<PAGE> 1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission November 30, 1999
Registration No. 333-_____
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
The Securities Act of 1933
----------
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA 77-0059951
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)
170 WEST TASMAN DRIVE, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95134-1706
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
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CERENT CORPORATION 1997 STOCK PLAN
-----------------------------
(Full title of the Plan)
----------
JOHN T. CHAMBERS
PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
170 WEST TASMAN DRIVE, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95134-1706
(Name and address of agent for service)
(408) 526-4000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
----------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================
Proposed Proposed
Title of Maximum Maximum
Securities Amount Offering Aggregate Amount of
to be to be Price Offering Registration
Registered Registered(1) per Share(2) Price(2) Fee
---------- ------------- ------------ --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cerent Corporation. 1997 Stock Plan 1,821,683 Shares $37.32 $67,985,209.56 $17,948.10
Common Stock (par value $0.01)
==============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of
Registrant's Common Stock which become issuable under the Cerent
Corporation 1997 Stock Plan by reason of any stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the
Registrant's receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the
number of the Registrant's outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(2) Calculated solely for purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis of the weighted average
exercise price of the outstanding options.
<PAGE> 2
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Cisco Systems, Inc. (the "Registrant") hereby incorporates by reference
into this Registration Statement the following documents previously filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"):
(a) The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1999, filed with the Commission on September 28,
1999, pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the " 1934 Act");
(b) The Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the
Commission on August 13, 1999, as amended on Form 8-K/A filed with
the Commission on August 16, 1999, September 27, 1999, October
20, 1999, November 4, 1999 and November 17, 1999.
(c) The Registrant's Registration Statement No. 000-18225 on Form 8-A
filed with the Commission on January 11, 1990, together with
Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-A/A filed with the Commission on February
15, 1990, and including any other amendments or reports filed for
the purpose of updating such description, in which there is
described the terms, rights and provisions applicable to the
Registrant's Common Stock, and;
(d) The Registrant's Registration Statement No. 000-18225 on Form 8-A
filed with the Commission on June 11, 1998, including any
amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
description, in which there is described the terms, rights and
provisions applicable to the Registrant's Preferred Stock Purchase
Rights.
All reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed
pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after 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 de-registers all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents. 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 subsequently filed
document which also 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
Section 317 of the California Corporations Code authorizes a court
to award, or a corporation's Board of Directors to grant indemnity to directors
and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit indemnification (including
reimbursement of expenses incurred) under certain circumstances for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "1933 Act"). The
Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and Amended and
Restated Bylaws provide for indemnification of its directors, officers,
employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the California
Corporations Code. In addition, the Registrant has entered into Indemnification
Agreements with each of its directors and officers.
II-1
<PAGE> 3
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
Not Applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number Exhibit
- -------------- -------
<S> <C>
4 Instruments Defining the Rights of Stockholders.
Reference is made to Registrant's Registration
Statements No. 000-18225 on Form 8-A, together with
the amendments and exhibits thereto, which are
incorporated herein by reference pursuant to
Items 3(c) and 3(d).
5 Opinion and consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.
23.2 Consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP is contained in
Exhibit 5.
24 Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-3 of this
Registration Statement.
99.1 Cerent Corporation 1997 Stock Plan.
99.2 Cerent Corporation - Form of Stock Option Agreement.
99.3 Form of Option Assumption Agreement.
</TABLE>
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 1933 Act, (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts
or events arising after the effective date of this 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 this
Registration Statement and (iii) to include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this
Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this
Registration Statement; provided, however, that clauses (1)(i) and (1)(ii) shall
not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those clauses is contained in periodic reports filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that are
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement; (2) that for the
purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act 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; and (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 Cerent
Corporation 1997 Stock Plan.
B. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes
of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each filing of the Registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that is
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement 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.
C. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
1933 Act may be permitted to directors, officers or controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the indemnification provisions summarized in Item 6 or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
1933 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 1933 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-2
<PAGE> 4
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 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 on this 30th day
of November, 1999.
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
By: /s/John T. Chambers
------------------------------------
John T. Chambers
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints John T. Chambers and Larry R. Carter, and
each of them, as such person's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents,
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in such
person's name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement,
and to file same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on
behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/John T. Chambers President, Chief Executive November 30, 1999
- --------------------------------- Officer and Director
John T. Chambers (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/Larry R. Carter Senior Vice President, Finance November 30, 1999
- --------------------------------- and Administration, Chief Financial
Larry R. Carter Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
/s/John P. Morgridge Chairman of the Board and November 30, 1999
- --------------------------------- Director
John P. Morgridge
/s/Donald T. Valentine Vice Chairman of the Board and November 30, 1999
- --------------------------------- Director
Donald T. Valentine
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
/s/James F. Gibbons Director November 30, 1999
- ---------------------------------
James F. Gibbons
/s/Steven M. West Director November 30, 1999
- ---------------------------------
Steven M. West
/s/Edward R. Kozel Director November 30, 1999
- ---------------------------------
Edward R. Kozel
/s/Carol A. Bartz Director November 30, 1999
- ---------------------------------
Carol A. Bartz
/s/James C. Morgan Director November 30, 1999
- ---------------------------------
James C. Morgan
/s/Mary Cirillo Director November 30, 1999
- ---------------------------------
Mary Cirillo
/s/Arun Sarin Director November 30, 1999
- ---------------------------------
Arun Sarin
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE> 6
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
EXHIBITS
TO
FORM S-8
UNDER
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
<PAGE> 7
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number Exhibit
- -------------- -------
<S> <C>
4 Instruments Defining the Rights of Stockholders.
Reference is made to Registrant's Registration
Statements No. 000-18225 on Form 8-A, together with
the amendments and exhibits thereto, which are
incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Items
3(c) and 3(d).
