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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2024
Registration No. 333-
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| Registration No. 333- |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
MAXEON SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter) | | | | | |
Singapore
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
| N/A
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
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8 Marina Boulevard #05-02 Marina Bay Financial Centre 018981, Singapore (Address of registrant’s principal executive offices, including zip code)
2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Full title of the Plan)
Corporation Service Company 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 210 New York, New York 11036-8401 (800) 927-9800 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
Era Anagnosti, Esq. DLA Piper US LLP 500 8th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20004 (202) 799-4000 |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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| 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. ☐
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Pursuant to General Instruction E of Form S-8, Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. (the “Registrant”) is filing this Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) to register an aggregate of 6,665,992 additional shares of the Registrant’s ordinary shares, no par value (“Ordinary Shares”), issuable under the Registrant’s 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Omnibus Plan”). The number of ordinary shares available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan is subject to an automatic annual increase (the “evergreen provision”) by an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 3% of the outstanding shares of all classes of the Company on the last day of the immediately preceding year, or (ii) such number of shares determined by the board of directors of the Registrant (the “Board”). Effective on January 4, 2021, January 3, 2022, January 2, 2023, and January 1, 2024, as a result of the application of the evergreen provision, the number of Ordinary Shares reserved and authorized for issuance under the Omnibus Plan was increased, resulting in an aggregate increase of 5,317,014 of the Registrant’s Ordinary Shares. This Registration Statement also registers an additional 1,348,978 Ordinary Shares which will be available and authorized for issuance under the Omnibus Plan.
On February 28, 2024, the Compensation Committee of the Board, through delegated authority, approved an amendment to the Omnibus Plan (the “Amended and Restated Plan”) to amend the total number of Ordinary Shares available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan as described above. The Amended and Restated Plan has been filed as an exhibit to this Registration Statement.
Pursuant to General Instruction E of Form S-8, this Registration Statement hereby incorporates by reference the contents of the Registrant’s previous registration statements on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on August 6, 2020 (File No. 333-241709) to the extent not modified or superseded hereby or by any subsequently filed document, which is incorporated by reference herein or therein.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference:
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| (1) | The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2023 filed with the Commission on March 7, 2023 (the “Annual Report”) |
| (2) | The Registrant’s Reports of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K furnished to the Commission as follows: our Reports on Form 6-K furnished to the Commission on January 4, 2023, January 5, 2023, January 19, 2023 (Film Number 23537447), January 19, 2023 (Film Number 23537429), March 7, 2023 (Film Number 23712545), March 7, 2023 (Film Number 23712545), March 15, 2023, May 10, 2023 (Film Number 23906328), May 11, 2023, May 16, 2023 (Film Number 23928773), May 16, 2023 (Film Number 23927424), May 17, 2023, May 19, 2023, June 8, 2023, August 4, 2023, August 10, 2023 (Film Number 231159376), August 10, 2023 (Film Number 231159332), August 10, 2023 (Film Number 231159386), August 30, 2023, September 20, 2023; October 6, 2023 (Film Number 231314584), October 6, 2023 (Film Number 231312557), October 10, 2023, November 2, 2023, November 14, 2023, November 15, 2023, November 21, 2023, December 5, 2023, and January 5, 2024, with respect to the information specifically identified in each of the Form 6-Ks listed herein, as being incorporated by reference in the Form S-8 filed with the Commission on August 6, 2020 (File No. 333-241709) |
| (3) | The Description of Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, contained in Exhibit 2.7 to the Annual Report |
In addition to the foregoing, all documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and all reports on Form 6-K subsequently furnished by the Registrant which state that they are incorporated by reference herein, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be part hereof from the date of filing or furnishing of such documents and reports. 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 herein, or in any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS
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| Exhibit No. | | Description of Exhibit |
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| 4.1 | | |
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| 4.2 | | |
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| 5.1 | | |
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| 23.1 | | |
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| 23.2 | | Consent of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP (included as part of the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference). |
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| 24.1 | | Power of Attorney (contained on signature page hereto) |
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| 107 | | |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, Country of the United States of America, on the 29 of February, 2024.
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MAXEON SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, LTD. |
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| By: | | /s/ Kai Strohbecke |
Name: | | Kai Strohbecke |
Title: | | Chief Financial Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints William Mulligan, Kai Strohbecke, and Lindsey Wiedmann, and each of them individually, 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), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or their or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on the date set forth, and in the capacities indicated, below.
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Name | Position | Date |
| /s/ William Mulligan | Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 29, 2024 |
| William Mulligan | | |
| /s/ Kai Strohbecke | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | February 29, 2024 |
| Kai Strohbecke | | |
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| /s/ Kris Sennesael | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| Kris Sennesael | | |
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| /s/ Donald Covin | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| Donald Covin | | |
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| /s/ Steve Leonard | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| Steve Leonard | | |
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| /s/ David Li | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| David Li | | |
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| /s/ Alban d’Hautefeuille | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| Alban d’Hautefeuille | | |
| | |
| /s/ Nikita Taldykin | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| Nikita Taldykin | | |
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| /s/ Shen Haoping | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| Shen Haoping | | |
| | | | | | | | |
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| /s/ Sean Wang | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| Sean Wang | | |
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| /s/ Xu Luo Luo | Director | February 29, 2024 |
| Xu Luo Luo | | |
Exhibit 107
Calculation of Filing Fee Table
Form S-8
(Form Type)
Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Table 1: Newly Registered Securities
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| Security Type | Security Class Title | Fee Calculation Rule | Amount Registered(1) | Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share | Maximum Aggregate Offering Price | Fee Rate | Amount of Registration Fee |
| Equity | Ordinary Shares, no par value | Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h) | 6,665,992(2) | $4.165(3) | $27,763,856.68 | $147.60 per million dollars | $4,097.95 |
| Total Offering Amounts | | $27,763,856.68 | | $4,097.95 |
| Total Fee Offsets | | | | $0 |
| Net Fees Due | | | | $4,097.95 |
(1)Pursuant to Rule 416(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), this Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. (the “Registrant”) ordinary shares that become issuable under the Amended and Restated 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the Registrant’s receipt of consideration that increases the number of the Registrant’s outstanding shares of common stock.
(2)Reflects an increase of 5,317,014 ordinary shares reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan pursuant to automatic increases on the first day of the Registrant’s fiscal 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, which annual increases are provided for in the Omnibus Plan, and an increase of 1,348,978 ordinary shares reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Registrant’s Board of Directors on February 29, 2024.
(3)Estimated in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (h) of Rule 457 under the Securities Act solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee on the basis of $4.165, which represents the average of the high and low price per share of the Registrant’s common stock on February 23, 2024 as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Exhibit 4.2
MAXEON SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, LTD. 2020 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
(Amended and Restated by the Company Effective on 28 February, 2024)
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE.
