ENvue Medical, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Apr 15, 2026.
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FY2025 · Filed Apr 15, 2026
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ITEM 11. : EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the names and positions of: (i) each person who served as our principal executive officer during the year ended December 31, 2025, (ii) the two most highly compensated executive officers, other than our principal executive officer, who were serving as executive officers, as determined in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, as of December 31, 2025, (iii) up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided pursuant to clause (ii) but for the fact that the person was not serving as our executive officer at December 31, 2025 (collectively our “Named Executive Officers”):
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Doron Besser | Chief Executive Officer |
| Nicole Fernandez-McGovern | Interim Chief Financial Officer |
| Brian Murphy | Former Chief Executive Officer |
| Stephen Brown | Former Chief Financial Officer |
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth all compensation earned, in all capacities, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024 by our Named Executive Officers.
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($)(1) | Option Awards ($)(2) | All Other Compensation ($)(3) | Total ($)(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doron Besser, Chief Executive Officer | 2025 | $354,744 | $224,647 | - | $22,269 | $601,660 |
| 2024 · $ · - · - · - · - · $ · - | ||||||
| Nicole Fernandez-McGovern, Interim Chief Financial Officer | 2025 | $12,500 | - | - | - | $12,500 |
| 2024 · $ · - · - · - · - · $ · - | ||||||
| Brian Murphy, Former Chief Executive Officer | 2025 | $134,397 | 73,200 | - | 321,000 | $528,597 |
| 2024 | $307,269 | 83,712 | 42,285 | - | $433,266 | |
| Stephen Brown, Former Chief Financial Officer | 2025 | $293,465 | 94,500 | - | 180,000 | $567,965 |
| 2024 | $255,385 | 44,500 | 26,428 | - | $326,313 | |
| (1) | Represents incentive compensation payments earned. |
| (2) | In accordance with SEC rules, the amounts reported in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards granted during the applicable fiscal year, computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. The fair value is based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the market price of the underlying shares at the grant date. For additional discussion of the valuation assumptions used in determining stock-based compensation and the grant date fair value for stock options, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Critical Accounting Policies - Stock-based compensation” and Note 3- “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 11- “Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)” to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, included herein. |
| (3) | Represents car allowance for Dr. Besser, and lump sum severance payments for Mr. Murphy in the amount of $321 and $180 for Mr. Brown per their employment agreements. |
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
Employment Agreements
We have entered into agreements with each of our Named Executive Officers. A description of each of these agreements follows.
Doron Besser, Chief Executive Officer
2025 Besser Employment Agreement
On December 17, 2025, ENvue Medical Israel Ltd., our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Dr. Doron Besser, our Chief Executive Officer, which was subsequently amended by the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 2, 2026 (collectively the “Besser Employment Agreement”). The following is a summary of the material terms of the Besser Employment Agreement.
Pursuant to the Besser Employment Agreement, Dr. Besser is entitled to a gross base salary of $360,000 less any applicable payroll deductions and tax withholdings and pursuant to the exchange rate as set forth in the Besser Employment Agreement (the “Besser Base Salary”). Additionally, Dr. Besser shall be eligible to receive a gross annual bonus of up to $180,000, less applicable payroll deductions and tax withholdings, pursuant to the exchange rate as set forth in the Besser Employment Agreement, and subject to the extent to which Dr. Besser has met performance criteria for the applicable calendar year and as determined by the Board of Directors.
Pursuant to the Besser Employment Agreement, and upon the Board’s approval of such grants on April 4, 2026, we granted Dr. Besser an initial award of restricted stock units (the “Initial Grant”) representing, in the aggregate, nine percent (9%) of our issued and outstanding common stock on a fully diluted basis as of the date of grant, subject to the terms and conditions of our 2024 Long-Term Incentive Plan and a restricted stock unit award agreement. The Initial Grant is intended to be made, to the extent possible, under the Capital Gains track of Section 102 of the Israeli Tax Ordinance and shall be fully vested at grant. In addition, we shall issue additional restricted stock units to Dr. Besser on each quarterly anniversary of the date of the Initial Grant, to the extent necessary to maintain his nine percent (9%) fully diluted ownership interest (each, a “Gross-Up”), provided Dr. Besser remains employed on the applicable date of grant. Each Gross-Up shall also be fully vested at grant. In the event Dr. Besser is terminated without Cause or resigns for Good Reason, he shall receive a prorated Gross-Up immediately prior to his termination date, based on the number of calendar days employed during the applicable quarter. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the grant date for the Initial Grant has not yet been determined.
Pursuant to the terms of the Besser Employment Agreement, the Company shall transfer the funds each month to a study fund chosen by Dr. Besser (the “Study Fund”) in the following amounts: (i) 2.5% of the Besser Base Salary, to be contributed by the Dr. Besser and deducted from the Base Salary; and (b) a sum equal to 7.5% of the Besser Base Salary, to be contributed by the Company, all, up to the maximum cap permitted by the Israeli tax authorities for exemption. Upon termination of Dr. Besser’s employment, the Company shall remit to Dr. Besser all sums accumulated for Dr. Besser’s benefit in the Study Fund.
The Besser Employment Agreement shall be at-will and either the Company or Dr. Besser may terminate Dr. Besser’s employment with the Company at any time upon six months’ written notice to the other party, subject to the terms of the Besser Employment Agreement. In the event Dr. Besser’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or Dr. Besser resigns for Good Reason, or if a Change in Control of the Company has occurred, and Dr. Besser has resigned for Good Reason, or is terminated for reasons other than for Cause (each as defined in the Besser Employment Agreement), within 90 days from the occurrence of such Change in Control of the Company and provided that Dr. Besser executes and delivers a separation and release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, within 21 days after Dr. Besser’s date of termination, subject to applicable law, among others, the Company shall pay the Dr. Besser a special one-time gross payment equal to 12 months’ Besser Base Salary in effect on the date of termination), less any applicable payroll deductions and tax withholdings. Dr. Besser shall also be entitled to severance pay in an amount equal to 81/3% of the Besser Base Salary and certain pension and insurance contributions.
The Besser Employment Agreement also provides for certain customary covenants regarding non-solicitation, non-competition and confidentiality and certain customary employee benefits regarding transport and technology expenses, among others.
For the years ended December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, the Compensation Committee approved performance bonuses of $224,647 and $0, respectively to Dr. Besser.
Nicole Fernandez-McGovern, Chief Financial Officer
2025 Fernandez-McGovern Employment Agreement
On December 18, 2025, we entered into a consulting agreement (the “Fernandez-McGovern Consulting Agreement”) with RCM Financial Consulting, Inc., through which Nicole Fernandez-McGovern serves as our interim Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Fernandez-McGovern is an independent contractor and is not an employee of the Company.