5 Opinion and consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.
23.2 Consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP is contained in
Exhibit 5.
24 Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-3 of this
Registration Statement.
99.1 Cerent Corporation 1997 Stock Plan.
99.2 Cerent Corporation - Form of Stock Option Agreement.
99.3 Form of Option Assumption Agreement.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5
OPINION AND CONSENT OF BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP
November 30, 1999
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, California 95134-1706
Re: Cisco Systems, Inc. - Registration Statement for Offering of an
Aggregate of 1,821,683 Shares of Common Stock
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Cisco Systems, Inc., a California
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the registration on Form S-8
(the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of
an aggregate of 1,821,683 shares of common stock (the "Shares") and related
stock options under the Cerent Corporation 1997 Stock Plan (the "Plan"). This
opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 8 of
Form S-8 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K.
We have reviewed the Company's charter documents and the corporate
proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the assumption of the Plan
and the options outstanding thereunder. Based on such review, we are of the
opinion that if, as and when the Shares are issued and sold (and the
consideration therefor received) pursuant to the provisions of option agreements
duly authorized under the Plan and in accordance with the Registration
Statement, such Shares will be duly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
We consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5 to the
Registration Statement.
This opinion letter is rendered as of the date first written above and
we disclaim any obligation to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or
developments which hereafter may be brought to our attention and which may
alter, affect or modify the opinion expressed herein. Our opinion is expressly
limited to the matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by
implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company, the
Plan or the Shares.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP
-----------------------------------
BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated August 10, 1999 relating to the
consolidated financial statements, which appears in the 1999 Annual Report to
Shareholders of Cisco Systems, Inc., which is incorporated by reference in Cisco
Systems, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 1999. We
also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated August 10,
1999 relating to the financial statement schedule, which appears in such Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
---------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
November 30, 1999
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
CERENT CORPORATION
1997 STOCK PLAN
(AS AMENDED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 9, 1999)
1. PURPOSES OF THE PLAN. The purposes of this 1997 Stock Plan are to
attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's
business. Options granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options (as
defined under Section 422 of the Code) or nonstatutory stock options, as
determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an option and subject to
the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder. Stock purchase rights may also be granted
under the Plan.
2. DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any of its Committees
appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
(d) "COMMITTEE" means the Committee appointed by the Board of
Directors in accordance with Section 4(a) of the Plan.
(e) "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.
(f) "COMPANY" means Cerent Corporation, a Delaware corporation
and formerly, Fiberlane Communications, Inc.
(g) "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, who
is engaged by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to render services and is
compensated for such services, and any director of the Company whether
compensated for such services or not.
(h) "CONTINUOUS STATUS AS AN EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT" means the
absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee or
Consultant. Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be
considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick leave; (ii) military leave;
(iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Administrator, provided that
such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, unless
reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or
statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy adopted from
time to time; or (iv) in the case of transfers between locations of the Company
or between the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective successors. For
purposes of this Plan, a change in status from an Employee to a Consultant or
from a Consultant
<PAGE> 2
to an Employee will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Status as an
Employee or Consultant.
(i) "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including officers and
directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company,
with the status of employment determined based upon such minimum number of hours
or periods worked as shall be determined by the Administrator in its discretion,
subject to any requirements of the Code. The payment by the Company of a
director's fee to a Director shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment"
of such Director by the Company.
(j) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
(k) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the fair market
value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established
stock exchange or a national market system including without limitation the
National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation ("Nasdaq") System, its Fair Market Value shall be the
closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were
reported), as quoted on such system or exchange, or the exchange with the
greatest volume of trading in Common Stock for the last market trading day prior
to the time of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such
other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq
System (but not on the National Market thereof) or regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair
Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the
Common Stock for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination,
as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator
deems reliable; or
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the
Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by
the Administrator.
(l) "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option intended to
qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the
Code, as designated in the applicable written option agreement.
(m) "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended
to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, as designated in the applicable written
option agreement.
(n) "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the
Plan.
(o) "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an
Option or a Stock Purchase Right.
(p) "OPTIONEE" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an
Option or a Stock Purchase Right.
-2-
<PAGE> 3
(q) "PARENT" means a "parent corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code, or any successor
provision.
(r) "PLAN" means this 1997 Stock Plan.
(s) "REPORTING PERSON" means an officer, director, or greater
than ten percent stockholder of the Company within the meaning of Rule 16a-2
under the Exchange Act, who is required to file reports pursuant to Rule 16a-3
under the Exchange Act.
(t) "RESTRICTED STOCK" means shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to a grant of a Stock Purchase Right under Section 10 below.
(u) "RULE 16B-3" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act, as the same may be amended from time to time, or any successor
provision.
(v) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 of the Plan.
(w) "STOCK EXCHANGE" means any stock exchange or consolidated
stock price reporting system on which prices for the Common Stock are quoted at
any given time.
(x) "STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT" means the right to purchase Common
Stock pursuant to Section 10 below.