The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value by (a) encouraging Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants to focus on critical long-range objectives, (b) encouraging the attraction and retention of Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants with exceptional qualifications and (c) linking Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants directly to shareholder interests through increased share ownership. The Plan seeks to achieve this purpose by providing for Awards in the form of restricted shares, restricted share units, share options, share appreciation rights, or cash-based incentive awards. In addition, in accordance with the Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2019, by and between SunPower and the Company (the “Employee Matters Agreement”), the Plan permits the grant of Replacement Awards to employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates in substitution for certain awards made to such employees under the SunPower Corporation 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan that were outstanding prior to the Distribution Date.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.
a)“Affiliate” shall mean any entity other than a Subsidiary, if the Company and/or one of more Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of
such entity.
b)“Award” shall mean any award of an Option, a SAR, a Restricted Share a Restricted Share Unit, a Cash-Based Incentive Award, or Replacement Award granted under the Plan.
c)“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.
d)“Cash-Based Incentive Award” shall mean an incentive award denominated in and payable in cash that is granted pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof.
e)“Cash-Based Incentive Award Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Cash-Based Incentive Award which contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Cash-Based Award.
f)“Change in Control” shall mean the first to occur following the date hereof of:
i.a sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company;
ii.the consummation of any merger, consolidation, or other business combination transaction of the Company with or into another corporation, entity, or person, other than a transaction in which the holders of at least a majority of the shares of voting capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction continue to hold (either by such shares remaining outstanding or by their being converted into shares of voting capital stock of the surviving entity or a direct or indirect parent thereof) a majority of the total voting power represented by the shares of voting capital stock of the Company (or the respective surviving entity or parent thereof) outstanding immediately after such transaction;
iii.the direct or indirect acquisition (including by way of a tender or exchange offer) by any person, or persons acting as a group, of beneficial ownership or a right to acquire beneficial ownership of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company; provided that a person shall exclude a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan maintained by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate;
iv.one or more contested elections of members of the Board during a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months, as a result of which or in connection with which the persons who were members of the Board before the first of such elections or their nominees cease to constitute a majority of the Board; or
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v.a dissolution or liquidation of the Company.
Any other provision of this Section 2(f) notwithstanding, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction, and a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur if the Company files a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for the initial offering of Stock to the public or if there is a spinoff of the Company by a Parent resulting in a dividend or distribution payable in Stock to the Parent’s stockholders.
g)“Code” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
h)“Committee” shall mean the Committee as designated by the Board, which is authorized to administer the Plan, as described in Section 3 hereof.
i)“Company” shall mean Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of Singapore.
j)“Consultant” shall mean (i) a consultant or advisor who provides bona fide services to the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate as an independent contractor (not including service as a member of the Board) or a member of the board of directors of a Parent or a Subsidiary, in each case who is not an Employee, or (ii) an individual who provides Services as an Employee of an Affiliate.
k)“Distribution Date” shall mean the date that SunPower completes its distribution, in connection with the separation of the Company from SunPower, of 100% of the outstanding Shares SunPower holds to holders of shares of the common stock of SunPower.
l)“Employee” shall mean any individual who provides Services to the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary, but shall exclude any individual who is classified by the Company, a Parent or Subsidiary as leased from or otherwise employed by a third party or as an independent contractor, even if any such classification is changed retroactively because of an audit, litigation, administrative determination or otherwise. Neither Service as a member of the Board nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company, a Parent or Subsidiary shall be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company, a Parent or Subsidiary.
m)“Exchange Act” shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
n)“Exercise Price” shall mean, in the case of an Option, the amount for which one Share may be purchased upon exercise of such Option, as specified in the applicable Share Option Agreement. “Exercise Price,” in the case of a SAR, shall mean an amount, as specified in the applicable SAR Agreement, which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value of one Share at the time of exercise in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.
o)“Fair Market Value” with respect to a Share, shall mean the market price of one Share, determined by the Committee as follows:
i.If Shares are listed on any established share exchange or a national market system, including, without limitation, the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Capital Market of The NASDAQ Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such Share (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;
ii.If the Shares are regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Shares on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable; and
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iii.If none of the foregoing provisions is applicable, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate, and if applicable, in compliance with Section 409A of the Code in order to permit an Award to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code.
In all cases, the determination of Fair Market Value by the Committee shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
p)“Offeree” shall mean an individual to whom the Committee has offered the right to acquire Shares under the Plan.
q)“Option” shall mean any right granted to a Participant under the Plan allowing such Participant to purchase Shares at such price or prices and during such period or periods as the Board shall determine.
r)“Outside Director” shall mean a member of the Board who is not an Employee.
s)“Parent” shall mean any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns shares possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares in one of the other corporations in such chain.
t)“Participant” shall mean an individual or estate (or other recipient permitted in accordance with Section 10(f) or 16(a) of the Plan) who holds an Award.
u)“Performance Criteria” shall include, but shall not be limited to, one or more of the following performance criteria, either individually, alternatively or in any combination: (a) cash flow, (b) earnings per share, (c) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization,
(d) return on equity, (e) total shareholder return, (f) share price performance, (g) return on capital, (h) return on assets or net assets, (i) revenue, (j) income or net income, (k) operating income or net operating income, (l) operating profit or net operating profit, (m) operating margin or profit margin,
(n) return on operating revenue, (o) return on invested capital, (p) market segment shares, (q) cost per watt, (r) cost per kilowatt hour, (s) customer acquisition costs, (t) customer cost of energy, (u) cost management or process improvement, (v) net promoter score, (w) expense measures (including, but not limited to, overhead cost, research and development expenses and general and administrative expense), (x) economic value added, (y) watts produced, (z) watts shipped, (aa) watts per module, (bb) conversion efficiency, (cc) modules produced, (dd) modules shipped, (ee) production throughput rates, (ff) solar project velocity, (gg) solar project volume, (hh) production yields, (ii) solar projects developed (number or watts), (jj) solar projects financed (by value or watts), (kk) solar projects sold (by value or watts), (ll) operation or maintenance contracts signed or maintained (by value or watts), (mm) production expansion build and ramp times, (nn) module field performance, (oo) average sales price; (pp) budgeted expenses (operating and/or capital), (qq) inventory turns, (rr) accounts receivable levels, (ss) development of product, (tt) installation of product, (uu) research and development milestones, (vv) milestones related to the quality of manufactured products and/or related services, and (ww) measures promoting the safety of employees.
v)“Performance Goal” means, for a given performance period, a goal or goals established in writing by the Committee for the performance period based on Performance Criteria. Depending on the Performance Criteria used to establish such Performance Goal, the Performance Goal may be applied to either the Company as a whole or to a business unit or Subsidiary, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous years’ results or to a designated comparison group or index, in each case as specified by the Committee in the Award.
w)“Plan” shall mean this Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended or amended and restated from
time to time.
x)“Purchase Price” shall mean the consideration for which one Share may be acquired under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option), as specified by the Committee.
y)“Restricted Share” shall mean a Share awarded pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan.
