The
Annual Report to stockholders for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31,
2004, has been mailed with or prior to this Proxy Statement. This Proxy
Statement and the enclosed proxy are expected to be mailed to stockholders on or
about May 11, 2005.
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By Order of the Board of
Directors, |
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James J. Woodcock |
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Chairman |
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IMPORTANT
WHETHER
OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE. IF A
QUORUM IS NOT REACHED, THE COMPANY WILL HAVE THE ADDED EXPENSE OF RE-ISSUING
THESE PROXY MATERIALS. IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING AND SO DESIRE, YOU MAY WITHDRAW
YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON. THANK YOU FOR ACTING PROMPTLY.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS |
1 |
WHO
CAN HELP ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS? |
4 |
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE |
4 |
BOARD
COMMITTEES |
5 |
ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS |
8 |
DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION |
10 |
INFORMATION
ABOUT STOCK OWNERSHIP |
11 |
INFORMATION
ABOUT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |
13 |
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION TABLES |
14 |
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE REPORT |
16 |
AUDIT
COMMITTEE REPORT |
18 |
RATIFICATION
OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS |
22 |
RATIFICATION
OF CHANGE IN COMPANY’S NAME |
23 |
APPROVAL
OF AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE
UNDER THE 2003 EMPLOYEE STOCK COMPENSATION
PLAN |
24 |
APPROVAL
OF THE 2005 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN |
26 |
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IMPORTANT:
Please SIGN, DATE, and RETURN the enclosed proxy or submit your proxy by
telephone or the Internet immediately whether or not you plan to attend
the Annual Meeting. A return envelope, which requires no postage if mailed
in the United States, is enclosed for your
convenience. |
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TETON
PETROLEUM COMPANY
1600
Broadway, Suite 2400
Denver,
Colorado 80202-4921
PROXY
STATEMENT
FOR
2005
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
INFORMATION
CONCERNING THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
Our Board
of Directors is soliciting proxies to be voted at the 2005 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on June 2, 2005. Your vote is very important. For this
reason, our Board of Directors is requesting that you permit your common stock
to be represented at the meeting by the proxies named on the enclosed proxy
card. This proxy statement contains important information for you to consider
when deciding how to vote on the matters brought before the meeting. Please read
it carefully.
Voting
materials, which include this proxy statement, the proxy card and our annual
report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, were mailed to
stockholders beginning May 11, 2005. Teton’s principal executive offices are
located at 1600 Broadway, Suite 2400, Denver, Colorado 80202. Teton’s main
telephone number is (303) 542-1878. In this proxy statement, Teton Petroleum
Company is referred to as “the Company,” “Teton” and “we.”
Questions
and Answers
Q: Who
may vote at the meeting?
A: You may
vote your Teton stock if our records show that you owned your shares on May 2,
2005, which is referred to as the Record Date. At the close of business on the
Record Date, 10,022,996 shares of Teton common stock were outstanding and
eligible to vote. You may cast one vote for each share of common stock held by
you on all matters presented, except for the election of the directors. Please
see “Vote required” at the end of “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors” below for
further explanation.
Q: What
proposals will be voted on at the annual meeting?
A: There are
five proposals scheduled to be voted on at the annual meeting:
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Election
of five members of the Board; and |
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Ratification
of the appointment of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC as our
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2005. |
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To
approve the change in the Company’s name from Teton Petroleum Company to
Teton Energy Corporation. |
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To
approve an increase in the number of authorized shares for the 2003
Employee Stock Option Plan. |
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To
approve the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan. |
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We will
also consider other business that properly comes before the meeting.
Q: How
does the Board recommend that I vote?
A: Our Board
recommends that you vote:
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“FOR”
each of the nominees to the Board; |
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•
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“FOR”
ratification of the appointment of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC
as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2005; |
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• |
“FOR”
the change in the Company’s name; |
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• |
“FOR”
the increase in the number of authorized shares for the 2003 Employee
Stock Option Plan; and |
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• |
“FOR”
the approval of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan. |
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Q: How
can I vote my shares in person at the annual meeting?
A:
If your
shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent,
Computershare, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to
those shares and the proxy materials and proxy card are
being sent directly to you by Teton. As the stockholder of record, you have the
right to vote in person at the meeting. If you choose to do so, you can bring
the enclosed proxy card or vote using the ballot provided at the meeting. Even
if you plan to attend the annual meeting, we recommend that you vote your shares
in advance as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later
decide not to attend the annual meeting.
