more specified performance measures, as determined by the Committee. Regardless of whether an Award is subject to the attainment of one or more performance measures, the Committee may also condition the vesting thereof in whole or in part upon the continued Service of the Participant. The conditions for grant or vesting and the other provisions of a Performance Award (including without limitation any applicable performance measures) need not be the same with respect to each Participant. A Performance Award shall vest, or as to Restricted Stock Units be settled, after the Committee has determined that the performance goals have been satisfied.

 

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Performance measures can include, but are not limited to: book value or tangible book value per share; basic earnings per share (e.g., earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; or earnings per share); basic cash earnings per share; diluted earnings per share; return on equity; net income or net income before taxes; net interest income; non-interest income; non-interest expense to average assets ratio; cash general and administrative expense to average assets ratio; efficiency ratio; cash efficiency ratio; financial return ratios; adjusted earnings, capital; increase in revenue; total shareholder return; net operating income, operating income; net interest margin or net interest rate spread; stock price; assets, growth in assets, loans or deposits, asset quality level, charge offs, loan reserves, non-performing assets, loans, deposits, growth of loans, loan production volume, non-performing loans, deposits or assets; regulatory compliance or safety and soundness; achievement of balance sheet or income statement objectives and strategic business objectives, or any combination of these or other measures.

 

Performance measures may be based on the performance of the Company as a whole or on any one or more Subsidiaries or business units of the Company or a Subsidiary and may be measured relative to a peer group, an index or a business plan and may be considered as absolute measures or changes in measures. The terms of an Award may provide that partial achievement of performance measures may result in partial payment or vesting of the award or that the achievement of the performance measures may be measured over more than one period or fiscal year. In establishing any performance measures, the Committee may provide for the exclusion of the effects of the following items, to the extent the exclusion is set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement and identified in the audited financial statements of the Company, including footnotes, or in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of the Company’s annual report or in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis Section, if any, of the Company’s annual proxy statement: (i) extraordinary, unusual, and/or nonrecurring items of gain or loss; (ii) gains or losses on the disposition of a business; (iii) dividends declared on the Company’s stock; (iv) changes in tax or accounting principles, regulations or laws; or (v) expenses incurred in connection with a merger, branch acquisition or similar transaction. Subject to the preceding sentence, if the Committee determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of the Company or the manner in which the Company or its Subsidiaries conducts its business or other events or circumstances render current performance measures to be unsuitable, the Committee may modify such performance measures, in whole or in part, as the Committee deems appropriate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, performance measures relating to any Award hereunder will be modified, to the extent applicable, to reflect a change in the outstanding shares of Stock of the Company by reason of any stock dividend or stock split, or a corporate transaction, such as a merger of the Company into another corporation, any separation of a corporation or any partial or complete liquidation by the Company or a Subsidiary. If a Participant is promoted, demoted or transferred to a different business unit during a performance period, the Committee may determine that the selected performance measures or applicable performance period are no longer appropriate, in which case, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may: (i) adjust, change or eliminate the performance measures or change the applicable performance period; or (ii) cause to be made a cash payment to the Participant in an amount determined by the Committee.

 

Restricted Stock or “Restricted Stock Award” has the meaning ascribed to it in Sections 2.1(b) and 2.3.

 

Restricted Stock Unit” has the meaning ascribed to it in Sections 2.1(c) and 2.4.

 

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Restriction Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b)(iii).

 

Retirement” means retirement from employment with the Company or a Subsidiary in accordance with the then current retirement policies of the Company or Subsidiary, as applicable. “Retirement” with respect to a non-employee Director means the termination of service from the Board(s) of Directors of the Company and any Subsidiary following written notice to such Board(s) of Directors of the non-employee Directors intention to retire. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the Committee specifies otherwise at the time of an Award, an Employee who continues to serve on the Board following retirement as a Director or a Director who continues to serve as an advisory board member or director emeritus shall not be deemed to have terminated due to Retirement until both Service as an Employee and Director, or in the latter case, as a Director and advisory board member or director emeritus has terminated.

 

SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the rules, regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder and modified from time to time.

 

Service” means service as an Employee or non-employee Director of the Company or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, and shall include service as a director emeritus or advisory director. Service shall not be deemed interrupted in the case of (i) any approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company or a Subsidiary, if the employee’s right to re-employment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee otherwise so provides in writing, (ii) transfers among the Company, any Subsidiary, or any successor entities, in any capacity of Employee or Director or Consultant, or (iii) any change in status as long as the individual remains in the service of the Company or a Subsidiary in any capacity as Employee or Director or Consultant (except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement).