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z)“Replacement Award” shall mean an Award granted under the Plan in accordance with the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement in substitution of an award representing the right to acquire shares of the common stock of SunPower granted prior to the Distribution Date. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the number of Shares subject to a Replacement Award and the other terms and conditions of each Replacement Award shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement.
aa)“Restricted Share Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Restricted Share which contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Shares.
ab)“Restricted Share Unit” shall mean a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one Share, as awarded pursuant to Section 10
of the Plan.
ac)“Restricted Share Unit Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Restricted Share Unit which contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Share Unit.
ad)“SAR” shall mean a share appreciation right granted pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.
ae)“SAR Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and a Participant which contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his or her SAR.
af)“Service” shall mean service as an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director. Service does not terminate when an Employee goes on a bona fide leave of absence that was approved by the Company in writing, if the terms of the leave provide for continued service crediting, or when continued service crediting is required by applicable law. Service terminates in any event when the approved leave ends, unless such Employee immediately returns to active work or, if such Employee does not return to active work, the Employee’s right to return to work is guaranteed by law or by a contract. The Company determines which leaves count toward Service, and when Service terminates for all purposes under the Plan. Further, unless otherwise determined by the Company, a Participant’s Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant provides Service to the Company, a Subsidiary, or an Affiliate, or a transfer between entities (the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate), provided, that there is no interruption or other termination of Service in connection with a change in capacity or transfer between entities.
ag)“Share” shall mean one ordinary share of the Company, as adjusted in accordance with Section 11 (if applicable).
ah)“Share Option Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and a Participant that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his Option.
ii) “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, if the Company and/or one or more other Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding share of such corporation.
aj)“SunPower” shall mean SunPower Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and any successor corporation thereto.
ak)“Tax-Related Items” shall mean any national or federal, state or provincial, and local taxes (including, without limitation, income tax, social insurance contributions, payment on account, employment tax obligations, stamp taxes, any other taxes that may be due) required by law to be withheld and any employer tax liability shifted to a Participant.
SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION.
a)Committee Composition. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall consist of two or more members of the Board, who shall be appointed by the Board, and shall otherwise be constituted to satisfy the requirements of applicable law.
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b)Committee for Non-Officer Grants. The Board may also appoint one or more separate committees of the Board, each composed of one or more directors of the Company who need not satisfy the requirements of Section 3(a), who may administer the Plan with respect to Employees to the extent permitted by applicable law, may grant Awards under the Plan to such Employees and may determine all terms of such grants. Within the limitations of the preceding sentence, any reference in the Plan to the Committee shall include such committee or committees appointed pursuant to the preceding sentence. The Board may also authorize one or more officers of the Company to designate Employees, to receive Awards and/or to determine the number of such Awards to be received by such persons to the extent permitted under applicable law.
c)Committee Responsibilities. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have full authority and discretion to take the following actions:
i.To interpret the Plan and to apply its provisions;
ii.To adopt, amend or rescind rules, procedures and forms relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws including qualifying for preferred tax treatment under applicable foreign tax laws;
iii.To authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any instrument required to carry out the purposes of the Plan;
iv.To determine when Awards are to be granted under the Plan;
v.To select the Offerees;
vi.To determine the number of Shares to be made subject to each Award;
vii.To prescribe the terms and conditions of each Award, including (without limitation) the Exercise Price and Purchase Price, and the vesting or duration of the Award (including accelerating the vesting of Awards, either at the time the Award is granted or thereafter, without the consent of the Participant), and to specify the provisions of the agreement relating to such Award;
viii.To amend any outstanding Award agreement, subject to applicable law and to the consent of the Participant if the Participant’s rights would be materially impaired or obligations would be materially increased, provided that any amendment to an outstanding Award agreement that the Committee deems necessary or advisable to facilitate compliance with applicable law shall not be subject consent of a Participant;
ix.To prescribe the consideration for the grant of each Award or other right under the Plan and to determine the sufficiency of such consideration;
x.To determine the disposition of each Award or other right under the Plan in the event of a Participant’s divorce or dissolution of marriage;
xi.To determine whether Awards under the Plan will be granted in replacement of other grants under an incentive or other compensation plan of an acquired business;
xii.To correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award agreement;
xiii.To establish or verify the extent of satisfaction of any performance goals or other conditions applicable to the grant, issuance, exercisability, vesting and/or ability to retain any Award; and
xiv.To take any other actions deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Committee may designate persons other than members of the Committee to carry out its responsibilities and may prescribe such conditions and limitations as it may deem appropriate. All decisions, interpretations and other actions of the Committee shall be final and binding on all
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Offerees, all Participant, and all persons deriving their rights from an Offeree or Participant. No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action that he has taken or has failed to take in good faith with respect to the Plan, any Option, or any right to acquire Shares under the Plan.
SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY.
Only Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors shall be eligible for the grant of Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Options or SARs.
SECTION 5. SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN.
a)Basic Limitation. Shares offered under the Plan shall be authorized but unissued Shares, treasury Shares or Shares purchased on the open market. The aggregate number of Shares authorized for issuance as Awards under the Plan shall not exceed 10,555,746. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan will continue to be increased on the first day of each fiscal year beginning with the 2025 fiscal year, in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) 3% of the outstanding shares of all classes of the Company on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year, or (y) such number of Shares determined by the Board. The limitations of this Section 5(a) shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to
Section 11. The number of Shares that are subject to Awards outstanding at any time under the Plan shall not exceed the number of Shares which then remain available for issuance under the Plan. The Company, during the term of the Plan, shall at all times reserve and keep available sufficient Shares to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
b)Share Reissuable Under Plan. If Restricted Shares or Shares issued upon the exercise of Options are forfeited, then such Shares shall again become available for Awards under the Plan. If Restricted Share Units, Options or SARs are forfeited or terminate for any other reason before being exercised, then the corresponding Shares shall become available for Awards under the Plan. If Restricted Share Units are settled, then only the number of Shares (if any) actually issued in settlement of such Restricted Share Units shall reduce the number available under Section 5(a) and the balance shall again become available for Awards under the Plan. If SARs are exercised, then only the number of Shares (if any) actually issued in settlement of such SARs shall reduce the number available in Section 5(a) and the balance shall again become available for Awards under the Plan.
c)Assumed and Substituted Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted under applicable stock exchange rules, Shares issued pursuant to awards assumed or Awards granted in substitution of other awards in connection with the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of an unrelated entity shall not reduce the maximum number of Shares issuable under the above Section 5(a).