Most
stockholders of Teton hold their shares in street name through a stockbroker,
bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. In that case, you
are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and the proxy
materials are being forwarded to you together with a voting instruction card. As
the beneficial owner, you are also invited to attend the annual meeting. Because
a beneficial owner is not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these
shares in person at the meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the
broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote
the shares at the meeting. You will need to contact your broker, trustee or
nominee to obtain a legal proxy, and you will need to bring it to the meeting in
order to vote in person.
Q: How
can I vote my shares without attending the annual meeting?
A: Whether
you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or beneficially in street
name, you may direct your vote without attending the annual meeting by Internet,
telephone or completing and mailing your proxy card or voting instruction card
in the enclosed pre-paid envelope. Please refer to the enclosed materials for
details.
Q: What
happens if additional matters are presented at the annual
meeting?
A: Other
than the five items of business described in this proxy statement, we are not
aware of any other business to be acted upon at the annual meeting. If you grant
a proxy, the person named as proxy holder, Karl Arleth, will have the discretion
to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at
the meeting.
Q: What
happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?
A: If you
hold shares in your name, and you sign and return a proxy card without giving
specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by our
Board on all matters and as the proxy holders may determine in their discretion
with respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote before the
meeting. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee and you
do not provide instructions on how to vote, your broker or other nominee will
have authority to vote your shares on all matters to be considered at the
meeting.
Q: What
is the quorum requirement for the annual meeting?
A: A
majority of Teton’s outstanding shares as of the record date must be present at
the meeting in order to hold the meeting and conduct business. This is called a
quorum. Your shares will be counted for purposes of determining if there is a
quorum, even if you wish to abstain from voting on some or all matters
introduced at the meeting, if you:
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• |
are
present and vote in person at the meeting; or |
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• |
have
properly submitted a proxy card or voted by telephone or by using the
Internet. |
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Q: How
can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?
A: You may
revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the
meeting. You may do this by signing a new proxy card with a later date, voting
on a later date by telephone or by using the Internet (only your latest
telephone or Internet proxy submitted prior to the meeting will be counted), or
by attending the meeting and voting in person. However, your attendance at the
meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy unless you vote at the meeting
or specifically request in writing that your prior proxy be revoked.
Q: Is
my vote confidential?
A. Proxy
instructions, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual
stockholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your
vote will not be disclosed either within Teton or to third parties, except: (1)
as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements, (2) to allow for the
tabulation of votes and certification of the vote, and (3) to facilitate a
successful proxy solicitation. Occasionally, stockholders provide written
comments on their proxy card, which may be forwarded to Teton management.
Q: Where
can I find the voting results of the annual meeting?
A: The
preliminary voting results will be announced at the meeting. The final voting
results will be tallied by our Transfer Agent and Inspector of Elections and
published in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June
30, 2005. We will also make the results available on our website, which is
www.tetonpetroleum.com. We will identify a link to the results on our website’s
home page.
Q: How
can I obtain a separate set of voting materials?
A: To reduce
the expense of delivering duplicate voting materials to our stockholders who may
have more than one Teton stock account, we are delivering only one set of the
proxy statement and the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004 to certain stockholders who share an address, unless otherwise
requested. A separate proxy card is included in the voting materials for each of
these stockholders. If you share an address with another stockholder and have
received only one set of voting materials, you may write or call us to request
to receive a separate copy of these materials at no cost to you. Similarly, if
you share an address with another stockholder and have received multiple copies
of our proxy materials, you may write or call us at the address and phone number
below to request delivery of a single copy of these materials. For future annual
meetings, you may request separate voting materials, or request that we send
only one set of voting materials to you if you are receiving multiple copies, by
writing or calling us at:
|
Teton Petroleum Company, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
1600
Broadway, Suite 2400
Denver,
CO, USA
80202
Phone: 1.303.542.1878 |
Q: Who
pays for the cost of this proxy solicitation?
A: We will
pay the costs of the solicitation of proxies. We may engage Georgeson
Shareholder Communications Inc. as our proxy solicitor to help us solicit
proxies from brokers, bank nominees and other institutions for a fee of
approximately $15,000, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. We may also
reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of
shares for expenses incurred in forwarding the voting materials to their
customers who are beneficial owners and obtaining their voting instructions. In
addition to soliciting proxies by mail, our board members, officers and
employees may solicit proxies on our behalf, without additional compensation,
personally or by telephone, or we may ask our proxy solicitor to solicit proxies
on our behalf by telephone for a fee of $5.00 per phone call, plus reasonable
expenses. We are soliciting proxies electronically through the Internet from
stockholders who are our employees or who previously requested to receive proxy
materials electronically through the Internet.