(y) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now
or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, or any
successor provision.
3. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Subject to the provisions of Section 12
of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be optioned and
sold under the Plan is 19,477,000(1) shares of Common Stock, plus an annual
increase on the first day of each of the Company's fiscal years beginning in
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 equal to the lesser of (i) 10,000,000 shares,
(ii) five percent (5%) of the Shares outstanding on the last day of the
immediately preceding fiscal year, or (iii) such lesser number of Shares as the
Board shall determine. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired
Common Stock. If an Option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason
without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares that were subject
thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become available for
future grant under the Plan. In addition, any Shares of Common Stock which are
retained by the Company upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right in
order to satisfy the exercise or purchase price for such Option or Stock
Purchase Right or any withholding taxes due with respect to such exercise shall
be treated as not issued and shall continue to be available under the Plan.
Shares repurchased by the Company pursuant to any repurchase right which the
Company may have shall not be available for future grant under the Plan.
- --------
(1) This figure reflects the Company's 3:1 stock split and includes the
1,000,000 share increase approved by the Board on September 9, 1999, and to be
submitted to the stockholders for approval within one year of such date.
-3-
<PAGE> 4
4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) INITIAL PLAN PROCEDURE. Prior to the date, if any, upon
which the Company becomes subject to the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be
administered by the Board or a committee appointed by the Board.
(b) PLAN PROCEDURE AFTER THE DATE, IF ANY, UPON WHICH THE
COMPANY BECOMES SUBJECT TO THE EXCHANGE ACT.
(i) MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES. If permitted by
Rule 16b-3, grants under the Plan may be made by different bodies with respect
to directors, non-director officers and Employees or Consultants who are not
Reporting Persons.
(ii) ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO REPORTING PERSONS.
With respect to grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to Employees who are
Reporting Persons, such grants shall be made by (A) the Board if the Board may
make grants to Reporting Persons under the Plan in compliance with Rule 16b-3,
or (B) a committee designated by the Board to make such grants under the Plan,
which committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to permit grants under
the Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3. Once appointed, such committee shall
continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the
Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the committee and
appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and
appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused,
and remove all members of the committee and thereafter directly make grants to
Reporting Persons under the Plan, all to the extent permitted by Rule 16b-3.
(iii) ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO CONSULTANTS AND
OTHER EMPLOYEES. With respect to grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights to
Employees or Consultants who are not Reporting Persons, the Plan shall be
administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by the Board, which
committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the legal
requirements relating to the administration of incentive stock option plans, if
any, of California corporate and securities laws, of the Code and of any
applicable Stock Exchange (the "Applicable Laws"). Once appointed, such
Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise
directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the
Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or
without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies,
however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly
administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws.
(c) POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR. Subject to the provisions of
the Plan and in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the
Board to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant
authorities, including the approval, if required, of any Stock Exchange, the
Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common
Stock, in accordance with Section 2(k) of the Plan;
-4-
<PAGE> 5
(ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom
Options and Stock Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options
and Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof are granted hereunder;
(iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock
to be covered by each such
award granted hereunder;
(v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the
Plan;
(vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder;
(vii) to determine whether and under what
circumstances an Option may be settled in cash under Section 9(f) instead of
Common Stock;
(viii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to
the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
covered by such Option shall have declined since the date the Option was
granted;
(ix) to determine the terms and restrictions
applicable to Stock Purchase Rights and the Restricted Stock purchased by
exercising such Stock Purchase Rights; and
(x) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan
and awards granted pursuant to the Plan; and
(xi) in order to fulfill the purposes of the Plan and
without amending the Plan, to modify grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights
to participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United
States in order to recognize differences in local law, tax policies or customs.
(d) EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION. All decisions,
determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and
binding on all holders of Options or Stock Purchase Rights.
5. ELIGIBILITY.
(a) RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may be granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock
Options may be granted only to Employees. An Employee or Consultant who has been
granted an Option or Stock Purchase Right may, if he or she is otherwise
eligible, be granted additional Options or Stock Purchase Rights.
(b) TYPE OF OPTION. Each Option shall be designated in the
written option agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory
Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the
aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares
-5-
<PAGE> 6
with respect to which Options designated as Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by any Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
excess Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of
this Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the
order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of the Shares
subject to an Incentive Stock Option shall be determined as of the date of the
grant of such Option.
(c) The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of an employment or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with such Optionee's right or the
Company's right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship at
any time, with or without cause.
6. TERM OF PLAN. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
stockholders of the Company as described in Section 19 of the Plan. It shall
continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under
Section 15 of the Plan.
7. TERM OF OPTION. The term of each Option shall be the term stated in
the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten
(10) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be
provided in the Option Agreement and provided further that, in the case of an
Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is
granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall be five (5) years from the date of
grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in the written option
agreement.
8. OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.
(a) The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued
pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the
Board and set forth in the applicable agreement, but shall be subject to the
following:
(i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is:
(A) granted to an Employee who, at the time
of the grant of such Incentive Stock Option, owns stock representing more than
ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of
the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be
no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted to any other Employee, the per
Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per
Share on the date of grant.
(ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option that
is:
(A) granted to a person who, at the time of
the grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of
the total combined voting power
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of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per
Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per
Share on the date of the grant.
(B) granted to any person, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.