Pursuant to the terms of the Fernandez-McGovern Consulting Agreement, the Company shall pay Ms. Fernandez McGovern an annual salary of $300,000 as well as reimbursement of certain customary expenses. The Fernandez-McGovern Consulting Agreement may be terminated by either Ms. Fernandez-McGovern or the Company at any time by providing 60 days prior written notice, pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms of the Fernandez-McGovern Consulting Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Fernandez-McGovern Consulting Agreement, Ms. McGovern shall perform customary tasks for such a position, including but not limited to, overseeing and perform technical accounting review under GAAP and SEC requirements, leading and conclude impairment testing, going concern analysis, and complex accounting judgments and maintaining responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and defensibility of the Company’s financial statements. The Fernandez-McGovern Consulting Agreement also provides for certain customary provisions regarding confidentiality.
Brian Murphy, Former Chief Executive Officer
On June 4, 2025, the Board appointed Doron Besser, M.D., a director of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ENvue Medical Holdings LLC, as the Company’s CEO, effective as of the same date. In connection with such appointment, Brian Murphy resigned from the Company as its CEO, effective as of the same date. Prior to Mr. Murphy’s resignation from the Company as its CEO, Mr. Murphy was employed by the Company pursuant to the 2024 Murphy Employment Agreement (as defined below).
2024 Murphy Employment Agreement
On September 20, 2024, we entered into a new employment with Mr. Murphy (the “2024 Murphy Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which the parties agreed to have Mr. Murphy continue to serve as our Chief Executive Officer, effective September 20, 2024, through August 31, 2025, unless earlier terminated by either party pursuant to the 2024 Murphy Employment Agreement. The prior Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Murphy, dated as of January 1, 2022, terminated upon effectiveness of the 2024 Murphy Agreement.
As consideration for his services as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Murphy was entitled to receive (i) an annual base salary of $321,000, less applicable payroll deductions and tax withholdings; (ii) reimbursement of any reasonable and customary, documented out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by Mr. Murphy in connection with the performance of his services under the 2024 Murphy Employment Agreement; and (iii) an annual bonus of up to $100,000, less applicable payroll deductions and tax withholdings, based on the extent to which Mr. Murphy met performance criteria for the calendar year, as determined by us in good faith. Mr. Murphy may also be eligible to receive certain grants of incentive stock options to purchase shares of common stock.
Either party was permitted to terminate the 2024 Murphy Employment Agreement at any time upon ninety (90) days written notice. Upon termination of Mr. Murphy’s employment, we agreed to pay Mr. Murphy (i) any unpaid salary accrued through the date of termination, (ii) any accrued and unpaid vacation or similar pay to which Mr. Murphy is entitled as a matter of law or Company policy, and (iii) any unreimbursed expenses properly incurred prior to the date of termination (the “Murphy Accrued Obligations”).
In the event we terminated Mr. Murphy’s employment for cause, we had no further liability or obligation to Mr. Murphy under the 2024 Murphy Employment Agreement or in connection with Mr. Murphy’s employment, except for the Murphy Accrued Obligations. The 2024 Murphy Employment Agreement also contained certain standard non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and assignment of inventions requirements for Mr. Murphy.
For the years ended December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, the Compensation Committee approved performance bonuses of $73,200 and $83,712, respectively, to Mr. Murphy.
Stephen Brown, Former Chief Financial Officer
On December 18, 2025, the Board appointed Nicole Fernandez-McGovern, as the Company’s interim Chief Financial Officer, effective as of the same date. In connection with such appointment, Stephen Brown resigned from the Company as its Chief Financial Officer, effective as of the same date. Prior to Mr. Brown’s resignation from the Company, Mr. Murphy was employed by the Company pursuant to the A&R Brown Employment Agreement (as defined below).
2025 Amended and Restated Brown Employment Agreement
On August 11, 2025 (the “Brown Effective Date”), the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement (the “A&R Brown Employment Agreement”) with Mr. Brown, which such agreement amends, restates and the employment agreements dated September 20, 2024, January 1, 2022, and October 5, 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the A&R Brown Employment Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Brown an annual salary of $300,000, less any applicable payroll deductions and tax withholdings (the “Brown Base Salary”).
Either the Company or Mr. Brown were permitted to terminate Mr. Brown’s employment with the Company at any time upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party, subject to the terms of the A&R Brown Employment Agreement. In the event of such termination, the Company had agreed to pay Mr. Brown the Brown Base Salary through the date of termination and other customary accrued and reimbursable expenses. Additionally, in the event the Company terminated Mr. Brown’s employment for Cause (as defined in the A&R Brown Employment Agreement) or the Mr. Brown voluntarily resigned for any reason on or before the six-month anniversary of the Brown Effective Date, the Company would have had no further liability or obligation Mr. Brown under the A&R Brown Employment Agreement other than any customary accrued and reimbursable expenses. In the event Mr. Brown’s employment was terminated by (x) the Company without Cause following the Brown Effective Date or (y) Mr. Brown due to a resignation for any reason following the six-month anniversary of the Brown Effective Date, subject to certain terms and conditions of the A&R Brown Employment Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Brown severance pay in a total amount equal to $180,000.
Additionally, pursuant to the A&R Brown Employment Agreement, Mr. Brown was not permitted to own over aggregate of 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of any corporation engaged in a business that directly competes with the business of the Company if such stock is listed on a national securities exchange in the United States.
The A&R Brown Employment Agreement also provided for certain customary covenants regarding non-solicitation, non-competition and confidentiality.
For the years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024, the Compensation Committee approved performance bonuses of $94,500 and $44,500, respectively to Mr. Brown.
Retirement, Health, Welfare and Additional Benefits
All of our Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in our employee benefit plans and programs, including medical benefits, to the same extent as our other full-time employees, subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of those plans.
2004 Global Share Option Plan
In November 2004, our Board adopted the 2004 Global Share Option Plan, pursuant to which 36,364 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance as awards to employees, directors, consultants and other service providers. The purpose of the 2004 Global Share Option Plan was to provide an incentive to attract and retain directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees, to encourage a sense of proprietorship and stimulate an active interest of such persons in our development and financial success. The 2004 Global Share Option Plan which was administered by our Board expired on February 28, 2014.
2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan
On February 28, 2014, our stockholders approved the NanoVibronix, Inc. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which was adopted by our Board on February 19, 2014.
Under the 2014 Plan, we originally reserved a total of five million (5,000,000) shares of our common stock for issuance pursuant to awards to key employees, key contractors, and non-employee directors, of which, the maximum number of shares of common stock covering awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights that could be granted to certain of our executive officers during any calendar year was one million (1,000,000) shares. On May 7, 2014, we effected a one-for-seven reverse stock split of our common stock. Consequently, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan was reduced to seven hundred fourteen thousand two hundred eighty-six (714,286) shares, and the maximum number of shares of our common stock covered by awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights that could be granted to certain of our executive officers during any calendar year was reduced to one hundred forty-two thousand eight hundred fifty-seven (142,857) shares.
On June 13, 2018, the stockholders approved an amendment to the 2014 Plan to increase the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan by an additional seven hundred and fifty thousand (750,000) shares of our common stock to one million four hundred sixty-four thousand two hundred eighty-six (1,464,286) shares.