 

Stock” means the common stock of the Company, $0.01 par value per share.

 

Stock Option” has the meaning ascribed to it in Sections 2.1(a) and 2.2.

 

Subsidiary” means any corporation, affiliate, bank or other entity which would be a subsidiary corporation with respect to the Company as defined in Code Section 424(f) and, other than with respect to an ISO, shall also mean any partnership or joint venture in which the Company and/or other Subsidiary owns more than fifty percent (50%) of the capital or profits interests.

 

Termination of Service” means the first day occurring on or after a grant date on which the Participant ceases to be an Employee or Director (including a director emeritus or advisory director), regardless of the reason for such cessation, subject to the following:

 

(a)      The Participant’s cessation of Service as an Employee shall not be deemed to occur by reason of the transfer of the Participant between the Company and a Subsidiary or between two Subsidiaries.

 

23

 

(b)      The Participant’s cessation as an Employee shall not be deemed to occur by reason of the Participant’s being on a bona fide leave of absence from the Company or a Subsidiary approved by the Company or Subsidiary otherwise receiving the Participant’s Services provided the leave of absence does not exceed six (6) months, or if longer, so long as the Employee retains a right to reemployment with the Company or Subsidiary under an applicable statute or by contract. For these purposes, a leave of absence constitutes a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Employee will return to perform Services for the Company or Subsidiary. If the period of leave exceeds six (6) months and the Employee does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship is deemed to terminate on the first day immediately following the six (6) month period. For purposes of this sub-section, to the extent applicable, an Employee’s leave of absence shall be interpreted by the Committee in a manner consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1).

 

(c)      If, as a result of a sale or other transaction, the Subsidiary for whom Participant is employed ceases to be a Subsidiary, and the Participant is not, following the transaction, an Employee of the Company or an entity that is then a Subsidiary, then the occurrence of the transaction shall be treated as the Participant’s Termination of Service caused by the Participant being discharged by the entity by which the Participant is employed or to whom the Participant is providing Services.

 

(d)      Except to the extent Code Section 409A may be applicable to an Award, and subject to the foregoing paragraphs of this sub-section, the Committee shall have discretion to determine if a Termination of Service has occurred and the date on which it occurred. If any Award under the Plan constitutes Deferred Compensation (as defined in Section 2.6), the term Termination of Service shall be interpreted by the Committee in a manner consistent with the definition of “Separation from Service” as defined under Code Section 409A and under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(ii). If a Participant is a “Specified Employee,” as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made hereunder shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, the payment or a portion of the payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Participant’s Separation from Service.

 

(e)      With respect to a Participant who is a Director, cessation as a Director will not be deemed to have occurred if the Participant continues as a director emeritus or advisory director. With respect to a Participant who is both an Employee and a Director, termination of employment as an Employee shall not constitute a Termination of Service for purposes of the Plan so long as the Participant continues to provide Service as a Director or director emeritus or advisory director.

 

Section 8.2      In this Plan, unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the following uses apply:

 

(a)      Actions permitted under this Plan may be taken at any time and from time to time in the actor’s reasonable discretion;

 

(b)      References to a statute shall refer to the statute and any successor statute, and to all regulations promulgated under or implementing the statute or its successor, as in effect at the relevant time;

 

24

 

(c)      In computing periods from a specified date to a later specified date, the words “from” and “commencing on” (and the like) mean “from and including,” and the words “to,” “until” and “ending on” (and the like) mean “to, but excluding”;

 

(d)      References to a governmental or quasi-governmental agency, authority or instrumentality shall also refer to a regulatory body that succeeds to the functions of the agency, authority or instrumentality;

 

(e)      Indications of time of day mean Mountain time;

 

(f)      The word “including” means “including, but not limited to”;

 

(g)      All references to sections, schedules and exhibits are to sections, schedules and exhibits in or to this Plan unless otherwise specified;

 

(h)      All words used in this Plan will be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances and context require;

 

(i)      The captions and headings of articles, sections, schedules and exhibits appearing in or attached to this Plan have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and shall not be considered a part of this Plan nor shall any of them affect the meaning or interpretation of this Plan or any of its provisions;

 

(j)      Any reference to a document or set of documents in this Plan, and the rights and obligations of the parties under any such documents, shall mean such document or documents as amended from time to time, and any and all modifications, extensions, renewals, substitutions or replacements thereof; and

 

(k)      All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.