(b) The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued
upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined
by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be
determined at the time of grant) and may consist entirely of (1) cash, (2)
check, (3) promissory note (subject to the provisions of Section 153 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law), (4) other Shares that (x) in the case of
Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six months on the date of surrender or such other period as may be
required to avoid a charge to the Company's earnings, and (y) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the
Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (5) authorization for the
Company to retain from the total number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date of
exercise equal to the exercise price for the total number of Shares as to which
the Option is exercised, (6) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice
together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if
applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to
the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price and
any applicable income or employment taxes, (7) delivery of an irrevocable
subscription agreement for the Shares that irrevocably obligates the option
holder to take and pay for the Shares not more than twelve months after the date
of delivery of the subscription agreement, (8) any combination of the foregoing
methods of payment, or (9) such other consideration and method of payment for
the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws. In making
its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator
shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to
benefit the Company.
9. EXERCISE OF OPTION.
(a) PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER. Any
Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such
conditions as determined by the Administrator, and reflected in the written
option agreement, which may include vesting requirements and/or performance
criteria with respect to the Company and/or the Optionee; provided that such
Option shall become exercisable at the rate of at least twenty percent (20%) per
year over five (5) years from the date the Option is granted. In the event that
any of the Shares issued upon exercise of an Option should be subject to a right
of repurchase in the Company's favor, such repurchase right shall lapse at the
rate of at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date
the Option is granted. Notwithstanding the above, in the case of an option
granted to an officer, director or consultant of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary of the Company, the option may be fully exercisable, or the
repurchase right may lapse in its entirety, at any time or during any period
established by the Administrator.
An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a
Share.
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<PAGE> 8
An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written
notice of such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the
terms of the Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and the
Company has received full payment for the Shares with respect to which the
Option is exercised. Full payment may, as authorized by the Board, consist of
any consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 8(b) of the
Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of
the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the stock
certificate evidencing such Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any
other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock,
not withstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause
to be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the Option. No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in
Section 12 of the Plan.
Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a
decrease in the number of Shares that thereafter may be available, both for
purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as
to which the Option is exercised.
(b) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP.
Subject to Section 9(c), in the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous
Status as an Employee or Consultant with the Company, such Optionee may, but
only within three (3) months (or such other period of time not less than thirty
(30) days as is determined by the Administrator, with such determination in the
case of an Incentive Stock Option being made at the time of grant of the Option
and not exceeding three (3) months) after the date of such termination (but in
no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth
in the Option Agreement), exercise his or her Option to the extent that the
Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the
extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of such
termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate. No
termination shall be deemed to occur and this Section 9(b) shall not apply if
(i) the Optionee is a Consultant who becomes an Employee; or (ii) the Optionee
is an Employee who becomes a Consultant.
(c) DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.
(i) Notwithstanding Section 9(b) above, in the event
of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant
as a result of his or her total and permanent disability (within the meaning of
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months
from the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration
date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise
the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option
at the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the
extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
(ii) In the event of termination of an Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of a disability which
does not fall within the meaning of total and permanent disability (as set forth
in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but
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<PAGE> 9
only within six (6) months from the date of such termination (but in no event
later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the
Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to
exercise it at the date of such termination. However, to the extent that such
Optionee fails to exercise an Option which is an Incentive Stock Option ("ISO")
(within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) within three (3) months of the
date of such termination, the Option will not qualify for ISO treatment under
the Code. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at
the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the
extent so entitled within six months (6) from the date of termination, the
Option shall terminate.
(d) DEATH OF OPTIONEE. In the event of the death of an
Optionee during the period of Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant
since the date of grant of the Option, or within thirty (30) days following
termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant, the
Option may be exercised, at any time within six (6) months following the date of
death (but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option
as set forth in the Option Agreement), by Optionee's estate or by a person who
acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to
the extent of the right to exercise that had accrued at the date of death or, if
earlier, the date of termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee
or Consultant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the
Option at the date of death or termination, as the case may be, or if Optionee
does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
(e) RULE 16b-3. Options granted to Reporting Persons shall
comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions or
restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption
for Plan transactions.
(f) BUYOUT PROVISIONS. The Administrator may at any time offer
to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based
on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and
communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.
10. STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.
(a) RIGHTS TO PURCHASE. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued
either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the
Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator
determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall
advise the offeree in writing of the terms, conditions and restrictions related
to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled
to purchase, the price to be paid (which price shall not be less than 85% of the
Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date of the offer, or, in the case of
a person owning stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, the price shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the
Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date of the offer), and the time
within which such person must accept such offer, which shall in no event exceed
thirty (30) days from the date upon which the Administrator made the
determination to grant the Stock Purchase Right. The offer shall be accepted by
execution of a Restricted Stock purchase agreement in the form determined by the
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<PAGE> 10
Administrator. Shares purchased pursuant to the grant of a Stock Purchase Right
shall be referred to herein as "Restricted Stock."
(b) REPURCHASE OPTION. Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's employment with the Company for any reason (including death or
disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original purchase price paid by
the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the
purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the
Administrator may determine, but at a minimum rate of 20% per year, provided,
however that in the case of Restricted Stock held by an officer, director or
consultant of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, the
repurchase option may lapse in its entirety at any time or during any period
established by the Administrator.
(c) OTHER PROVISIONS. The Restricted Stock purchase agreement
shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with
the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. In
addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock purchase agreements need not be the
same with respect to each purchaser.
(d) RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
stockholder, and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 12
of the Plan.