Q: How
can I obtain a copy of Teton’s 10-K?
A: A copy of
our 2004 Form 10-K is enclosed. You may obtain an additional copy of our 2004
Form 10-K by sending a written request to the address listed above under “How
can I obtain a separate set of voting materials?” We will furnish the Form 10-K
without exhibits at no charge. If you prefer a copy of the 2004 Form 10-K
including exhibits, you will be charged a fee (which will be limited to our
reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibits). Our Form 10-K is available in
PDF format through our Investor Relations website at
http://www.tetonpetroleum.com and our Form 10-K with exhibits is available on
the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov, which can be reached from our Investor
Relations website.
Q: What
is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?
A: In the
election of directors, the five persons receiving the highest number of (or
plurality) “FOR” votes at the annual meeting will be elected. Proposal 3
regarding the amendment to change the Company’s name requires a majority of the
outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon. All other proposals require the
affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of those shares present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote on those proposals at the annual
meeting. If you hold shares beneficially in street name and do not provide your
broker with voting instructions, your shares may constitute “broker non-votes.”
Generally, broker non-votes occur when a beneficial owner fails to give voting
instructions with respect to “non-routine” matters. In tabulating the voting
result for any particular proposal, shares that constitute broker non-votes are
not considered entitled to vote on that proposal. Thus, although broker
non-votes are counted for purposes of determining a quorum, broker non-votes
will not otherwise affect the outcome of any matter being voted on at the
meeting. The following matters at this meeting are considered “non-routine:” the
change in the Company’s name (Proposal No. 3), the increase in the number of
authorized shares available for issuance under the 2003 Employee Stock
Compensation Plan (Proposal No. 3), and the adoption of the 2005 Long Term
Incentive Plan (Proposal No. 5). Abstentions have the same effect as votes
against the matter.
Q: How
can I communicate with the non-employee directors on Teton’s
Board?
A: The Board
encourages stockholders who are interested in communicating directly with the
non-employee directors as a group to do so by writing to the non-employee
directors in care of the Secretary. Stockholders can send communications by mail
to Secretary, Teton Petroleum Company, Inc., 1600 Broadway, Suite 2400, Denver,
Colorado 80202. Correspondence received that is addressed to the non-employee
directors will be reviewed by our general counsel or his designee, who will
regularly forward to the non-employee directors a summary of all such
correspondence and copies of all correspondence that, in the opinion of our
general counsel, deals with the functions of the board or committees thereof or
that the general counsel otherwise determines requires their attention.
Directors may at any time review a log of all correspondence received by Teton
that is addressed to the non-employee members of the board and request copies of
any such correspondence.
WHO
CAN HELP ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS?
You may
seek answers to your questions by calling or emailing:
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Ms.
Gillian Kane |
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Tel.
(303) 542-1878 |
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gkane@tetonpetroleum.com |
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Or by
writing or calling the Company at its principal executive offices:
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Teton
Petroleum Company |
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1600
Broadway, Suite 2400 |
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Denver,
Colorado 80202-4921 |
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Tel.
(303) 542-1878 |
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Fax.
(303) 542-1817 |
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
Board
of Directors
The Board
oversees our business affairs and monitors the performance of management. In
accordance with our
corporate governance principles, the Board does not involve itself in day-to-day
operations. The Directors keep themselves informed through discussions with the
Chief Executive Officer, other key executives and by reading the reports and
other materials that we send them and by participating in Board and committee
meetings. Our Directors hold office until their successors have been elected and
duly qualified unless the director resigns or by reason of death or other cause
is unable to serve in the capacity of director. Biographical information about
our Directors is provided in “Election of Directors - Proposal No. 1” on page
8.