On June 13, 2019, the stockholders approved a second amendment to the 2014 Plan to increase (i) the number of shares of our common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan by four hundred thousand (400,000) shares of our common stock, to a total of one million eight hundred and sixty-four thousand two hundred eighty-six (1,864,286) shares of our common stock and (ii) the maximum number of shares of our common stock covering awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights that could be granted to certain of our executive officers during any calendar year was increased to three hundred fifty-four thousand two hundred fourteen (354,214) shares.
On December 29, 2021, the stockholders approved a third amendment to the 2014 Plan that (i) intended to increase the number of shares of our common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan by one million five hundred thousand (1,500,000) shares of our common stock to a total of three million three hundred sixty-four thousand two-hundred eighty-six (3,364,286) shares of our common stock, but a scrivener’s error in this amendment only increased the number of shares of our common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan to a total of three million three hundred forty-six thousand two-hundred eighty-six (3,346,286) shares of our common stock, and (ii) increased the maximum number of shares of our common stock covering awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights that could be granted to certain of our executive officers during any calendar year to six hundred sixty-nine thousand two-hundred fifty-seven (669,257) shares of our common stock.
On December 15, 2022, the stockholders approved a fourth amendment to the 2014 Plan to increase (i) the number of shares of our common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan by one million five hundred and eighteen thousand (1,518,000) shares of our common stock, to a total of four million eight hundred and sixty-four thousand two hundred eighty-six (4,864,286) shares of our common stock. On February 9, 2023, we effected a one-for-twenty reverse stock split of our common stock. Consequently, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan was reduced to two hundred forty-three thousand two hundred fourteen (243,214) shares.
On February 19, 2024, the 2014 Plan expired in accordance with its terms. Any awards granted on or before such date will continue to be effective in accordance with their terms and conditions.
Description of the 2014 Plan
*Purpose.*The purpose of the 2014 Plan was to enable us to remain competitive and innovative in our ability to attract and retain the services of key employees, key contractors, and non-employee directors. The 2014 Plan provided for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, and other awards, which may be granted singly, in combination, or in tandem, and which may be paid in cash or shares of our common stock. The 2014 Plan provided flexibility to our compensation methods in order to adapt the compensation of key employees, key contractors, and non-employee directors to a changing business environment, after giving due consideration to competitive conditions and the impact of applicable tax laws.
Effective Date and Expiration. The 2014 Plan was originally approved by our Board on February 19, 2014, and became effective upon stockholder approval on February 28, 2014. The 2014 Plan terminated on February 19, 2024. No award may be made under the 2014 Plan after its termination date, but awards made prior to the termination date may extend beyond that date.
Share Authorization. Subject to certain adjustments, the number of shares of our common stock that were reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2014 Plan was one million eight hundred and sixty-four thousand two hundred eighty- six (1,864,286) shares, of which 100% were able to be delivered pursuant to incentive stock options. Subject to certain adjustments, with respect to any participant who is an officer of our company and subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or a “covered employee” as defined in Section 162(m)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), a maximum of three hundred fifty four thousand two hundred fourteen (354,214) shares may be granted in any one year in the form of stock options or stock appreciation rights to such participant.
Shares to be issued may be made available from authorized but unissued shares of our common stock, shares held by us in our treasury, or shares purchased by us on the open market or otherwise. During the term of the 2014 Plan, we at all times reserved and kept enough shares available to satisfy the requirements of the 2014 Plan. In the event that previously acquired shares were delivered to us in full or partial payment of the option price for the exercise of a stock option granted under the 2014 Plan, the number of shares available for future awards under the 2014 Plan would have been reduced only by the net number of shares issued upon the exercise of the stock option or settlement of an award. Awards that may be satisfied either by the issuance of common stock or by cash or other consideration would have been counted against the maximum number of shares that could have been issued under the 2014 Plan only during the period that the award is outstanding or to the extent the award is ultimately satisfied by the issuance of shares.
*Administration.*The 2014 Plan was administered by the compensation committee of our Board (the “Committee”). At any time there was no Committee to administer the 2014 Plan, any reference to the Committee is a reference to the Board. The Committee would determine the persons to whom awards are to be made; determine the type, size, and terms of awards; interpret the 2014 Plan; establish and revise rules and regulations relating to the 2014 Plan and any sub-plans, including, without limitation, any sub-plans for awards made to participants who are not residents of the United States; establish performance goals for awards and certify the extent of their achievement; and make any other determinations that it believes necessary for the administration of the 2014 Plan. The Committee had the ability to delegate certain duties to one or more of our officers as provided in the 2014 Plan.
*Eligibility.*Employees (including any employee who is also a director or an officer), contractors, and non-employee directors of us or our subsidiaries whose judgment, initiative, and efforts contributed to or may be expected to contribute to our successful performance were eligible to participate in the 2014 Plan.
Stock Options. The Committee had the ability to grant either incentive stock options (“ISOs”) qualifying under Section 422 of the Code or nonqualified stock options, provided that only employees of us and our subsidiaries (excluding subsidiaries that are not corporations) are eligible to receive ISOs. Stock options could not be granted with an option price less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the stock option is granted. If an ISO was granted to an employee who owns or is deemed to own more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock (or any parent or subsidiary), the option price was to be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The Committee had the ability to determine the terms of each stock option at the time of grant, including, without limitation, the methods by or forms in which shares will be delivered to participants. The maximum term of each option, the times at which each option will be exercisable, and provisions requiring forfeiture of unexercised options at or following termination of employment or service generally were fixed by the Committee, except that the Committee could not grant stock options with a term exceeding 10 years or, in the case of an ISO granted to an employee who owns or is deemed to own more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock (or any parent or subsidiary), a term exceeding five years.
Recipients of stock options may pay the option price (i) in cash, check, bank draft, or money order payable to the order of the Company; (ii) by delivering to us shares of Common Stock (included restricted stock) already owned by the participant having a fair market value equal to the aggregate option price and that the participant has not acquired from us within six months prior to the exercise date; (iii) by delivering to us or our designated agent an executed irrevocable option exercise form together with irrevocable instructions from the participant to a broker or dealer, reasonably acceptable to us, to sell certain of the shares purchased upon the exercise of the option or to pledge such shares to the broker as collateral for a loan from the broker and to deliver to us the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price; and (iv) by any other form of valid consideration that is acceptable to the Committee in its sole discretion.
2024 Long-Term Incentive Plan
On December 19, 2024, our stockholders approved the NanoVibronix, Inc. 2024 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was adopted by our Board on November 6, 2023, and on December 4, 2025, our stockholders approved the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the 2024 Long-Term Incentive Plan (collectively, the “2024 Plan”).
Description of the 2024 Plan
Purpose. The purpose of the 2024 Plan is to enable us to remain competitive and innovative in our ability to attract and retain the services of key employees, key contractors, and outside directors. The 2024 Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, and other awards, which may be granted singly, in combination, or in tandem, and which may be paid in cash or shares of our common stock. The 2024 Plan is expected to provide flexibility to our compensation methods in order to adapt the compensation of key employees, key contractors, and outside directors to a changing business environment, after giving due consideration to competitive conditions and the impact of applicable tax laws.