SECTION 6. RESTRICTED SHARES.
a)Restricted Share Agreement. Each grant of Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Share Agreement between the Participant and the Company. Such Restricted Shares shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Share Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
b)Payment for Awards. Restricted Shares may be sold or awarded under the Plan for such consideration as the Committee may determine, including (without limitation) cash, cash equivalents, full-recourse promissory notes, past services and future services.
c)Vesting. Each Award of Restricted Shares may or may not be subject to vesting. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions, including conditions based on the attainment of Performance Goals, specified in the Restricted Share Agreement. A Restricted Share Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, disability or retirement or other events.
d)Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Restricted Shares awarded under the Plan shall have the same voting, dividend and other rights as the Company’s other shareholders. A Restricted Share Agreement, however, may require that the holders of Restricted Shares invest any cash dividends received in additional Restricted Shares. Such additional Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Award with respect to which the dividends were paid.
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e)Restrictions on Transfer of Shares. Restricted Shares shall be subject to such rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal or other restrictions as the Committee may determine. Such restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Restricted Share Agreement and shall apply in addition to any general restrictions that may apply to all holders of Shares.
SECTION 7. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.
a)Share Option Agreement. Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Share Option Agreement between the Participant and the Company. Such Option shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions which are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Committee deems appropriate for inclusion in a Share Option Agreement. The provisions of the various Share Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
b)Number of Shares. Each Share Option Agreement shall specify the number of Shares that are subject to the Option and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Section 11.
c)Exercise Price. Each Share Option Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. Subject to the foregoing in this Section 7(c), the Exercise Price under any Option shall be determined by the Committee at its sole discretion. The Exercise Price shall be payable in one of the forms described in Section 8.
d)Exercisability and Term. Each Share Option Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the Option is to become exercisable. The Share Option Agreement shall also specify the term of the Option. A Share Option Agreement may provide for accelerated exercisability in the event of the Participant’s death, disability, or retirement or other events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Participant’s Service. Options may be awarded in combination with SARs, and such an Award may provide that the Options will not be exercisable unless the related SARs are forfeited. Subject to the foregoing in this Section 7(d), the Committee at its sole discretion shall determine when all or any installment of an Option is to become exercisable and when an Option is to expire.
e)Exercise of Options. Each Share Option Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to exercise the Option following termination of the Participant’s Service with the Company and its Subsidiaries, and the right to exercise the Option of any executors or administrators of the Participant’s estate or any person who has acquired such Option(s) directly from the Participant by bequest or inheritance. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, need not be uniform among all Options issued pursuant to the Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination of Service.
f)No Rights as a Shareholder. A Participant, or a transferee of a Participant, shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares covered by his Option until the date of the issuance of Shares have been recorded in the books of the brokerage firm selected by the Committee or, as applicable, of the Company, its transfer agent, share plan administrator or such other outside entity which is not a brokerage firm. No adjustments shall be made, except as provided in Section 11.
g)Modification, Extension and Renewal of Options. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or renew outstanding options or may accept the cancellation of outstanding options (to the extent not previously exercised), whether or not granted hereunder, in return for the grant of new Options for the same or a different number of Shares and at the same or a different exercise price, or in return for the grant of the same or a different number of Shares. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Participant, materially impair his or her rights or materially increase his or her obligations under such Option.
h)Restrictions on Transfer of Shares. Any Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be subject to such special forfeiture conditions, rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal and other transfer restrictions as the Committee may determine. Such restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Share Option Agreement and shall apply in addition to any general restrictions that may apply to all holders of Shares.
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i)Buyout Provisions. The Committee may at any time (a) offer to buy out for a payment in cash or cash equivalents an Option previously granted or (b) authorize a Participant to elect to cash out an Option previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish.
SECTION 8. PAYMENT FOR SHARES.
a)General Rule. The entire Exercise Price or Purchase Price of Shares issued under the Plan shall be payable at the time when such Shares are purchased, except as provided in Section 8(b) through Section 8(g) below.
b)Surrender of Share. To the extent that a Share Option Agreement so provides, payment may be made all or in part by surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Shares which have already been owned by the Participant or his representative. Such Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date when the new Shares are purchased under the Plan. The Participant shall not surrender, or attest to the ownership of, Shares in payment of the Exercise Price if such action would cause the Company to recognize compensation expense (or additional compensation expense) with respect to the Option for financial reporting purposes.
c)Services Rendered. At the discretion of the Committee, Shares may be awarded under the Plan in consideration of services rendered to the Company or a Subsidiary prior to the award. If Shares are awarded without the payment of a Purchase Price in cash, the Committee shall make a determination (at the time of the award) of the value of the services rendered by the Offeree and the sufficiency of the consideration to meet the requirements of Section 6(b).
d)Cashless Exercise. To the extent that a Share Option Agreement so provides, payment may be made all or in part by delivery (on a form prescribed by the Committee) of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker to sell Shares and to deliver all or part of the sale proceeds to the Company in payment of the aggregate Exercise Price.
e)Net Exercise. To the extent that a Share Option Agreement so provides, payment may be made all or in part by a reduction in a number of Shares subject to the Option having a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Exercise Price.
f)Other Forms of Payment. To the extent that a Share Option Agreement or Restricted Share Agreement so provides, payment may be made in any other form that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations and rules.
g)Limitations under Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything herein or in a Share Option Agreement or Restricted Share Agreement to the contrary, payment may not be made in any form that is unlawful, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
SECTION 9. SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS.
a)SAR Agreement. Each grant of a SAR under the Plan shall be evidenced by a SAR Agreement between the Participant and the Company. Such SAR shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various SAR Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
b)Number of Shares. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the number of Shares to which the SAR pertains and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Section 11.
c)Exercise Price. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share on the date of grant.
d)Exercisability and Term. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the SAR is to become exercisable. The SAR Agreement shall also specify the term of the SAR. A SAR Agreement may provide for accelerated exercisability in the event of the Participant’s death, disability or retirement or other events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Participant’s Service. SARs may be awarded in combination with Options, and such an Award may provide that the SARs will not be exercisable unless the related Options are forfeited. A SAR granted under the Plan may provide that it will be exercisable only in the event of a Change in Control.