11. STOCK WITHHOLDING TO SATISFY WITHHOLDING TAX OBLIGATIONS. At the
discretion of the Administrator, Optionees may satisfy withholding obligations
as provided in this paragraph. When an Optionee incurs tax liability in
connection with an Option or Stock Purchase Right, which tax liability is
subject to tax withholding under applicable tax laws, and the Optionee is
obligated to pay the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable
tax laws, the Optionee may satisfy the withholding tax obligation by one or some
combination of the following methods: (a) by cash payment, or (b) out of
Optionee's current compensation, (c) if permitted by the Administrator, in its
discretion, by surrendering to the Company Shares that (i) in the case of Shares
previously acquired from the Company, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a fair market value on
the date of surrender equal to or less than Optionee's marginal tax rate times
the ordinary income recognized, or (d) by electing to have the Company withhold
from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option, or the Shares to be
issued in connection with the Stock Purchase Right, if any, that number of
Shares having a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld.
For this purpose, the fair market value of the Shares to be withheld shall be
determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined
(the "Tax Date").
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<PAGE> 11
Any surrender by a Reporting Person of previously owned Shares
to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon exercise of this Option must
comply with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3.
All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld to
satisfy tax withholding obligations shall be made in writing in a form
acceptable to the Administrator and shall be subject to the following
restrictions:
(a) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable
Tax Date;
(b) once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to which the election
is made; and
(c) all elections shall be subject to the consent or
disapproval of the Administrator.
In the event the election to have Shares withheld is made by
an Optionee and the Tax Date is deferred under Section 83 of the Code because no
election is filed under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Optionee shall receive
the full number of Shares with respect to which the Option or Stock Purchase
Right is exercised but such Optionee shall be unconditionally obligated to
tender back to the Company the proper number of Shares on the Tax Date.
12. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, MERGER OR CERTAIN OTHER
TRANSACTIONS.
(a) CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. Subject to any required action
by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered
by each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock that have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or that have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination, recapitalization or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any
other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock
effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however,
that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed
to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall
be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final,
binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the
Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject
to an Option or Stock Purchase Right.
(b) DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Board shall notify the Optionee
at least fifteen (15) days prior to
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<PAGE> 12
such proposed action. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, the
Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.
(c) MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS. In the event of a proposed sale
of all or substantially all of the Company's assets or a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation where the successor corporation issues its
securities to the Company's stockholders, each outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right shall be
substituted by such successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such
successor corporation, unless the successor corporation does not agree to assume
the Option or Stock Purchase Right or to substitute an equivalent option or
right, in which case such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon
the consummation of the merger or sale of assets.
(d) CERTAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. In the event of any distribution to
the Company's stockholders of securities of any other entity or other assets
(other than dividends payable in cash or stock of the Company) without receipt
of consideration by the Company, the Administrator may, in its discretion,
appropriately adjust the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right to reflect the effect of such
distribution.
13. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS. Options
and Stock Purchase Rights may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of
descent or distribution and may be exercised or purchased during the lifetime of
the Optionee or Stock Purchase Rights Holder only by the Optionee or Stock
Purchase Rights Holder.
14. TIME OF GRANTING OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS. The date of
grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date
on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock
Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Board; provided
however that in the case of any Incentive Stock Option, the grant date shall be
the later of the date on which the Administrator makes the determination
granting such Incentive Stock Option or the date of commencement of the
Optionee's employment relationship with the Company. Notice of the determination
shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an Option or Stock
Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such
grant.
15. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) AUTHORITY TO AMEND OR TERMINATE. The Board may at any time
amend, alter, suspend or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration,
suspension or discontinuation shall be made that would impair the rights of any
Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. In
addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 or
with Section 422 of the Code (or any other applicable law or regulation,
including the requirements of any Stock Exchange), the Company shall obtain
stockholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree
as required.
(b) EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION. No amendment or
termination of the Plan shall adversely affect Options already granted, unless
mutually agreed otherwise
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<PAGE> 13
between the Optionee and the Board, which agreement must be in writing and
signed by the Optionee and the Company.
16. CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES. Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the
exercise of such Option or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of
such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of law,
including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the
requirements of any Stock Exchange. As a condition to the exercise of an Option,
the Company may require the person exercising such Option to represent and
warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased
only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such
Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is
required by law.
17. RESERVATION OF SHARES. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. The inability of the Company
to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which
authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful
issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any
liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which
such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
18. AGREEMENTS. Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall be evidenced by
written agreements in such form as the Administrator shall approve from time to
time.
19. STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained
in the degree and manner required under applicable state and federal law and the
rules of any Stock Exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed. All Options
and Stock Purchase Rights issued under the Plan shall become void in the event
such approval is not obtained.
20. INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS TO OPTIONEES AND PURCHASERS. The Company
shall provide financial statements at least annually to each Optionee and to
each individual who acquired Shares Pursuant to the Plan, during the period such
Optionee or purchaser has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights
outstanding, and in the case of an individual who acquired Shares pursuant to
the Plan, during the period such individual owns such Shares. The Company shall
not be required to provide such information if the issuance of Options or Stock
Purchase Rights under the Plan is limited to key employees whose duties in
connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent information. In
addition, at the time of issuance of any securities under the Plan, the Company
shall provide to the Optionee or the Purchaser a copy of the Plan and any
agreement(s) pursuant to which securities under the Plan are issued.