Effective Date and Expiration. The 2024 Plan was originally approved by our Board on November 6, 2023, subject to stockholder approval. The 2024 Plan will be effective upon approval by our stockholders (such date being, the “Effective Date”), and the 2024 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, unless sooner terminated by our Board. No award may be made under the 2024 Plan after its termination date, but awards made prior to the termination date may extend beyond that date.
Share Authorization. Subject to certain adjustments and to increase by any shares subject to Prior Plan Awards (defined below) that are eligible for reuse, the number of shares of our common stock that are reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2024 Plan is 1,205,454 shares, of which 100% may be delivered pursuant to incentive stock options. Prior to the First Amendment, the number of shares of our common stock that were reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2024 Plan was 600,000 shares. “Prior Plan Awards” means (i) any awards under the Prior Plan (defined below) that are outstanding on the Effective Date and that, on or after the Effective Date, are forfeited, expire, or are canceled; and (ii) any shares subject to awards relating to common stock under the Prior Plan that, on or after the Effective Date, are settled in cash. “Prior Plan” means the 2014 Plan. Any awards outstanding under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date will continue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the Prior Plan and the applicable award agreement.
Shares to be issued may be made available from authorized but unissued shares of our common stock, shares held by us in our treasury, or shares purchased by us on the open market or otherwise. During the term of the 2024 Plan, we will at all times reserve and keep enough shares available to satisfy the requirements of the 2024 Plan. If an award under the 2024 Plan or any Prior Plan Award is cancelled, forfeited, or expires, in whole or in part, the shares subject to such forfeited, expired, or cancelled award may again be awarded under the 2024 Plan. In the event that previously acquired shares are delivered to us in full or partial payment of the option price for the exercise of a stock option granted under the 2024 Plan, the number of shares available for future awards under the 2024 Plan shall be reduced only by the net number of shares issued upon the exercise of the stock option or settlement of an award. Awards that may be satisfied either by the issuance of common stock or by cash or other consideration shall be counted against the maximum number of shares that may be issued under the 2024 Plan only during the period that the award is outstanding or to the extent the award is ultimately satisfied by the issuance of shares. An award will not reduce the number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the 2024 Plan if the settlement of the award will not require the issuance of shares, as, for example, a stock appreciation right that can be satisfied only by the payment of cash. Only shares forfeited back to us; shares cancelled on account of termination, expiration, or lapse of an award; shares surrendered in payment of the option price of an option; or shares withheld for payment of applicable employment taxes and/or withholding obligations resulting from the exercise of a stock option shall again be available for grant as incentive stock options under the 2024 Plan, but shall not increase the maximum number of shares described above as the maximum number of shares that may be delivered pursuant to incentive stock options.
Limitation on Outside Director Awards. Outside directors may not be granted awards under the 2024 Plan in any calendar year that exceed seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) in the aggregate (with the fair market value of any equity awards determined as of the date of grant), other than a one-time award granted to a newly appointed or elected outside director not to exceed an additional seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) in the aggregate; provided, however, that these limits shall not apply to any awards made pursuant to a deferred compensation arrangement in lieu of all or a portion of cash retainers otherwise payable to an outside director.
Administration. The 2024 Plan is administered by the compensation committee of our Board (the “Committee”). At any time there is no Committee to administer the 2024 Plan, any reference to the Committee is a reference to the Board. The Committee will determine the persons to whom awards are to be made; determine the type, size, and terms of awards; interpret the 2024 Plan; establish and revise rules and regulations relating to the 2024 Plan and any sub-plans, including, without limitation, any sub-plans for awards made to participants who are not residents of the United States; establish performance goals for awards and certify the extent of their achievement; and make any other determinations that it believes necessary for the administration of the 2024 Plan. The Committee may delegate certain duties to one or more of our officers as provided in the 2024 Plan.
Eligibility. Employees (including any employee who is also a director or an officer), contractors, and outside directors of us or our subsidiaries whose judgment, initiative, and efforts contributed to or may be expected to contribute to our successful performance are eligible to participate in the 2024 Plan. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we had 7 employees, 9 contractors, and 5 non-employee directors who would be eligible for awards under the 2024 Plan.
Stock Options. The Committee may grant either incentive stock options (“ISOs”) qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or nonqualified stock options, provided that only employees of us and our subsidiaries (excluding subsidiaries that are not corporations) are eligible to receive ISOs. Stock options may not be granted with an option price less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the stock option is granted. If an ISO is granted to an employee who owns or is deemed to own more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock (or any parent or subsidiary), the option price shall be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The Committee will determine the terms of each stock option at the time of grant, including, without limitation, the methods by or forms in which shares will be delivered to participants. The maximum term of each option, the times at which each option will be exercisable, and provisions requiring forfeiture of unexercised options at or following termination of employment or service generally are fixed by the Committee, except that the Committee may not grant stock options with a term exceeding 10 years or, in the case of an ISO granted to an employee who owns or is deemed to own more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock (or any parent or subsidiary), a term exceeding five years.
Recipients of stock options may pay the option price (i) in cash, check, bank draft, or money order payable to the order of the Company; (ii) by delivering to us shares of common stock (included restricted stock) already owned by the participant having a fair market value equal to the aggregate option price and that the participant has not acquired from us within six months prior to the exercise date; (iii) by delivering to us or our designated agent an executed irrevocable option exercise form together with irrevocable instructions from the participant to a broker or dealer, reasonably acceptable to us, to sell certain of the shares purchased upon the exercise of the option or to pledge such shares to the broker as collateral for a loan from the broker and to deliver to us the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price; and (iv) by any other form of valid consideration that is acceptable to the Committee in its sole discretion.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee is authorized to grant stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) as a stand-alone award, or freestanding SARs, or in conjunction with options granted under the 2024 Plan, or tandem SARs. SARs entitle a participant to receive an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of exercise over the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The grant price of a SAR cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The Committee will determine the terms of each SAR at the time of the grant, including, without limitation, the methods by or forms in which shares will be delivered to participants. The maximum term of each SAR, the times at which each SAR will be exercisable, and provisions requiring forfeiture of unexercised SARs at or following termination of employment or service generally are fixed by the Committee, except that no freestanding SAR may have a term exceeding 10 years and no tandem SAR may have a term exceeding the term of the option granted in conjunction with the tandem SAR. Distributions to the recipient may be made in common stock, cash, or a combination of both as determined by the Committee.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Committee is authorized to grant restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock consists of shares of our common stock that may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered, or otherwise disposed of, and that may be forfeited in the event of certain terminations of employment or service, prior to the end of a restricted period as specified by the Committee. Restricted stock units are the right to receive shares of common stock at a future date in accordance with the terms of such grant upon the attainment of certain conditions specified by the Committee, which include a substantial risk of forfeiture and restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant. The Committee determines the eligible participants to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of restricted stock or restricted stock units will be made; the number of shares or units to be granted; the price to be paid, if any; the time or times within which the shares covered by such grants will be subject to forfeiture; the time or times at which the restrictions will terminate; and all other terms and conditions of the grants. Restrictions or conditions could include, but are not limited to, the attainment of performance goals (as described below), continuous service with us, the passage of time, or other restrictions or conditions. Except as otherwise provided in the 2024 Plan or the applicable award agreement, a participant shall have, with respect to shares of restricted stock, all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the class of common stock that is the subject of the restricted stock, including, if applicable, the right to vote the common stock and the right to receive any dividends thereon.