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e)Exercise of SARs. Upon exercise of a SAR, the Participant (or any person having the right to exercise the SAR after his or her death) shall receive from the Company (a) Shares, (b) cash or (c) a combination of Shares and cash, as the Committee shall determine. The amount of cash and/or the Fair Market Value of Shares received upon exercise of SARs shall, in the aggregate, be equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value (on the date of surrender) of the Shares subject to the SARs exceeds the Exercise Price.
f)Modification or Assumption of SARs. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or assume outstanding SARs or may accept the cancellation of outstanding SARs (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new SARs for the same or a different number of shares and at the same or a different exercise price. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of a SAR shall, without the consent of the holder, materially impair his or her rights or materially increase his or her obligations under such SAR.
g)Buyout Provisions. The Committee may at any time (a) offer to buy out for a payment in cash or cash equivalents a SAR previously granted or (b) authorize a Participant to elect to cash out a SAR previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish.
SECTION 10. RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS.
a)Restricted Share Unit Agreement. Each grant of Restricted Share Units under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Share Unit Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Such Restricted Share Units shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Share Unit Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. Restricted Share Units may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the recipient’s other compensation.
b)Payment for Awards. To the extent that an Award is granted in the form of Restricted Share Units, no cash consideration shall be required of the Award recipients.
c)Vesting Conditions. Each Award of Restricted Share Units may or may not be subject to vesting. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions, including conditions based on the attainment of Performance Goals, specified in the Restricted Share Unit Agreement. A Restricted Share Unit Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, disability or retirement or other events.
d)Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Restricted Share Units shall have no voting rights. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, any Restricted Share Unit awarded under the Plan may, at the Committee’s discretion, carry with it a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one Share while the Restricted Share Unit is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Restricted Share Units. Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of Shares, or in a combination of both. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents which are not paid shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions (including without limitation, any forfeiture conditions) as the Restricted Share Units to which they attach.
e)Form and Time of Settlement of Restricted Share Units. Settlement of vested Restricted Share Units may be made in the form of
(a) cash, (b) Shares or (c) any combination of both, as determined by the Committee. The actual number of Restricted Share Units eligible for settlement may be larger or smaller than the number included in the original Award, based on predetermined performance factors. Methods of converting Restricted Share Units into cash may include (without limitation) a method based on the average Fair Market Value of Shares over a series of trading days. The distribution may occur or commence when all vesting conditions applicable to the Restricted Share Units have been satisfied or have lapsed, or it may be deferred to any later date. The amount of a deferred distribution may be increased by an interest factor or by dividend equivalents. Until an Award of Restricted Share Units is settled, the number of such Restricted Share Units shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 11.
f)Death of Recipient. Any Restricted Share Units Award that becomes payable after the Participant’s death shall be distributed to the Participant’s estate or as otherwise required under the laws of descent and distribution in the Participant’s country.
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g)Creditors’ Rights. A holder of Restricted Share Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Restricted Share Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Restricted Share Unit Agreement.
SECTION 11. ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES.
a)Adjustments. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in a form other than Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the price of the Shares, a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Shares (by reclassification or otherwise) into a lesser number of Shares, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence or other similar corporate transaction or event that affects the Shares, the Committee shall make such proportionate substitution or adjustments, if any, in one or more of:
i.The number of Shares available for future Awards under Section 5 and the number of Shares subject to the automatic increase of the Share reserve contemplated under Section 5;
ii.The number of Shares covered by each outstanding Option and SAR;
iii.The Exercise Price under each outstanding Option and SAR; or
iv.The number of Shares subject to Restricted Share Units included in any prior Award which has not yet been settled.
Any adjustment affecting an Award that is subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be made in a manner that does not result in adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code, except as otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any “equity restructuring” (within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor pronouncement thereto)), the Committee shall make an equitable or proportionate adjustment to outstanding Awards to reflect such equity restructuring.
Except as provided in this Section 11, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of any issue by the Company of shares of any class or securities convertible into shares of any class, any subdivision or consolidation of shares of any class, the payment of any share dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of any class.
b)Dissolution or Liquidation. To the extent not previously exercised or settled, Options, SARs and Restricted Share Units shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company.
c)Change in Control. The Committee may determine, at the time of granting Awards or thereafter, that all or part of such Awards shall become vested in the event that a Change in Control occurs.
d)Mergers; Reorganizations. In the event that the Company is a party to a merger or other reorganization, outstanding Awards shall be subject to the agreement of merger or reorganization. Such agreement shall provide for:
i.The continuation of the outstanding Awards by the Company, if the Company is a surviving company;
ii.The assumption of the outstanding Awards by the surviving company or its parent or subsidiary;
iii.The substitution by the surviving company or its parent or subsidiary of its own awards for the outstanding Awards;
iv.Acceleration of the expiration date of the outstanding unexercised Awards to a date not earlier than thirty (30) days after notice to the Participant; or
v.Settlement of the value of the outstanding Awards which have vested as of the consummation of such merger or other reorganization in cash or cash equivalents; in the sole discretion of the
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Company, settlement of the value of some or all of the outstanding Awards which have not vested as of the consummation of such merger or other reorganization in cash or cash equivalents on a deferred basis pending vesting; and the cancellation of all vested and unvested Awards as of the consummation of such merger or other reorganization.
e)Reservation of Rights. Except as provided in this Section 11, a Participant or Offeree shall have no rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of any class, the payment of any dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of any class. Any issue by the Company of shares of any class, or securities convertible into shares of any class, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or Exercise Price, if applicable, of Shares subject to an Award. The grant of an Award pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure, to merge or consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.
SECTION 12. CASH-BASED AWARDS; AWARDS UNDER OTHER PLANS.
a)Cash-Based Incentive Awards. Each Cash-Based Incentive Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Cash-Based Incentive Award Agreement between the recipient and the Company or Affiliate. Such Cash-Based Incentive Award shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Cash-Based Incentive Award Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. Each Cash-Based Incentive Award shall vest in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions, including conditions based on the attainment of Performance Goals, specified in the Cash-Based Incentive Award Agreement. A Cash-Based Incentive Award Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, disability or retirement or other events.
b)Awards Under Other Plans. The Company may grant awards under other plans or programs. Such awards may be settled in the form of Shares issued under this Plan to the extent the terms of such programs are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan. Such Shares shall be treated for all purposes under the Plan like Shares issued in settlement of Restricted Share Units and shall, when issued, reduce the number of Shares available under Section 5.
SECTION 13. PAYMENT OF DIRECTOR’S FEES IN SECURITIES.
c)Effective Date. No provision of this Section 13 shall be effective unless and until the Board has determined to implement such
provision.
d)Elections to Receive Options, Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units. An Outside Director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer payments and/or meeting fees from the Company in the form of cash, Options, Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Board. Such Options, Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units shall be issued under the Plan. An election under this Section 13 shall be filed with the Company on the prescribed form.
e)Number and Terms of Options, Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units. The number of Options, Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units to be granted to Outside Directors in lieu of annual retainers and meeting fees that would otherwise be paid in cash shall be calculated in a manner determined by the Board. The terms of such Options, Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units shall also be determined by the Board.