Director
Independence
The Board
has determined that all of the Directors and nominees who would serve after June
2, 2005 are independent except for Mr. Arleth, President, Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and Mr. Cooper, the Company’s Founder and former
executive chairman. The Board’s determinations of independence were made in
accordance with Section 121A of the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) Company
Guide. The Company was a small business issuer within the meaning of Rule 12b-2
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) through
December 31, 2003. On that date the Company ceased to be a small business
issuer because its public float exceeded $25 million at the end of two
consecutive years. As a result, the Company ceased reporting as a small business
issuer commencing with the Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended
March 31, 2004. Small business issuers are not required to have a majority
of independent directors until their first annual meeting of stockholders after
July 1, 2005. However, as a result of its ceasing to be eligible to report
as a small business issuer, the Company is now required to have a majority of
independent directors within the meaning of Section 121A of the AMEX Company
Guide. The Directors the Board has determined to be independent are Messrs.
Woodcock, Connor, and Conroy.
Board
Meetings and Attendance
During
2004, the Board held 15 physical and telephonic meetings. Except for two
directors, each of whom could not attend one meeting, all other Directors
attended 100% of the meetings of the Board and committees on which he served
either in person or via telephone. The Board also approved certain actions by
unanimous written consent.
Annual
Meeting Attendance
It is the
Company’s policy that Directors should make every effort to attend the annual
meeting of stockholders. In 2004, a family emergency prevented physical
attendance by Mr. Woodcock. Mr. Woodcock, instead participated by
telephone.
Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have
adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our
Directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer,
principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of the
Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is included as Appendix C to this
Proxy Statement and is available on our website at
http://www.tetonpetroleum.com. We will post on our website any amendment to the
Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or waivers of the Company’s Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics for directors and executive
officers.
Complaints
Regarding Accounting Matters
The Audit
Committee has established procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and
treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or
auditing matters (“accounting matters”), and (ii) the confidential, anonymous
submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters.
Communications
with Directors
The Board
has approved procedures for stockholders to send communications to individual
Directors or the non-employee Directors as a group.
Written
correspondence should be addressed to the Director or Directors in care of
Secretary of the Company at the Company’s primary address. All correspondence
will be forwarded directly to the intended recipient.
You may
also contact individual Directors by calling the Company’s principal executive
offices at (303) 542-1878.
BOARD
COMMITTEES
The Board
has standing Audit, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating committees. Each
committee has a written charter. The charters are included as appendices to this
Proxy Statement and available on the Company’s website at
http://www.tetonpetroleum.com. Information concerning the membership and
function of each committee is as follows:
Board
Committee Membership |
Name |
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Audit
Committee |
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Compensation Committee |
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Governance
and Nominating Committee |
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Mr.
Arleth |
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Mr.
Connor |
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X(1) |
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Mr.
Conroy |
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X |
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X |
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X(1) |
Mr.
Cooper |
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Mr.
Woodcock |
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X |
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X(1) |
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X |
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_____________________ |
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(1) Chairman. |
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Audit
Committee
The Audit
Committee is responsible for determining the adequacy of the Company’s internal
accounting and financial controls, reviewing the results of the audit of the
Company performed by the independent public accountants, and recommending the
selection of independent public accountants. The functions of the Audit
Committee and its activities during 2004 are described in more detail under
“Report of the Audit Committee” on page 19 as well as in the Committee’s charter
included as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. During the year, the Board
examined the composition of the Audit Committee in light of the adoption by the
AMEX of new listing standards governing audit committees. Based upon this
examination, the Board has determined that each of the members of the Audit
Committee is unrelated, is an outside member with no other current affiliation
with the Company, and is independent as defined by AMEX listing standards. The
Board has determined that Mr. John Connor is an “audit committee financial
expert” as that term is defined by the SEC and AMEX, and is “independent” from
the Company’s management as that term is defined in Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of
Regulation 14A promulgated under the 1934 Act. During 2004, the Audit Committee
held three meetings by teleconference.
During
the year, the Board examined the composition of the Audit Committee in light of
the adoption by AMEX of new listing standards governing audit committees. Based
upon this examination, the Board has determined that Mr. Connor and Mr. Woodcock
are unrelated, are outside members with no other current affiliation with the
Company, and are independent as defined by AMEX listing standards. Mr. Conroy
was appointed to the Audit Committee in June 2004 as the third member of the
Committee pursuant to the Board’s determination that he does not have a material
relationship with the Company that would interfere with the exercise of his
independent judgment. As previously noted the Board believes that
notwithstanding Mr. Conroy’s tenure as interim CFO for the Company in 2002 and
part of 2003, he nevertheless qualifies as independent under the applicable AMEX
listing standards, because he did not meet the test of having an material
relationship with the Company that would interfere with the exercise of his
independent judgment.