Dividend Equivalent Rights. The Committee is authorized to grant a dividend equivalent right to any participant, either as a component of another award or as a separate award, conferring on the participant the right to receive credits based on the cash dividends that would have been paid on the shares of common stock specified in the award as if such shares were held by the participant. The terms and conditions of the dividend equivalent right shall be specified by the grant. Dividend equivalents credited to the holder of a dividend equivalent right may be paid currently or may be deemed to be reinvested in additional shares. Any such reinvestment shall be at the fair market value at the time thereof. A dividend equivalent right may be settled in cash, shares, or a combination thereof.
Performance Awards. The Committee may grant performance awards payable in cash, shares of common stock, other consideration, or a combination thereof at the end of a specified performance period. Payment will be contingent upon achieving pre-established performance goals (as discussed below) by the end of the performance period. The Committee will determine the length of the performance period, the maximum payment value of an award, and the minimum performance goals required before payment will be made, so long as such provisions are not inconsistent with the terms of the 2024 Plan, and to the extent an award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, are in compliance with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any applicable regulations or guidance issued thereunder. In certain circumstances, the Committee may, in its discretion, determine that the amount payable with respect to certain performance awards will be reduced from the amount of any potential awards, if the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that the established performance measures or objectives are no longer suitable because of a change in our business, operations, corporate structure, or for other reasons that the Committee deemed satisfactory, in which case, the Committee may modify the performance measures or objectives and/or the performance period as the Committee deems appropriate in its sole discretion.
Performance Goals. Awards under the 2024 Plan may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria which, where applicable, shall consist of one or more or any combination of the following criteria (the “Performance Criteria”): cash flow; cost; revenues; sales; ratio of debt to debt plus equity; net borrowing, credit quality, or debt ratings; profit before tax; economic profit; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization; gross margin; earnings per share (whether on a pre-tax, after-tax, operational, or other basis); operating earnings; capital expenditures; expenses or expense levels; economic value added; ratio of operating earnings to capital spending or any other operating ratios; free cash flow; net profit; net sales; net asset value per share; the accomplishment of mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, public offerings, or similar extraordinary business transactions; sales growth; price of the shares; return on assets, equity, or stockholders’ equity; market share; inventory levels, inventory turn, or shrinkage; or total return to stockholders. Any Performance Criteria may be used to measure our performance as a whole or any of our business units and may be measured relative to a peer group or index. Any Performance Criteria may include or exclude (i) events that are of an unusual nature or indicate infrequency of occurrence; (ii) gains or losses on the disposition of a business; (iii) changes in tax or accounting regulations or laws; (iv) the effect of a merger or acquisition, as identified in our quarterly and annual earnings releases; or (v) other similar occurrences. In all other respects, Performance Criteria shall be calculated in accordance with our financial statements, under generally accepted accounting principles, or under a methodology established by the Committee prior to the issuance of an award, which is consistently applied and identified in the Company’s audited financial statements, including in footnotes, or the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of the Company’s annual report.
Israeli Awards
For persons subject to the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance [New Version], 5721-1961 (the “Ordinance”), the Committee is authorized to grant stock options pursuant to the terms of the Israeli Appendix. The Committee may grant to participants who are employees and office holders options under Section 102 of the Ordinance (“Section 102 Options”) and to Controlling Shareholders (as defined in the Israeli Appendix) and outside participants options under Section 3(i) of the Ordinance (“Section 3(i) Options”). The Committee may designate Section 102 Options as “Approved 102 Options,” for which the options and shares upon exercise must be held in trust and granted through a trustee, or as “Unapproved 102 Options,” for which the options and shares upon exercise do not have to be held in trust. As described further below, the determination of the Committee as to the taxation route of the stock options, the type of option, and duration of time the option and shares upon exercise are held in trust will determine the tax consequences to the participant. Of the Approved 102 Options, the Committee may grant options as “Ordinary Income Options,” for which the options and shares upon exercise must be held in trust for twelve (12) months from the date of grant, or as “Capital Gain Options,” for which the options and shares upon exercise must be held in trust for twenty-four (24) months from the date of grant. If the requirements of the Approved 102 Options are not met, the options are regarded as Unapproved 102 Options. Section 3(i) Options and the shares upon exercise may, but need not, be held in trust as well, depending upon the agreement between the Committee, the participant, and the trustee of the trust. Israeli participants can be granted other types of options under the 2024 Plan, but some of them will require a pre-ruling from the Israeli Tax Authorities in order to be deemed Approved 102 Options.
Other Awards. The Committee may grant other forms of awards, based upon, payable in, or that otherwise relate to, in whole or in part, shares of common stock, if the Committee determines that such other form of award is consistent with the purpose and restrictions of the 2024 Plan. The terms and conditions of such other form of award shall be specified by the grant. Such other awards may be granted for no cash consideration, for such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law, or for such other consideration as may be specified by the grant.
Vesting, Forfeiture, Recoupment and Assignment. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine that an award will be immediately vested in whole or in part, or that all or any portion may not be vested until a date, or dates, subsequent to its date of grant, or until the occurrence of one or more specified events, subject in any case to the terms of the 2024 Plan. If the Committee imposes conditions upon vesting, then, except as otherwise provided below, subsequent to the date of grant, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the date on which all or any portion of the award may be vested.
The Committee may impose on any award at the time of grant or thereafter, such additional terms and conditions as the Committee determines, including terms requiring forfeiture of awards in the event of a participant’s termination of service. The Committee will specify the circumstances on which performance awards may be forfeited in the event of a termination of service by a participant prior to the end of a performance period or settlement of awards. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, restricted stock will be forfeited upon a participant’s termination of service during the applicable restriction period. In addition, we may recoup all or any portion of any shares or cash paid to a participant in connection with any award in the event of a restatement of our financial statements as set forth in our clawback policy, as such policy may be approved or modified by our Board from time to time.