SECTION 14. LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.
Shares shall not be issued under the Plan unless the issuance and delivery of such Shares complies with (or is exempt from) all applicable requirements of law, including (without limitation) applicable securities laws, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the regulations of any stock exchange on which the Company’s securities may then be listed, and the Company has obtained the approval or favorable ruling from any governmental agency which the Company determines is necessary or advisable. The Company shall not be liable to a Participant or other persons as to: (a) the
non-issuance or sale of Shares as to which the Company has been unable to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares under the Plan; and (b) any tax consequences expected, but not realized, by any Participant or other person due to the receipt, exercise or settlement of any Award granted under the Plan.
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SECTION 15. TAX PROVISIONS.
a)General. The Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, as applicable, shall have the authority and right to deduct or withhold or to require a Participant to remit to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, as applicable, an amount sufficient to satisfy Tax-Related Items with respect to any taxable or tax withholding event concerning a Participant arising in connection with the Participant’s participation in the Plan or to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, as appropriate, to satisfy withholding obligations for the payment of Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following: (i) withholding from the Participant’s wages or other cash compensation or any and all monies due to the Participant; (ii) withholding from the proceeds of sale of Shares underlying the Award either through a voluntary sale or a mandatory sale arranged by the Company on the Participant’s behalf, without need of further authorization; (iii) withholding of any Shares that otherwise would be issued pursuant to an Award or (iii) any other method determined by the Committee. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares or make any cash payment under the Plan to the Participant or any other person until arrangements acceptable to the Company are made by the Participant or such other person to satisfy the obligations for Tax-Related Items with respect to any taxable or tax withholding event concerning the Participant or such other person as a result of the Plan.
b)Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that a Participant is or may be subject to taxation under the laws of the United States or any political division thereof, the following provisions shall apply:
i.To the extent applicable, it is intended that the Plan and any Awards hereunder comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, so that the income inclusion provisions of Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code do not apply to Participants, and the Plan and Awards hereunder will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. The Plan and any Awards hereunder shall be designed and administered in such a manner that the grant, payment, settlement, or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A of the Code, except as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
ii.Neither a Participant nor any of the Participant’s creditors or beneficiaries shall have the right to subject any Awards that are subject to Section 409A of the Code to any anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment. Except as permitted under Section 409A of the Code, any Awards subject to Section 409A of the Code may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by a Participant to the Company or any of its affiliates.
iii.If, at the time of a Participant’s separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), (A) the Participant is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time) and (B) the Company determined that an amount payable hereunder constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) the payment of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A of the Code in order to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company shall not pay such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but shall instead pay it, without interest, on the first business day following the expiration of such six-month period.
iv.Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan and Awards hereunder to the contrary, the Company reserves the right to make amendments to the Plan and Awards as the Company deems necessary or desirable to avoid the imposition of taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code (or to mitigate adverse tax consequences if compliance is not practicable). In any case, a Participant shall be solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on a Participant or for a Participant’s account in connection with the Plan and Awards (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A of the Code), and neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold a Participant or any other party harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.
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SECTION 16. OTHER PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS.
a)Transferability. Unless the agreement evidencing an Award (or an amendment thereto authorized by the Committee) expressly provides otherwise, no Award granted under this Plan, nor any interest in such Award, may be sold, assigned, conveyed, gifted, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred in any manner (prior to the vesting and lapse of any and all restrictions applicable to Shares issued under such Award), other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any purported assignment, transfer or encumbrance in violation of this Section 16(a) shall be void and unenforceable against the Company.
b)Clawback/Recovery. All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law. In addition, the plan administrator may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions on an Award as the plan administrator determines necessary or appropriate, including, but not limited to, a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired Shares or other cash or property upon the occurrence of cause (as determined by the Committee).
SECTION 17. NO EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED SERVICE RIGHTS.
No provision of the Plan, nor any Award granted under the Plan, shall be construed to give any Participant any right to become, to be treated as, or to remain an Employee or continue providing Service as a Consultant. The Company and its Subsidiaries reserve the right to terminate any person’s Service at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, to the extent permitted by applicable laws.
SECTION 18. DURATION AND AMENDMENTS.
a)Term of the Plan. The Plan, as set forth herein, shall become effective on the date the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company, and shall terminate automatically, on August 2, 2030, and may be terminated on any earlier date pursuant to Subsection (b) below. No Award may be granted after the date the Plan is terminated, but any Awards that are outstanding on the date the Plan terminates shall remain in force according to the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award agreement.
b)Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan. The Board may amend the Plan at any time and from time to time. Rights and obligations under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be materially impaired by such amendment, except with consent of the Participant unless such amendment is deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee, in its sole discretion, to facilitate compliance with applicable law or as contemplated under Section 18(c). An amendment of the Plan shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders only to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.
c)Effect of Termination. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the termination thereof. The termination of the Plan shall not affect Awards previously granted under the Plan.
SECTION 19. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of the Plan or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Plan and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstances shall not be affected, and the provisions so held to be unenforceable shall be reformed to the extent (and to the extent) necessary to make it enforceable and valid.
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SECTION 20. GOVERNING LAW.
The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal substantive laws of Singapore, without giving effect to any principle of law that would result in the application of the law of any other jurisdiction.