Compensation
Committee
The
Compensation Committee determines matters pertaining to the compensation of
certain executive officers of the Company and administers the Company’s stock
option and incentive compensation. During 2004, the Compensation Committee held
three meetings by teleconference. The Committee’s report starts on page 17. The
Committee’s charter is included as Appendix B to this Proxy
Statement.
Governance
and Nominating Committee
The Board
has established a Governance and Nominating Committee for purposes of nominating
Directors and for all other purposes outlined in the Governance and Nominating
Committee charter, including nominees submitted to the Board by stockholders.
The Board has determined that each of the members of the Governance and
Nominating Committee is unrelated, is an outside member with no other
affiliation with the Company, and is independent as defined by the AMEX listing
standards. The Committee’s charter is included as Appendix E to this Proxy
Statement.
Nomination
of Directors
As
provided in the Governance and Nominating Committee’s charter and our Company’s
corporate governance principles, the Governance and Nominating Committee is
responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become Directors. The
Governance and Nominating Committee seeks to identify director candidates based
on input provided by a number of sources, including (1) the Governance and
Nominating Committee members, (2) our other Directors, (3) our stockholders, (4)
our Chief Executive Officer or Chairman, and (5) third parties such as
professional search firms. In evaluating potential candidates for director, the
Governance and Nominating Committee considers the entirety of each candidate’s
credentials.
Qualifications
for consideration as a director nominee may vary according to the particular
areas of expertise being sought as a complement to the existing composition of
the Board. However, at a minimum, candidates for director must
possess:
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high
personal and professional ethics and
integrity; |
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· |
the
ability
to exercise sound judgment; |
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· |
the
ability to make independent analytical
inquiries; |
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· |
a
willingness and ability to devote adequate time and resources to
diligently perform Board and committee duties;
and |
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the
appropriate
and relevant business experience and
acumen. |
In
addition to these minimum qualifications, the Governance and Nominating
Committee also takes into account when considering whether to nominate a
potential director candidate the following factors:
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whether
the person possesses specific industry expertise and familiarity with
general issues affecting our business; |
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· |
whether
the person’s nomination and election would enable the Board to have a
member that qualifies as an “audit
committee financial expert” as such term is defined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); |
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· |
whether
the person would qualify as an “independent” director under the rules of
the SEC and AMEX listing standards; |
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the
importance of continuity of the existing composition of the Board to
provide long-term stability and experienced oversight;
and |
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the
importance of diversified Board membership, in terms of both the
individuals involved and their various experiences
and areas of expertise. |
The
Governance and Nominating Committee will consider director candidates
recommended by stockholders provided such recommendations are submitted in
accordance with the procedures set forth below. In order to provide for an
orderly and informed review and selection process for director candidates, the
Board has determined that stockholders who wish to recommend director candidates
for consideration by the Governance and Nominating Committee must comply with
the following:
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· |
the
recommendation must be made in writing to the attention of the Company’s
Corporate Secretary, Patrick A. Quinn; |
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· |
the
recommendation must include the candidate’s name, home and business
contact information, detailed biographical data and qualifications,
information regarding any relationships between the candidate and the
Company
within the last three years and evidence of the recommending person’s
ownership of the Company’s Common Stock; |
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· |
the
recommendation shall also contain a statement from the recommending
stockholder in support of the candidate; professional references,
particularly within the context of those relevant to Board membership,
including issues of character, judgment, diversity, age, independence,
expertise, corporate experience, length of service, other commitments; and
personal references; and |
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· |
a
statement
from the stockholder nominee indicating that such nominee wants to serve
on the Board and could be considered independent under SEC rules and AMEX
listing standards, as in effect at that
time. |
All
candidates submitted by stockholders will be evaluated by the Governance and
Nominating Committee according to the criteria discussed above and in the same
manner as all other director candidates.
ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL
NO. 1
The Board
proposes the election of the current Directors of the Company for an additional
term of one year. The following is information about each nominee, including
biographical data for at least the last five years. Should one or more of these
nominees become unavailable to accept nomination or election as a director, the
individuals named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card will vote the shares
that they represent for the election of such other persons as the Board may
recommend, unless the Board reduces the number of Directors.