Awards granted under the 2024 Plan generally are not assignable or transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, except that the Committee may, in its discretion and pursuant to the terms of an award agreement, permit transfers of certain award of nonqualified stock options or SARs to (i) the spouse (or former spouse), children, or grandchildren of the participant (“Immediate Family Members”); (ii) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family Members; (iii) a partnership in which the only partners are (x) such Immediate Family Members, and/or (y) entities which are controlled by Immediate Family Members; (iv) an entity exempt from federal income tax pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Code or any successor provision; or (v) a split interest trust or pooled income fund described in Section 2522(c)(2) of the Code or any successor provision, provided that (x) there shall be no consideration for any such transfer, (y) the applicable award agreement pursuant to which such award is granted must be approved by the Committee and must expressly provide for such transferability, and (z) subsequent transfers of transferred awards shall be prohibited except those by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. In the event that any dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, rights offering, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, split-off, combination, subdivision, repurchase, or exchange of shares of common stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase shares of common stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the fair value of an award, then the Committee shall adjust any or all of the following so that the fair value of the award immediately after the transaction or event is equal to the fair value of the award immediately prior to the transaction or event (i) the number of shares and type of common stock (or the securities or property) which thereafter may be made the subject of awards; (ii) the number of shares and type of common stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding awards; (iii) the number of shares and type of common stock (or other securities or property) specified as the annual per-participant limitation under the 2024 Plan; (iv) the option price of each outstanding award; (v) the amount, if any, we pay for forfeited shares in accordance with the terms of the 2024 Plan; and (vi) the number of or exercise price of shares then subject to outstanding SARs previously granted and unexercised under the 2024 Plan to the end that the same proportion of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock in each instance shall remain subject to exercise at the same aggregate exercise price; provided, however, that the number of shares of common stock (or other securities or property) subject to any award shall always be a whole number. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such adjustment shall be made or authorized to the extent that such adjustment would cause the 2024 Plan or any stock option to violate Section 422 of the Code or Section 409A of the Code. All such adjustments must be made in accordance with the rules of any securities exchange, stock market, or stock quotation system to which we are subject.
Amendment or Discontinuance of the 2024 Plan. The Board may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of participants, alter, amend, revise, suspend, or discontinue the 2024 Plan in whole or in part; provided, however, that (i) no amendment that requires stockholder approval in order for the 2024 Plan and any awards under the 2024 Plan to continue to comply with Sections 421 and 422 of the Code (including any successors to such sections, or other applicable law) or any applicable requirements of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which our stock is listed or traded, shall be effective unless such amendment is approved by the requisite vote of our stockholders entitled to vote on the amendment; and (ii) unless required by law, no action by the Board regarding amendment or discontinuance of the 2024 Plan may adversely affect any rights of any participants or obligations of us to any participants with respect to any outstanding awards under the 2024 Plan without the consent of the affected participant.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the transactions described under the 2024 Plan as set forth below. This summary does not purport to address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation and does not describe state, local, or foreign tax consequences. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, and judicial and administrative interpretations under the Code and Treasury Regulations, all as in effect as of the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change (possibly on a retroactive basis) or different interpretation.
Law Affecting Deferred Compensation. In 2004, Section 409A was added to the Code to regulate all types of deferred compensation. If the requirements of Section 409A of the Code are not satisfied, deferred compensation and earnings thereon will be subject to tax as it vests, plus an interest charge at the underpayment rate plus 1% and a 20% penalty tax. Certain performance awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, and certain types of restricted stock are subject to Section 409A of the Code.
Incentive Stock Options. A participant will not recognize income at the time an ISO is granted. When a participant exercises an ISO, a participant also generally will not be required to recognize income (either as ordinary income or capital gain). However, to the extent that the fair market value (determined as of the date of grant) of the shares with respect to which the participant’s ISOs are exercisable for the first time during any year exceeds $100,000, the ISOs for the shares over $100,000 will be treated as nonqualified stock options, and not ISOs, for U.S. federal tax purposes, and the participant will recognize income as if the ISOs were nonqualified stock options. In addition to the foregoing, if the fair market value of the shares received upon exercise of an ISO exceeds the exercise price, then the excess may be deemed a tax preference adjustment for purposes of the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax calculation. The federal alternative minimum tax may produce significant tax repercussions depending upon the participant’s particular tax status.
The tax treatment of any shares acquired by exercise of an ISO will depend upon whether the participant disposes of his or her shares prior to the later of: (i) two years after the date the ISO was granted or (ii) one year after the shares were transferred to the participant upon exercise of the ISO (referred to as the “Holding Period”). If a participant disposes of shares acquired by exercise of an ISO after the expiration of the Holding Period, any amount received in excess of the participant’s tax basis for such shares will be treated as a short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon how long the participant has held the shares. If the amount received is less than the participant’s tax basis for such shares, the loss will be treated as a short-term or long-term capital loss, depending upon how long the participant has held the shares. If the participant disposes of shares acquired by exercise of an ISO prior to the expiration of the Holding Period, the disposition will be considered a “disqualifying disposition.” If the amount received for the shares is greater than the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date, then the difference between the ISO’s exercise price and the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise will be treated as ordinary income for the tax year in which the “disqualifying disposition” occurs. The participant’s basis in the shares will be increased by an amount equal to the amount treated as ordinary income due to such “disqualifying disposition.” In addition, the amount received in such “disqualifying disposition” over the participant’s increased basis in the shares will be treated as capital gain. However, if the price received for shares acquired by exercise of an ISO is less than the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date and the disposition is a transaction in which the participant sustains a loss which otherwise would be recognizable under the Code, then the amount of ordinary income that the participant will recognize is the excess, if any, of the amount realized on the “disqualifying disposition” over the basis of the shares.
Nonqualified Stock Options. A participant generally will not recognize income at the time a nonqualified stock option is granted. When a participant exercises a nonqualified stock option, the difference between the option price and any higher market value of the shares of common stock on the date of exercise will be treated as compensation taxable as ordinary income to the participant. The participant’s tax basis for the shares acquired under a nonqualified stock option will be equal to the option price paid for such shares, plus any amounts included in the participant’s income as compensation. When a participant disposes of shares acquired by exercise of a nonqualified stock option, any amount received in excess of the participant’s tax basis for such shares will be treated as short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon how long the participant has held the shares. If the amount received is less than the participant’s tax basis for such shares, the loss will be treated as a short-term or long-term capital loss, depending upon how long the participant has held the shares.
Special Rule if Option Price is Paid for in Shares. If a participant pays the option price of a nonqualified stock option with previously-owned shares of our common stock and the transaction is not a disqualifying disposition of shares previously acquired under an ISO, the shares received equal to the number of shares surrendered are treated as having been received in a tax-free exchange. The participant’s tax basis and holding period for these shares received will be equal to the participant’s tax basis and holding period for the shares surrendered. The shares received in excess of the number of shares surrendered will be treated as compensation taxable as ordinary income to the participant to the extent of their fair market value. The participant’s tax basis in these shares will be equal to their fair market value on the date of exercise, and the participant’s holding period for such shares will begin on the date of exercise.
If the use of previously acquired shares to pay the exercise price of a nonqualified stock option constitutes a disqualifying disposition of shares previously acquired under an ISO, the participant will have ordinary income as a result of the disqualifying disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares surrendered, determined at the time such shares were originally acquired on exercise of the ISO, over the aggregate option price paid for such shares. As discussed above, a disqualifying disposition of shares previously acquired under an ISO occurs when the participant disposes of such shares before the end of the Holding Period. The other tax results from paying the exercise price with previously-owned shares are as described above, except that the participant’s tax basis in the shares that are treated as having been received in a tax-free exchange will be increased by the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant as a result of the disqualifying disposition.