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1 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. 8 Marina Boulevard #05-02 Marina Bay Financial Centre Singapore 018981 Attention: The Board of Directors SENDER'S REF RECIPIENT'S REF DATE PAGE HCH/TMH/352308/04 - 29 February 2024 1/7 Dear Sirs, MAXEON SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, LTD. (THE "COMPANY") – 2020 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN OF THE COMPANY 1. Introduction We have been requested by the Company to issue this legal opinion in connection with the registration statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") filed on or about the date hereof with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, under the U.S. Securities Act 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). 2. Documents (a) In rendering this opinion, we have examined the following documents in relation to the Company, but only to the extent necessary for the purposes of rendering this opinion: (i) a copy of the Constitution of the Company; (ii) the certificate confirming incorporation of the Company ("Certificate Confirming Incorporation"); (iii) results of the following electronic searches of public record through BizFile, being the business service portal of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ("ACRA"), and the relevant computerized search facilities of eLitigation provided by CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd (collectively, the "Services", and the searches below, the "Searches": 1. instant information (company) search ("ACRA Search") of the Company (as at the date stated in the table below); 2. a copy of the Certificate of Good Standing of the Company as extracted from Bizfile ("Certificate of Good Standing") (as at the date stated in the table below); 3. companies winding-up (including judicial management) searches at the Supreme Court of Singapore ("Winding-up Searches") on the Company for the years 2022 to 2024 (up to the date stated in the table below); Exhibit 5.1
2 4. cause book searches in the Supreme Court and State Courts of Singapore ("Cause Book Searches") on the Company for the years 2022 to 2024 (up to the date stated in the table below); in each case, conducted on the dates as set out below: Search Search on the Company as of (a) ACRA Search 29 February 2024 (b) Certificate of Good Standing 29 February 2024 (c) Winding-Up Searches 29 February 2024 (d) Cause Book Searches 29 February 2024 The Cause Book Searches include the following search modules (A) in respect of the Supreme Court of Singapore: (i) Appeal Cases – Court of Appeal, District Court Appeal, Appeal from District Judge in Chambers – Order 55C (CJTA), Appeal from District Judge – Order 55D (CJTB), Appeal from DJ/Magistrate in Chambers – Order 55C (RAS); (ii) Civil Cases – Originating Summons, Originating Petitions, Originating Motions, Writ Of Summons, Originating Summons for Protection from Harassment Act; (iii) Enforcement – Writ of Possession, Writ of Seizure and Sale, Writ of Delivery, Writ of Distress; (iv) Insolvency (including Judicial Management) – Companies Winding Up, Originating Summons, Originating Petitions, Originating Motions; and (v) Power Of Attorney, and (B) in respect of the State Courts of Singapore: (i) Appeal Cases – District Court Appeal, Appeal from District Judge in Chambers – Order 55C (CJTA), Appeal from DJ/Magistrate in Chambers – Order 55C (RAS), Appeal from District Judge – Order 55D (CJTB); (ii) Civil Cases – Writ of Summons for District Court, Writ of Summons for Magistrate Court, Originating Summons, Originating Summons for Protection from Harassment Act; and (iii) Enforcement – Writ of Possession, Writ of Seizure and Sale, Writ of Delivery, Writ of Distress; (iv) a copy of the Registration Statement; (v) a copy of the amended and restated Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan dated 28 February 2024 (the "Plan"); (vi) a copy of the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") dated 28 January 2021; (vii) a copy of the certified extract of the minutes of the meeting of the Board dated 29 February 2024; (viii) a copy of the Charter of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Compensation Committee") dated 26 August 2020 (as revised with effect from 28 January 2021);
3 (ix) a copy of the certified extract of the minutes of the meeting of the Compensation Committee dated 28 February 2024; (x) a copy of the minutes of the annual general meeting of the Company dated 23 August 2023; and (xi) such other documents as we have considered necessary or desirable to examine in order that we may render this opinion, (collectively, the "Reviewed Documents"). (b) Other than the Reviewed Documents, which are necessary and which we have reviewed for the purpose of this opinion, we have not reviewed any other document or carried out any other enquiries or investigation for the purposes of giving this opinion. Our opinion herein is accordingly subject to there not being anything contained in any document not reviewed by us or any information not disclosed to us that may, if so reviewed by or disclosed to us, require us to vary or amend this opinion or make any further inquiry or investigation which would, in our judgement, be necessary or appropriate, for the purposes of expressing the opinions set forth herein. 3. Scope This opinion relates only to the laws of general application in Singapore as at the date hereof and as currently applied by the Singapore courts, and is given on the basis that it will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Singapore. We have made no investigation of, and do not express or imply any views on, the laws of any country other than Singapore. In respect of the Reviewed Documents, we have assumed due compliance with all matters concerning the laws of all other relevant jurisdictions (other than Singapore). In particular: (a) we express no opinion (i) on public international law or on the rules of or promulgated under any treaty or by any treaty organization, or on any taxation laws of any jurisdiction (including Singapore), (ii) that the future or continued performance of a party's obligations or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Reviewed Documents and/or the Share Issuance (as hereinafter defined) will not contravene Singapore law, its application or interpretation if altered in the future, and (iii) with regard to the effect of any systems of law (other than Singapore law) even in cases where, under Singapore law, any foreign law should be applied, and we therefore assume that any applicable law (other than Singapore law) would not affect or qualify the opinions as set out below; and (b) this opinion speaks as of the date hereof, no obligation is assumed to update this opinion or to inform any person of any changes of law or other matters coming to our knowledge and occurring after this date, which may, affect this opinion in any respect. 4. Assumptions For the purpose of this opinion, we have assumed (without making any investigation) the following: (a) that each of the Reviewed Documents is (i) legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms for all purposes under all relevant laws, other than the laws of Singapore, (ii) is in full force and effect and save where expressly brought to our attention, has not been terminated or amended, and (iii) has been unconditionally delivered by each of the parties thereto and is not subject to any escrow or other similar arrangement and each of the parties thereto has executed the Reviewed Documents in his or its own capacity and not as trustee or agent;
4 (b) the execution and delivery by each of the parties to the Reviewed Documents and the performance of his or its obligations thereunder do not contravene (i) any provision of the laws or public policy of any jurisdiction outside Singapore, (ii) any provision of the constitutive documents of any of the parties (if a corporation and other than the Company), (iii) any of the agreements binding on him or it or any of his or its assets (other than the Company) or (iv) any judgement, order or decree of any governmental authority or court outside Singapore having jurisdiction over him or it or any of his or its assets and no consent, approval, authorization or order of or qualification with any governmental authority outside Singapore is required for the performance by any of the parties of their respective obligations under the Reviewed Documents; (c) the genuineness of any description, identity, legal capacity and authority of any signatory on the Reviewed Documents and the authenticity of all seals, chops and signatures and of any duty stamp or marking, the completeness and conformity to original instruments of all copies submitted to us and that any document submitted to us is true and complete, up to date and continues in full force and effect; (d) all signatures on the copies of the executed documents reviewed by us which were applied by electronic means satisfy the requirements set out in the Electronic Transactions Act 2010 of Singapore for the valid and proper use of electronic signatures in contracts and transactions; (e) that the directors' resolutions referred to in the Reviewed Documents above remain in full force and effect and have not been revoked, rescinded or varied as at the date of this opinion and that all signatures of the persons named in each of the resolutions in writing are authentic and genuine, and such resolutions where required to be filed with ACRA have been duly filed; no other resolution or other action has been taken that may affect the validity of such resolutions and the interests of each director required to be disclosed and the exercise of powers by such interested directors, in each case pursuant to applicable laws and the Constitution of the Company were duly disclosed and observed; neither the Company nor any of its respective officers or employees has any notice of any