The Board
adheres to corporate governance principles designed to assure the continued
vitality of the Board and excellence in the execution of its duties. The Board
is responsible for supervision of the overall affairs of the Company. Following
the Annual Meeting, the Board will consist of five Directors. All Directors are
U.S. citizens. The term of each director continues until the next annual meeting
or until successors are elected. The nominees for director are:
Name |
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Biographical
Information and Current Directorships |
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Age |
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James
J. Woodcock |
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James
J. Woodcock has been a Director since 2002 and Chairman of the Company
since February 2005. Mr. Woodcock also chairs the Company’s Compensation
Committee. Since 1981, Mr. Woodcock has been the owner and CEO of Hy-Bon
Engineering Company, based in Midland, Texas. Hy-Bon is an engineering
firm and manufacturer of vapor recovery, gas boosters, and casing pressure
reduction systems for the oil industry. From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Woodcock
was the Chairman of Transrepublic Resources, a private oil and gas
exploration firm located in Midland Texas. Since 1996, Mr. Woodcock has
been a board member of Renovar Energy, a private waste to energy firm
located in Midland Texas and was its Chairman of the Board from 1996 until
2003. |
|
66
|
|
|
|
|
|
Karl
F. Arleth |
|
Karl
F. Arleth has been our President and Chief Executive Officer since May
2003 and a Director since 2002. From 2002 to 2003, Mr. Arleth was the
Chief Operating Officer and a Board member of Sefton Resources, Inc., an
oil and gas exploration and production company. Between 1999 and 2001, he
served as Chairman and CEO of Eurogas, Inc in London. Ending in 1999, Mr.
Arleth spent 21 years with Amoco and BP-Amoco. In 1998 he chaired the
Board of the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) for
BP-Amoco in Baku, Azerbaijan. Concurrently in 1997-1998, he was also
President of Amoco Caspian Sea Petroleum Ltd. in Azerbaijan. In 1997, he
served as Director of Strategic Planning for Amoco Corporations Worldwide
Exploration and Production Sector in Chicago. From 1992 to 1996 Mr. Arleth
was President of Amoco Poland Ltd. in Warsaw, Poland. Between 1977 and
1992, Mr. Arleth held positions with Amoco as an exploration and
development geologist, project supervisor, manager and executive in the
Exploration and Production sector in Denver, Tulsa, Chicago and Houston.
In North America, he has significant exploration and production experience
in the Rocky Mountains, mid-continent, the western U.S. and
Alaska. |
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
John
T. Connor, Jr. |
|
John
T. Connor, Jr. has been a Director since 2003 and chairs the Board’s audit
committee. He is the Founder and Portfolio Manager of the Third Millennium
Russia Fund, a US based mutual fund specializing in the equities of
Russian public companies, which he founded in 1998. Mr. Connor is a member
of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Law Institute. He is
a Director of Port.ru., Inc., a Delaware corporation, which operates the
leading internet portal in Russia, mail.ru. and is also a member of the
board of directors of Swissfone Ltd., based in Washington, D.C., an Irish
company which is a telecom wholesaler. |
|
64
|
Name |
|
Biographical
Information and Current Directorships |
|
Age |
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas
F. Conroy |
|
Thomas
F. Conroy was our interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
from March 2002 until May 1, 2003, and a Director since 2002. Since 2002,
Mr. Conroy has been a principal member of Mann-Conroy-Eisenberg &
Assoc. LLC, a life insurance and reinsurance consulting firm, and since
2001, has been a managing principal of Strategic Reinsurance Consultants
International LLC, a life reinsurance consulting and brokerage firm.
Ending in 2001, Mr. Conroy, spent 27 years with ING and its predecessor
organizations, serving in various financial positions and leading two of
its strategic business units as President. As President of ING
Reinsurance, he established ING’s international presence, setting up
facilities in The Netherlands, Bermuda, Ireland and Japan. He also served
as an Officer and Board Member of Security Life of Denver Insurance
Company and its subsidiaries. Mr. Conroy is a Certified Public
Accountant. |
|
67
|
|
|
|
|
|
H.
Howard Cooper |
|
H.
Howard Cooper was our Chairman from 1996 until February 2005.
Mr. Cooper was our President and CEO from 1996 until May 2003.
Mr. Cooper founded American Tyumen in November 1996. He served as a
Director and President of American Tyumen until the merger with the
Company. In 1994, he was a Principal with Central Asian Petroleum, an oil
and gas company with its primary operations in Kazakhstan, located in
Denver, Colorado. From 1992 to 1994 Mr. Cooper served with AIG, an
insurance group in New York. Prior to founding Teton, from 1981-1991, Mr.