Restricted Stock. A participant who receives restricted stock generally will recognize as ordinary income the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares granted as restricted stock at such time as the shares are no longer subject to forfeiture or restrictions, over the amount paid, if any, by the participant for such shares. However, a participant who receives restricted stock may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the date of transfer of the shares to recognize ordinary income on the date of transfer of the shares equal to the excess of the fair market value of such shares (determined without regard to the restrictions on such shares) over the purchase price, if any, of such shares. If a participant does not make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, then the participant will recognize as ordinary income any dividends received with respect to such shares. At the time of sale of such shares, any gain or loss realized by the participant will be treated as either short-term or long-term capital gain (or loss) depending on the holding period. For purposes of determining any gain or loss realized, the participant’s tax basis will be the amount previously taxable as ordinary income, plus the purchase price paid by the participant, if any, for such shares.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Generally, a participant who receives a stand-alone SAR will not recognize taxable income at the time the stand-alone SAR is granted, provided that the SAR is exempt from or complies with Section 409A of the Code. If an employee receives the appreciation inherent in the SARs in cash, the cash will be taxed as ordinary income to the recipient at the time it is received. If a recipient receives the appreciation inherent in the SARs in stock, the spread between the then current market value and the grant price, if any, will be taxed as ordinary income to the employee at the time it is received. In general, there will be no federal income tax deduction allowed to us upon the grant or termination of SARs. However, upon the exercise of a SAR, we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income the recipient is required to recognize as a result of the exercise.
Other Awards. In the case of an award of restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, or other stock or cash awards, the recipient will generally recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to any cash received and the fair market value of any shares received on the date of payment or delivery, provided that the award is exempt from or complies with Section 409A of the Code. In that taxable year, we will receive a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income which the participant has recognized.
Federal Tax Withholding. Any ordinary income realized by a participant upon the exercise of an award under the 2024 Plan is subject to withholding of U.S. federal, state, and local income tax and to withholding of the participant’s share of tax under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act. To satisfy our federal income tax withholding requirements, we will have the right to require that, as a condition to delivery of any certificate for shares of common stock or the registration of the shares in the participant’s name, the participant remit to us an amount sufficient to satisfy the withholding requirements. Alternatively, we may withhold a portion of the shares (valued at fair market value) that otherwise would be issued to the participant to satisfy all or part of the withholding tax obligations or may, if we consent, accept delivery of shares (that the participant has not acquired from us within six months prior to the date of exercise) with an aggregate fair market value that equals or exceeds the required tax withholding payment. Withholding does not represent an increase in the participant’s total income tax obligation, since it is fully credited toward his or her tax liability for the year. Additionally, withholding does not affect the participant’s tax basis in the shares. Compensation income realized and tax withheld will be reflected on Forms W-2 supplied by us to employees by January 31 of the succeeding year. Deferred compensation that is subject to Section 409A of the Code will be subject to certain federal income tax withholding and reporting requirements.
Tax Consequences to Us. To the extent that a participant recognizes ordinary income in the circumstances described above, we will be entitled to a corresponding deduction provided that, among other things, the income meets the test of reasonableness, is an ordinary and necessary business expense, is not an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and is not disallowed by the $1,000,000 limitation on certain executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code. While deductibility of executive compensation for federal income tax purposes is among the factors the Board and Committee consider when structuring executive compensation arrangements, it is not the sole or primary factor considered. We retain the flexibility to authorize compensation that may not be deductible if we believe it is in the best interests of the Company.
Million Dollar Deduction Limit and Other Tax Matters. We may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 that is paid to “covered employees” (as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code), which include (i) an individual (or, in certain circumstances, his or her beneficiaries) who, at any time during the taxable year, is either our principal executive officer or principal financial officer; (ii) an individual who is among our three highest compensated officers for the taxable year (other than an individual who was either our principal executive officer or principal financial officer at any time during the taxable year); or (iii) anyone who was a covered employee for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code for any tax year beginning on or after January 1, 2018. This limitation on deductions (x) only applies to compensation paid by a publicly-traded corporation (and not compensation paid by non-corporate entities) and (z) may not apply to certain types of compensation, such as qualified performance-based compensation that is payable pursuant to a written, binding contract that was in effect as of November 2, 2018, so long as the contract is not materially modified after that date.
If an individual’s rights under the 2024 Plan are accelerated as a result of a change in control and the individual is a “disqualified individual” under Section 280G of the Code, the value of any such accelerated rights received by such individual may be included in determining whether or not such individual has received an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Code, which could result in (i) the imposition of a 20% federal excise tax (in addition to federal income tax) payable by the individual on the value of such accelerated rights, and (ii) the loss by us of a compensation deduction.
Israeli Income Tax Consequences
The following description of the Israel income tax consequences of awards under Israeli Appendix of the 2024 Plan is general and does not purport to be complete.
Pursuant to Section 102 of the Ordinance, which came into effect on January 1, 2003, options, shares, and other securities (including Restricted Shares) (together “Options”) may be granted through a trustee (i.e., Approved 102 Options) or not through a trustee (i.e., Unapproved 102 Options). The following is a brief discussion of the tax consequences applicable to both types of Section 102 Options.
Grant Through a Trustee
Options granted through a trustee and held in trust are made either through the capital gains tax track (i.e., Capital Gains Options) or the compensation income tax track (i.e., Ordinary Income Options). Capital Gains Options and Ordinary Income Options can be granted only through a trustee. Under the capital gains tax track, the Capital Gains Options and the underlying shares have to be held in trust for at least twenty-four (24) months from their date of grant. Any gain made on the sale of shares following the twenty-four (24) month period is subject to a capital gains tax at a current rate of 25%; the amount of gain is the difference between the sales proceeds from the sale of shares and the exercise price paid for such shares. Generally, Capital Gains Options are not taxed on their date of grant. However, in the event that the exercise price of the options is less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, a portion of the gain will be deemed compensation income, taxable at the personal marginal tax rate of the participant. The payment of such tax is made at the time of exercise of the Capital Gains Options. The portion of the gain that is deemed compensation income is the difference between the average value of the shares as listed on the stock exchange during the thirty (30) day period prior to the date of grant and the exercise price of the option. Ifthe Capital Gains Options or the underlying shares of such options are sold by the trustee or transferred from the trustee to the beneficiary before the end of the twenty-four (24) month period, any resulting income (cash or equivalent) is taxed as compensation income. If the options have not been exercised and transferred from the trustee to the beneficiary, the taxable amount of income is the value of the option. If the options have been exercised, the taxable amount of income is the difference between the aggregate fair market value of the shares at the time of such sale or transfer and the aggregate exercise price paid for such shares.