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.2
CERENT CORPORATION
1997 STOCK PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
1. GRANT OF OPTION. Cerent Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), hereby grants to <OPTIONEENAME> ("Optionee"), an option (the
"Option") to purchase a total number of shares of Common Stock (the "Shares")
set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, at the exercise price per share
set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the "Exercise Price") subject to
the terms, definitions and provisions of the Cerent Corporation 1997 Stock Plan
(the "Plan") adopted by the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the
same defined meanings in this Option.
If designated an Incentive Stock Option, this Option is
intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of
the Code.
2. EXERCISE OF OPTION. This Option shall be exercisable during its Term
in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Stock Option
Grant and with the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan as follows:
(a) RIGHT TO EXERCISE.
(i) This Option may not be exercised for a fraction
of a share.
(ii) In the event of Optionee's death, disability or
other termination of employment, the exercisability of the Option is governed by
Sections 5, 6 and 7 below, subject to the limitation contained in Section
2(a)(i).
(iii) In no event may this Option be exercised after
the Expiration Date of this Option as set forth in the Notice of Stock Option
Grant.
(b) METHOD OF EXERCISE. This Option shall be exercisable by
execution and delivery of the Exercise Notice and Restricted Stock Purchase
Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Agreement") or of any
other form of written notice approved for such purpose by the Company which
shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect
of which the Option is being exercised, and such other representations and
agreements as to the holder's investment intent with respect to such shares of
Common Stock as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the
Plan. Such written notice shall be signed by Optionee and shall be delivered in
person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the Company. The written notice
shall be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. This Option shall be
deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such written notice
accompanied by the Exercise Price.
1
<PAGE> 2
No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless
such issuance and such exercise shall comply with all relevant provisions of
applicable law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares
may then be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares
shall be considered transferred to Optionee on the date on which the Option is
exercised with respect to such Shares.
3. METHOD OF PAYMENT. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be by any of
the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Optionee:
(a) cash;
(b) check;
(c) surrender of other shares of Common Stock of the Company
which (i) in the case of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Company
option, have been owned by Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of
surrender, and (ii) have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to
the Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being exercised;
(d) if there is a public market for the Shares and they are
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, delivery of a properly
executed exercise notice together with irrevocable
instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale
or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price.
4. RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISE. This Option may not be exercised until
such time as the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, or
if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulation, including any rule under
Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the
Federal Reserve Board. As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the
Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the
Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.
5. TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP. In the event of termination of
Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant, Optionee may, to the
extent otherwise so entitled at the date of such termination (the "Termination
Date"), exercise this Option during the Termination Period set forth in the
Notice of Stock Option Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to
exercise this Option at such Termination Date, or if Optionee does not exercise
this Option within the Termination Period, the Option shall terminate.
6. DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5 above, in the
event of termination of Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a
result of Optionee's total and permanent disability (as defined in Section
22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the
Termination Date (but in no event later than the Expiration Date set forth in
the Notice of Stock Option Grant), exercise this Option to the
2
<PAGE> 3
extent Optionee was entitled to exercise it as of such Termination Date. To the
extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option as of the
Termination Date, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option (to the extent so
entitled) within the time specified in this Section 6(a), the Option shall
terminate.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5 above, in the
event of termination of Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status
as an Employee as a result of disability not constituting a total and permanent
disability (as set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but
only within six (6) months from the Termination Date (but in no event later than
the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant), exercise the
Option to the extent Optionee was entitled to exercise it as of such Termination
Date; provided, however, that if this is an Incentive Stock Option and Optionee
fails to exercise this Incentive Stock Option within three (3) months from the
Termination Date, this Option will cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option
(as defined in Section 422 of the Code) and Optionee will be treated for federal
income tax purposes as having received ordinary income at the time of such
exercise in an amount generally measured by the difference between the Exercise
Price for the Shares and the fair market value of the Shares on the date of
exercise. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at
the Termination Date, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent
so entitled within the time specified in this Section 6(b), the Option shall
terminate.
7. DEATH OF OPTIONEE. In the event of the death of Optionee (a) during
the Term of this Option and while an Employee or Consultant of the Company and
having been in Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant since the date of
grant of the Option, or (b) within thirty (30) days after Optionee's Termination
Date, the Option may be exercised at any time within six (6) months following
the date of death (but in no event later than the Expiration Date set forth in
the Notice of Stock Option Grant), by Optionee's estate or by a person who
acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to
the extent of the right to exercise that had accrued at the Termination Date.
8. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by him or her. The terms
of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs,
successors and assigns of Optionee.
9. TERM OF OPTION. This Option may be exercised only within the Term
set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, subject to the limitations set
forth in Section 7 of the Plan.
10. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date
of this Option of certain of the federal and California tax consequences of
exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares under the laws in effect
as of the Date of Grant. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX
LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX
ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.
3
<PAGE> 4
(a) EXERCISE OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. If this Option
qualifies as an Incentive Stock Option, there will be no regular federal or
California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option, although the
excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise
over the Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to the alternative
minimum tax for federal tax purposes and may subject Optionee to the alternative
minimum tax in the year of exercise.
(b) EXERCISE OF NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION. If this Option does
not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, there may be a regular federal income
tax liability and a California income tax liability upon the exercise of the
Option. Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable
at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market
value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. If Optionee
is an employee, the Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's
compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing
authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the
time of exercise.