matter which would affect the validity and regularity of such resolutions; (f) that the copies of the Constitution and Certificate Confirming Incorporation of the Company, submitted to us for examination are true, complete and up-to-date copies; (g) the correctness of all facts made or implied in each of the documents referred to herein (including the Reviewed Documents); (h) each director and the company secretary of the Company has properly performed his or her duties (including but not limited to fiduciary duties to the Company) and in passing the resolutions referred to in the Reviewed Documents, the directors had acted in good faith and, having regard to all relevant matters, reasonably and honestly believed that the liability to be assumed by the Company pursuant to the execution and performance of each of the Reviewed Documents would be in the commercial interests and for the commercial benefit of the Company (as the case may be) and all provisions under the Company's Constitution and the Companies Act 1967 of Singapore, relating to the declaration of directors' interests or the power of interested directors to vote were duly observed. Furthermore, that no interest of any shareholders of the Company was prejudiced as a result of any previous proceedings of the Company; (i) none of the directors of the Company have been disqualified or restrained from acting as directors of a company under the Companies Act and none of them have done any act which may lead to their office being vacated under the Constitution of the Company;
5 (j) each party to the Reviewed Documents (other than the Company to the extent stated in our opinion) has or will obtain at the appropriate time and will maintain in force all approvals and authorizations required in connection with his or its entry into, and performance of his or its obligations under the Reviewed Documents; (k) the performance of each obligation under the Reviewed Documents (where applicable) is not illegal out of Singapore in which that obligation is to be performed; (l) there have been no changes in the circumstances of the Company since the dates of our review of the Reviewed Documents and the Searches; (m) the information disclosed in the ACRA Search and Certificate of Good Standing: (i) is true and complete and reveals all matters which are capable of being revealed and are required to be notified to ACRA notwithstanding such matters may not in fact have been so notified or that any time limit for any such notification has not yet expired; (ii) has not since been materially altered; and (iii) does not fail to disclose any material information which had been delivered for filing but did not appear on the public file at the time of the search. It should be noted that the ACRA Search is not capable of revealing whether or not a winding-up petition has been presented. Notice of winding-up order or resolution passed or receiver or judicial manager or liquidator appointed may not be filed at ACRA immediately; (n) the information disclosed in the Winding-Up Searches and the Cause Book Searches, is true and complete and that such information has not since been materially altered and that such searches did not fail to disclose any material information which had been delivered for filing but did not appear on the public file or was not disclosed at the time of the search. It should be noted that the Winding-Up Searches and the Cause Book Searches are not capable of revealing (i) any proceedings outside of Singapore; or (ii) any arbitration proceedings whether in Singapore or outside of Singapore; (o) that the Company has not passed a voluntary winding-up resolution or resolution to appoint a liquidator, no application has been presented to, application made to or order made for the bankruptcy, winding-up, dissolution, receivership or judicial management of the Company and no receiver, judicial manager or similar officer has been appointed in relation to the Company or any of its assets, which were not revealed in the searches referred to in paragraph 2(a) and that no other similar process in any other jurisdiction is taking place in relation to the Company; (p) all consents, approvals, permits, licenses, exemptions, waivers or orders required from and all lodgement, filing, notification, recording or registration with any governmental or regulatory body or agency outside Singapore and all stamping requirements in or out of Singapore in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, legality, validity and enforceability of each of the Reviewed Documents, have been or will be duly obtained or fulfilled and are and will remain in full force and effect and that any conditions to which they are subject have been satisfied; (q) the parties to the Reviewed Documents are not, and will not be, engaging in, nor is any such party aware of, misleading or unconscionable or improper conduct or seeking to conduct any relevant transaction or any associated activity in a manner or for a purpose not evident on the face of any of the Reviewed Documents which might render any of the Reviewed
6 Documents or any relevant transaction or associated activity illegal, void or voidable, irregular or invalid; (r) except for what appears in the Reviewed Documents, there are no dealings between the parties that affect the Reviewed Documents (as the case may be); and (s) there are no provisions of the laws of any jurisdiction outside Singapore which would have any implication for the opinions we express and, insofar as the laws of any jurisdiction outside Singapore may be relevant, such laws have been and will be complied with. The making of the above assumptions does not imply that we have made any enquiry to verify any assumption (other than as expressly stated in this opinion). No assumption specified above is limited by reference to any other assumption. 5. Opinion Based on the documents set out in paragraph 2(a) and subject to applicable laws and the assumptions and qualifications herein, we are of the opinion that the 6,665,992 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") to be issued under the Plan (the "Share Issuance") have been duly authorized by the Company for issuance and subscription in accordance with the laws of Singapore or the Constitution of the Company (as the case may be) and when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and the Constitution against payment of the issue price of such Ordinary Shares (if required), will be validly issued and fully paid. 6. Qualifications Our opinion above is subject to the following qualifications: (a) our opinion that an obligation or document is "valid" and "legally binding" means that the obligation or document is of a type and form which the courts in Singapore will generally enforce. It is not to be taken as meaning that the obligation or document can necessarily be enforced in accordance with its terms in all circumstances. In particular, but without limitation: (i) the validity of an agreement may be limited by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) or on account of illegality, fraud, duress, unconscionable conduct or mistake or are overridden by considerations of public policy; and (ii) a court may set aside a contract against a party on the application of that party if that party entered into that contract as a result of fraud, duress or unconscionable conduct on the part of another party; (b) any provisions in the Reviewed Documents which states that amendments to the document, or waivers of any provisions thereof or defaults thereunder are only effective if made in writing and signed by certain parties may not be given effect by the court of Singapore; for example, a court of Singapore may hold that a term of a document may be amended orally by all the parties, or implied by course of conduct; (c) any provisions providing for the severance of any provision which is illegal, invalid or unenforceable may not be binding under the laws of Singapore as it depends on the nature of the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability in question which issue would be determined by the courts in Singapore at their discretion; (d) we neither give nor imply any opinion as to any tax consequences of any transactions contemplated by the Share Issuance; and
7 (e) except as may be expressly described herein, we have not undertaken any independent investigation to determine the existence or absence of any facts and no inference as to our knowledge of the existence or absence of such facts should be drawn from our serving as counsel in giving this opinion. 7. Our opinion is limited to the matters expressly stated herein. 8. We hereby consent to the filing of our opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement; however, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act. This opinion is addressed to the Company solely for its own benefit and, except as provided in this paragraph, is not to be (i) transmitted or used for any other purpose, (ii) quoted or referred to in any public document or filed with any government or regulatory agency or stock or other exchange or any other person, or (iii) disclosed to any other person, without our express prior written consent unless you are required to do so by any law, regulation or any governmental or competent regulatory authority or to produce a copy in court or arbitration proceedings relating to the Plan. Yours faithfully Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
DocuSign Envelope ID: 050E649D-A547-40F2-A2CE-DDA23BE6667A
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd.'s Amended and Restated 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan, of our reports dated March 7, 2023 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. included in its Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended January 1, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Singapore February 29, 2024
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