Under the compensation income tax track, the Ordinary Income Options and the underlying shares have to be held in trust for at least twelve (12) months from their date of grant. Any gain made on the sale of shares is subject to compensation income tax at the personal marginal tax rate of the respective participant; the amount of gain is the difference between the sales proceeds from the sale of shares and the exercise price paid for such shares. Ordinary Income Options are not taxed on their date of grant, but rather when the options or the underlying shares of such options are sold by the trustee or transferred from the trustee to the beneficiary. At such time, if the options have not been exercised, the taxable amount of income is value of the Option. If the Options have been exercised, the taxable amount of income is the difference between the aggregate fair market value of the shares at the time of such sale or transfer and the aggregate exercise price paid for such shares.
A corporate tax deduction is available for the employer in the tax year in which tax is withheld. The deductible amount is equal to any amount included by a participant as compensation income, except when a participant is granted Capital Gains Options, including in the event that such Capital Gains Options or the underlying shares of such options are sold by the trustee or transferred from the trustee to the beneficiary before the end of the applicable twenty-four (24) month period. In such event, any resulting income to the participant is deemed to be compensation income for tax purposes, but there would be no corresponding corporate tax deduction available to the employer.
Grant Not Through a Trustee
In the case of Options not made through a trustee, if the shares are non-marketable securities, the Option will not be subject to tax at the date of grant of the option or the exercise of the Option. However, ordinary income tax will be payable upon the sale of the shares acquired upon exercise of the Option. The taxable amount will be the sales proceeds less the aggregate exercise price paid by the participant. If the shares covered by the option have a market value, then the value of the Option is treated as compensation income, and subject to tax at the date of grant. There is no tax upon the exercise of the Option. However, capital gains tax will be payable on the sale of the shares upon exercise of the Option. The taxable amount will be the sales proceeds, less the value that was taxed at the date of grant and the aggregate exercise price paid by the participant.
Grant of Section 3(i) Options
Options under Section 3(i) of the Ordinance may be granted to Controlling Shareholders, consultants, and controlling stockholders (which are excluded from the term employees under Section 102 of the Ordinance). Grants of Options for shares which are non-marketable are not taxed under the income tax rules on the date of grant, but such event creates VAT liability. However, they are subject to tax at the time of exercise at the ordinary income tax rate, and at the day such shares are sold at the capital gains tax rate. The difference between the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise and the exercise price is taxed at the ordinary income tax rate. Any gain above such value at the time of sale of the shares is taxed at the capital gains rate. Grants of Options for shares which have a market value are subject to tax on the date of grant, exercise of the Option, and the sale of the shares. The value of the Option is taxed on the date of grant at the ordinary income tax rate. The difference between the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise and the sum of the exercise price and the amounts previously taxed at grant, is taxed at the ordinary income tax rate. Any gain above such value at the time of sale of the shares is taxed at the capital gains rate.
Other Stock Incentives
All other awards under the Israeli Appendix need tax ruling from the Israeli Tax Authority for the postponement of the tax event arising from the issuance thereof. Otherwise, there is an immediate tax event.
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2025
The following table provides certain information as of December 31, 2025, with respect to our equity compensation plans under which our equity securities were authorized for issuance:
| (a) | (b) | (c) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1) | 4,411 | $8.43 | 1,044 |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - |
| Total | 4,411 | $8.43 | 1,044 |
| (1) | Represents shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan and the 2024 Plan as of December 31, 2025, pursuant to outstanding awards. The 2014 Plan expired on February 19, 2024, and no further equity awards may be granted under the 2014 Plan. |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table shows the compensation earned by persons who served on our Board during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, who are not one of our Named Executive Officers. Other than as set forth in the table and described more fully below, we did not pay any compensation, reimburse any expense of, make any equity awards or non-equity awards to, or pay any other compensation to any of the other members of our Board for their services rendered in such period.
| Fees earned or · Option Awards | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | paid in cash ($) | ($) (1) | Total ($) | |||||
| Current Directors | ||||||||
| David Johnson | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Zeev Rotstein, M.D. | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Allison Burgett | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Nino Pionati | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||
| Former Directors | ||||||||
| Christopher Fashek (2) | $260,500 | $ | - | $260,500 | ||||
| Thomas Mika (3) | $95,000 | $ | - | $95,000 | ||||
| Michael Ferguson (4) | $20,000 | $ | - | $20,000 | ||||
| Martin Goldstein (5) | $60,000 | $ | - | $60,000 | ||||
| Harold Jacob, M. D. (6) | $10,000 | $ | - | $10,000 | ||||
| Aurora Cassirer (7) | $5,000 | $ | - | $5,000 | ||||
| Maria Schroeder (8) | $10,000 | $ | - | $10,000 | ||||
(1)In accordance with SEC rules, the amounts in this column reflect the dollar amounts to be recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the 2023 fiscal year in accordance with ASC Topic 718. Fair value is based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the market price of the underlying shares at the grant date. For additional discussion of the valuation assumptions used in determining stock-based compensation and the grant date fair value for stock options, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Critical Accounting Policies - Stock-based compensation” and Note 3- “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 11- “Stockholders’ Equity” to our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
(2)As of December 31, 2025, Mr. Fashek had outstanding options representing the right to purchase 582 shares of our common stock and no outstanding stock awards of shares of common stock. Includes termination costs of $100,000.
(3)As of December 31, 2025, Mr. Mika had outstanding options representing the right to purchase 364 shares of our common stock and no outstanding stock awards of shares of common stock. Includes termination costs of $75,000.
(4)As of December 31, 2025, Mr. Ferguson had outstanding options representing the right to purchase 364 shares of our common stock and no outstanding stock awards of shares of common stock.
(5)As of December 31, 2025, Mr. Goldstein had outstanding options representing the right to purchase 391 shares of our common stock and no outstanding stock awards of shares of common stock. Includes termination costs of $50,000.
(6)As of December 31, 2025, Dr. Jacob had outstanding options representing the right to purchase 182 shares of our common stock and no outstanding stock awards of shares of common stock.
(7)As of December 31, 2025, Ms. Cassirer had outstanding options representing the right to purchase 364 shares of our common stock and no outstanding stock awards of shares of common stock.
(8)As of December 31, 2025, Ms. Schroeder had outstanding options representing the right to purchase 364 shares of our common stock and no outstanding stock awards of shares of common stock.
On October 13, 2016, we entered into an agreement with Christopher Fashek to serve as the chairman of our Board. Under this agreement Mr. Fashek was paid $100,000 per year payable in semi-monthly installments. On November 1, 2018, the Compensation committee voted to increase Mr. Fashek’s consulting fee to $150,000 per year.
On November 29, 2023, we entered into an option cancellation and release agreement with each of Brian Murphy, Christopher Fashek, Martin Goldstein, Michael Ferguson, Stephen Brown, Aurora Cassirer, Dr. Harold Jacob, Maria Schroeder and Thomas Mika (collectively, the “Option Holders”), pursuant to which the parties agreed to cancel options to purchase an aggregate of 9,276 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $98.34 to $565.40 (the “Options”) previously granted to each of the Option Holders. In exchange for the cancellation of the Options, we paid $1.00 to each Option Holder.
No other compensation was paid to our non-employee directors other than as noted in the table above for the one-year period ended December 31, 2025.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.