(c) DISPOSITION OF SHARES. In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock
Option, if Shares are held for more than one year, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
and California income tax purposes. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, if
Shares transferred pursuant to the Option are held for more than one year after
exercise and are disposed of at least two years after the Date of Grant, any
gain realized on disposition of the Shares will also be treated as long-term
capital gain for federal and California income tax purposes. In either case, the
long-term capital gain will be taxed for federal income tax and alternative
minimum tax purposes at a maximum rate of 20% if the Shares are held more than
one year after exercise. If Shares purchased under an Incentive Stock Option are
disposed of within one year after exercise or within two years after the Date of
Grant, any gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation
income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the difference
between the Exercise Price and the lesser of (i) the Fair Market Value of the
Shares on the date of exercise, or (ii) the sale price of the Shares.
(d) NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF INCENTIVE STOCK
OPTION SHARES. If the Option granted to Optionee herein is an Incentive Stock
Option, and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares
acquired pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option on or before the later of (i)
the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one year after the
date of exercise, Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in writing of
such disposition. Optionee acknowledges and agrees that he or she may be subject
to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized
by Optionee from the early disposition by payment in cash or out of the current
earnings paid to Optionee.
11. WITHHOLDING TAX OBLIGATIONS. Optionee understands that, upon
exercising a Nonstatutory Stock Option, he or she will recognize income for tax
purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the then fair market value of the
Shares over the Exercise Price. However, the timing of this income recognition
may be deferred for up to six months if
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<PAGE> 5
Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"). If Optionee is an employee, the Company will be
required to withhold from Optionee's compensation, or collect from Optionee and
pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this
compensation income. Additionally, Optionee may at some point be required to
satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to the disqualifying
disposition of an Incentive Stock Option. Optionee shall satisfy his or her tax
withholding obligation arising upon the exercise of this Option by one or some
combination of the following methods: (a) by cash payment, (b) out of Optionee's
current compensation, (c) if permitted by the Administrator, in its discretion,
by surrendering to the Company Shares which (i) in the case of Shares previously
acquired from the Company, have been owned by Optionee for more than six months
on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a fair market value on the date of
surrender equal to or greater than Optionee's marginal tax rate times the
ordinary income recognized, or (d) by electing to have the Company withhold from
the Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option that number of Shares having
a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld. For this
purpose, the fair market value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined
on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined (the "Tax
Date").
If Optionee is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (an
"Insider"), any surrender of previously owned Shares to satisfy tax withholding
obligations arising upon exercise of this Option must comply with the applicable
provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act ("Rule 16b-3").
All elections by Optionee to have Shares withheld to satisfy tax
withholding obligations shall be made in writing in a form acceptable to the
Administrator and shall be subject to the following restrictions:
(a) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable
Tax Date;
(b) once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option as to which the election is made; and
(c) all elections shall be subject to the consent or
disapproval of the Administrator.
12. MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. In connection with the initial public
offering of the Company's securities and upon request of the Company or the
underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company's securities,
Optionee hereby agrees not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any
option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any Shares (other than those
included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the Company
or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time (not to exceed
180 days) from the effective date of such registration as may be requested by
the Company or such managing underwriters and to execute an agreement reflecting
the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of the public
offering.
[Signature Page Follows]
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<PAGE> 6
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one
document.
COMPANY:
CERENT CORPORATION
By: ____________________________________
Carl Russo, President and
Chief Executive Officer
OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO
THE OPTION HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT THE
WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS
OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY'S STOCK PLAN WHICH IS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, SHALL CONFER UPON OPTIONEE ANY RIGHT WITH
RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY BY THE COMPANY, NOR SHALL
IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO
TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.
Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that
he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts
this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to
obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully
understands all provisions of the Option. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as
binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the
Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option.
Dated: ______________________ __________________________________
<OPTIONEENAME>
7
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.3
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
STOCK OPTION ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
CERENT CORPORATION
1997 STOCK PLAN
OPTIONEE: <First_Name> <Last_Name>,
STOCK OPTION ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT effective as of the 1st day of
November, 1999 by Cisco Systems, Inc., a California corporation ("Cisco").
WHEREAS, the undersigned individual ("Optionee") holds one or more
outstanding options to purchase shares of the common stock of Cerent
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Cerent"), which were granted to Optionee
under the Cerent 1997 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and are each evidenced by a Stock
Option Agreement (the "Option Agreement").
WHEREAS, Cerent has been acquired by Cisco through the merger of Cerent
with and into Cisco (the "Merger") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization, by and between Cisco and Cerent (the "Merger Agreement").
WHEREAS, the provisions of the Merger Agreement require Cisco to assume
all obligations of Cerent under all outstanding options under the Plan at the
consummation of the Merger and to issue to the holder of each outstanding option
an agreement evidencing the assumption of such option.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the Merger Agreement, the
exchange ratio (the "Exchange Ratio") in effect for the Merger is 1.439084475
shares of Cisco common stock ("Cisco Stock") for each outstanding share of
Cerent common stock ("Cerent Stock").
WHEREAS, this Agreement became effective immediately upon the
consummation of the Merger (the "Effective Time") in order to reflect certain
adjustments to Optionee's outstanding options which have become necessary by
reason of the assumption of those options by Cisco in connection with the
Merger.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. The number of shares of Cerent Stock subject to the options held by
Optionee immediately prior to the Effective Time (the "Cerent Options") and the
exercise price payable per share are set forth below. Cisco hereby assumes, as
of the Effective Time, all the duties and obligations of Cerent under each of
the Cerent Options. In connection with such assumption, the number of shares of
Cisco Stock purchasable under each Cerent Option hereby assumed and the exercise
price payable thereunder have been adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio.