Cooper was an independent landman developing oil and gas opportunities in
the U.S. Rocky Mountain Region. |
|
48
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
officers hold office until the first meeting of the Board after the annual
meeting of stockholders next following his election or until his successor is
elected and qualified. A director or officer may also resign at any time.
Messrs. Connor, Conroy, and Woodcock have been determined by the Board to be
Independent Directors within the meaning of Section 121A of the AMEX
Company Guide. The Board believes that notwithstanding Mr. Conroy’s tenure as
interim CFO for the Company in 2002 and part of 2003, he nevertheless qualifies
as independent under that provision, because he did not meet the test of having
an employee relationship with the Company within the last three years since,
among other things, he did not receive cash compensation or employee benefits.
There are no family relationships among directors or executive officers of
Teton.
The five
nominees receiving the highest number of votes of the shares of the Company cast
at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall be
elected as directors.
THE BOARD
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL THE ABOVE NOMINEES.
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
Transactions
Involving Mr. Howard Cooper
Mr.
Cooper and Teton have entered into a consulting agreement. The consulting
agreement is for an initial term of one year and will continue for additional
one year terms unless 60 days prior to the anniversary date either party gives
notice of termination. Mr. Cooper will receive bi-monthly payments of $8,333
each. Under the terms of the agreement, if Mr. Cooper is terminated without
cause, he is entitled to 12 months of severance pay, payable in bi-monthly
installments over 12 months, from the date of termination. The Company may
discontinue the severance payments if Mr. Cooper violates the confidentiality,
noncompetition, or nonsolicitation provisions of his employment agreement.
Transactions
Involving Mr. Arleth
Mr.
Arleth, President and Chief Executive Officer, signed an employment agreement on
May 1, 2003. The agreement is for a three-year term, with an initial salary of
$10,000 per month that was increased to $15,000 per month beginning in January
2004. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Arleth is entitled to 24 months
severance pay in the event of a change of position or control of the Company.
DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION
Independent
Directors are compensated as follows: $6,000 cash for each quarter served, plus
$2,500 in stock for each Board meeting attended, plus $1,000 in stock for each
teleconference call in which the director participates to a maximum annual total
of $35,000. The number of shares received for participating in Board meetings
and teleconferences is determined by the closing share price at the end of each
quarter during which the meeting or teleconference occurred.
In
addition to these fees, Directors are reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses,
are eligible to participate in the Company’s stock option plan, and are covered
by the Company’s directors and officers insurance.
During
2004, the Directors received the following compensation based on retainers and
attendance at each meeting: $18,000 in cash compensation in respect of quarterly
retainers for the first, second, and third quarters of 2004, and $19,500 in
respect of stock-based compensation associated with board meetings attended.
Cash compensation of $6,000 in respect of the quarterly retainer for the fourth
quarter of 2004 was paid in January 2004.
INFORMATION
ABOUT STOCK OWNERSHIP
The
following tables set forth certain information as of the Record Date, available
to the Company with respect to the shares of the Company (i) held by those
persons known to the Company to be beneficial owners (as determined under the
rules of the SEC) of more than 5% of the Common Stock then outstanding and (ii)
held by each of the Directors, each of the executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table below, and by all of the Directors and such executive
officers as a group. The business address for all Directors and executive
officers is c/o Teton Petroleum Company, 1600 Broadway, Suite 2400, Denver,
Colorado 80202.
5%
BENEFICIAL OWNERS
NAME
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER |
|
Common
Stock Beneficially
Owned |
|
Percent
of Class |
|
H.