 

25

 

Exhibit 23.2

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., of our report dated March 14, 2025, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (the “Company”) and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of the Company, (which report expresses an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting due to a material weakness), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

/s/ Moss Adams LLP

 

Spokane, Washington

May 9, 2025

 

 

Exhibit 107

 

 

Calculation of Filing Fee Table

 

Form S-8

(Form Type)

 

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Table 1: Newly Registered Securities

 

Security

Type

Security Class

Title

Fee

Calculation

Rule

Amount
Registered(1)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering

Price Per

Share(2)

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering

Price(2)

Fee Rate

Amount of

Registration

Fee

Equity(3)

Common Stock

457

175,000

$17.96

$3,143,000

0.00015310

$481.19

Equity(4)

Common Stock

457

82,578

$17.96

$1,483,101

0.00015310

$227.06

Equity(5)

Common Stock

457

57,281

$17.96

$1,028,767

0.00015310

$157.50

Total Offering Amounts

 

$5,654,868

 

$865.75

Total Fee Offsets(6)

     

$147.43

Net Fee Due

     

$718.32

 

(1)

Pursuant to Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), this registration statement on Form S-8 (this “Registration Statement”) shall also cover any additional shares of common stock that may be offered or issued under the 2025 Stock Incentive Plan for Directors, Officers and Employees (the “2025 Plan”) by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any other similar transaction.

 

(2)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee and computed pursuant to Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act, based upon the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant’s Common Stock on the NASDAQ Global Market on May 7, 2025, which was $17.96.

 

(3)

Represents shares of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (the “Registrant”) authorized for issuance under the 2025 Plan.

 

(4)

Represents additional shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock available for new awards under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan for Directors, Officers and Employees (the “Predecessor Plan”) as of April 24, 2025 (the “Excess Shares”).

 

(5)

Represents additional shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock subject to outstanding awards under the Predecessor Plan that may become available for reuse under the 2025 Plan upon expiration, cancellation or forfeiture of the subject shares following April 24, 2025, the effective date of the 2025 Plan, and that are eligible to be carried over to the 2025 Plan in accordance with its terms (the “Potential Carry Forward Shares”). All of the Potential Carry Forward Shares were registered pursuant to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 333-265269). The Potential Carry Forward Shares that may become issuable under the 2025 Plan are being carried forward to this Registration Statement pursuant to the General Instruction E of Form S-8.

 

(6)

Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act and General Instruction E to Form S-8, the registration fees previously paid with respect to the Excess Shares are being carried forward to the registration of shares hereunder.

 

 

 

 

Table 2: Fee Offset Claims and Sources

 

 

Registrant

or Filer

Name

Form

or

Filing

Type

File

Number

Initial

Filing

Date

Filing

Date

Fee

Offset

Claimed

Security

Type

Associated

with Fee

Offset

Claimed

Security

Title

Associated

with Fee

Offset

Claimed

Unsold

Securities

Associated

with Fee

Offset

Claimed

Unsold

Aggregate

Offering

Amount

Associated

with Fee

Offset

Claimed

Fee Paid

with Fee

Offset

Source

Rule 457(p)

Fee Offset Claims(1)

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

S-8

333-265269

May 27, 2022

 

$147.43

Equity

Common Stock

82,578

$1,590,452

 

Fee Offset Sources(2)

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

S-8

333-265269

 

May 27, 2022

         

$178.54

 

(1)         The Registrant previously registered $1,926,000 in an aggregate offering amount of common stock pursuant to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-265269) filed on May 27, 2022 (the “Prior Registration Statement”), of which $1,590,452 relates to the unsold securities associated with the fee offset claimed herein. The Registrant has partially deregistered the Prior Registration Statement as of May 9, 2025 such that no securities relating to the claimed fee offset continue to be offered thereunder.

 

(2)         The Registrant expects to partially offset the registration fee due hereunder by an amount of fees that was previously paid with respect to the Prior Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act. The fee previously paid for the Prior Registration Statement was $178.54, of which $147.43 relates to the unsold securities associated with the fee offset claimed herein. Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, the Registrant hereby offsets $147.43 of the registration fee due under this Registration Statement from the fees previously paid in connection with the Prior Registration Statement.

 

 

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