Accordingly, the number of shares of Cisco Stock subject to each Cerent Option
hereby assumed shall be as specified for that option below, and the adjusted
exercise price payable per share of Cisco Stock under the assumed Cerent Option
shall also be as indicated for that option below.
<PAGE> 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERENT STOCK OPTIONS CISCO ASSUMED OPTIONS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# of Shares of Cerent Exercise Price per Share # of Shares of Cisco Adjusted Exercise
Common Stock Common Stock Price per Share
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
<Cerent_Shares> $<<Cerent_Price>> <Cisco_Shares> $<Cisco_Price>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
2. The intent of the foregoing adjustments to each assumed Cerent
Option is to assure that the spread between the aggregate fair market value of
the shares of Cisco Stock purchasable under each such option and the aggregate
exercise price as adjusted pursuant to this Agreement will, immediately after
the consummation of the Merger, be not less than the spread which existed,
immediately prior to the Merger, between the then aggregate fair market value of
the Cerent Stock subject to the Cerent Option and the aggregate exercise price
in effect at such time under the Option Agreement. Such adjustments are also
intended to preserve, immediately after the Merger, on a per share basis, the
same ratio of exercise price per option share to fair market value per share
which existed under the Cerent Option immediately prior to the Merger.
3. The following provisions shall govern each Cerent Option hereby
assumed by Cisco:
(a) Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in
each Option Agreement and, if applicable, in the Plan (as incorporated
into such Option Agreement) (i) to the "Company" shall mean Cisco, (ii)
to "Share" shall mean share of Cisco Stock, (iii) to the "Board" shall
mean the Board of Directors of Cisco and (iv) to the "Committee" shall
mean the Compensation Committee of the Cisco Board of Directors.
(b) The grant date and the expiration date of each assumed
Cerent Option and all other provisions which govern either the exercise
or the termination of the assumed Cerent Option shall remain the same
as set forth in the Option Agreement applicable to that option, and the
provisions of the Option Agreement shall accordingly govern and control
Optionee's rights under this Agreement to purchase Cisco Stock.
(c) Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, none of
your options assumed by Cisco in connection with the transaction will
vest and become exercisable on an accelerated basis upon the
consummation of the Merger. Each Cerent Option shall be assumed by
Cisco as of the Effective Time. Each such assumed Cerent Option shall
thereafter continue to vest for any remaining unvested shares of Cisco
Stock subject to that option in accordance with the same installment
vesting schedule in effect under the applicable Option Agreement
immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided, however, that the
number of shares subject to each such installment shall be adjusted to
reflect the Exchange Ratio.
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<PAGE> 3
(d) For purposes of applying any and all provisions of the
Option Agreement and/or the Plan relating to Optionee's status as an
employee or a consultant of Cerent, Optionee shall be deemed to
continue in such status as an employee or a consultant for so long as
Optionee renders services as an employee or a consultant to Cisco or
any present or future Cisco subsidiary. Accordingly, the provisions of
the Option Agreement governing the termination of the assumed Cerent
Options upon Optionee's cessation of service as an employee or a
consultant of Cerent shall hereafter be applied on the basis of
Optionee's cessation of employee or consultant status with Cisco and
its subsidiaries, and each assumed Cerent Option shall accordingly
terminate, within the designated time period in effect under the Option
Agreement for that option, generally a three (3) month period,
following such cessation of service as an employee or a consultant of
Cisco and its subsidiaries.
(e) The adjusted exercise price payable for the Cisco Stock
subject to each assumed Cerent Option shall be payable in any of the
forms authorized under the Option Agreement applicable to that option.
For purposes of determining the holding period of any shares of Cisco
Stock delivered in payment of such adjusted exercise price, the period
for which such shares were held as Cerent Stock prior to the Merger
shall be taken into account.
(f) In order to exercise each assumed Cerent Option, Optionee
must deliver to Cisco a written notice of exercise in which the number
of shares of Cisco Stock to be purchased thereunder must be indicated.
The exercise notice must be accompanied by payment of the adjusted
exercise price payable for the purchased shares of Cisco Stock and
should be delivered to Cisco at the following address:
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
MS 11-3
San Jose, CA 95134
Attention: Stock Administration
4. Except to the extent specifically modified by this Option Assumption
Agreement, all of the terms and conditions of each Option Agreement as in effect
immediately prior to the Merger shall continue in full force and effect and
shall not in any way be amended, revised or otherwise affected by this Stock
Option Assumption Agreement.
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<PAGE> 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cisco Systems, Inc. has caused this Stock Option
Assumption Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly-authorized officer
as of the 1st day of November, 1999.
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
By: /s/ LARRY R. CARTER
-------------------------------------
Larry R. Carter
Corporate Secretary
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the foregoing Stock Option
Assumption Agreement and understands that all rights and liabilities with
respect to each of his or her Cerent Options hereby assumed by Cisco are as set
forth in the Option Agreement, the Plan, as applicable, and such Stock Option
Assumption Agreement.
-----------------------------------------
<First_Name> <Last_Name>, OPTIONEE
DATED: , 1999
------------------