Howard Cooper (1) |
|
|
1,607,481 |
|
|
14.35 |
% |
Karl
F. Arleth (2) |
|
|
908,412 |
|
|
8.59 |
% |
James
J. Woodcock (3) |
|
|
774,684 |
|
|
7.44 |
% |
John
T. Connor (4) |
|
|
536,896 |
|
|
5.32 |
% |
(1) |
Includes
(i) 145,857 shares of Common Stock, (ii) 458,335 shares underlying
warrants, with exercise prices ranging from $3.24 to $12.00, (iii) 603,289
shares underlying options exercisable at $3.48 per share, and (iv) 400,000
shares underlying options exercisable at $3.60 per
share. |
|
|
(2) |
Includes
(i) 75,850 shares of common stock, (ii) 122,224 shares underlying
warrants, with exercise prices ranging from $3.24to $6.00per share, (iii)
410,338 shares underlying options exercisable at $3.48 per share, and (iv)
300,000 shares underlying options exercisable at $3.60 per
share. |
|
|
(3) |
Includes
(i) 105,279 shares of common stock, (ii) 259,257 shares underlying
warrants, with exercise prices ranging from $3.24 to $6.00 per share,
(iii) 210,148 shares underlying options exercisable between $3.48 per
share, and (iv) 200,000 shares underlying options exercisable at $3.60 per
share. |
|
|
(4) |
Includes
(i) 183,554 shares of common stock owned indirectly, (ii) 11,675 shares of
common stock owned directly, (iii) 166,667 shares of common stock
underlying warrants, exercisable at $6.00 per share, which are owned
indirectly, (iv) 100,000 shares of common stock underlying options
exercisable at $3.71
per share and (v) 75,000 shares of common stock underlying options
exercisable at $3.60 per share. |
DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS
NAME
AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER |
|
Common
Stock Beneficially
Owned |
|
Percent
of Class |
|
H.
Howard Cooper (1) |
|
|
1,607,481 |
|
|
14.35 |
% |
Karl
F. Arleth (2) |
|
|
908,412 |
|
|
8.59 |
% |
James
J. Woodcock (3) |
|
|
774,684 |
|
|
7.44 |
% |
John
T. Connor (4) |
|
|
536,896 |
|
|
5.32 |
% |
Thomas
F. Conroy (5) |
|
|
160,751 |
|
|
1.63 |
% |
Directors
and Executive Officers as a Group |
|
|
3,988,224 |
|
|
30.26 |
% |
1) |
Includes
(i) 145,857 shares of Common Stock, (ii) 458,335 shares underlying
warrants, with exercise prices ranging from $3.24 to $12.00, (iii) 603,289
shares underlying options exercisable at $3.48 per share, and (iv) 400,000
shares underlying options exercisable at $3.60 per
share. |
|
|
(2) |
Includes
(i) 75,850 shares of common stock, (ii) 122,224 shares underlying
warrants, with exercise prices ranging from $3.24 to $6.00per share, (iii)
410,338 shares underlying options exercisable at $3.48 per share, and (iv)
300,000 shares underlying options exercisable at $3.60 per
share. |
|
|
(3) |
Includes
(i) 105,279 shares of common stock, (ii) 259,257 shares underlying
warrants, with exercise prices ranging from $3.24 to $6.00 per share,
(iii) 210,148 shares underlying options exercisable between $3.48 per
share and (iv) 200,000 shares underlying options exercisable at $3.60 per
share. |
|
|
(4) |
Includes
(i) 183,554 shares of common stock owned indirectly, (ii) 11,675 shares of
common stock owned directly, (iii) 166,667 shares of common stock
underlying warrants, exercisable at $6.00 per share, which are owned
indirectly, (iv) 100,000 shares of common stock underlying options
exercisable at $3.71
per share and (v) 75,000 shares of common stock underlying options
exercisable at $3.60 per share. |
|
|
(5) |
Includes
(i) 27,647 shares of common stock, (ii) 29,446 shares underlying warrants,
with exercise prices ranging from $3.24 to $6.00, (iii) 28,658 shares
underlying options exercisable at $3.48 per share, and (iv) 75,000 shares
underlying options exercisable at $3.60 per
share. |
INFORMATION
ABOUT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The
Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer are elected annually by our Board. The
remaining executive officers are approved by the Chief Executive Officer and
hold office until their successors are elected and duly qualified.
The
current executive officers of the Company are as follows:
|
Name
|
|
Age |
|
Position |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Karl
F. Arleth |
|
56 |
|
Chief
Executive Officer, President, and Director |
|
Patrick
A. Quinn |
|
51 |
|
Chief
Financial Officer & Secretary |
Karl
F. Arleth has been
our President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2003 and a Director since
2002. From 2002 to 2003, Mr. Arleth was the Chief Operating Officer and a Board
member of Sefton Resources, Inc., an oil and gas exploration and production
company. Between 1999 and 2001, he served as Chairman and CEO of Eurogas, Inc.
in London. Ending in 1999, Mr. Arleth spent 21 years with Amoco and BP-Amoco. In
1998 he chaired the Board of the Azerbaijan International Operating Company
(AIOC) for BP-Amoco in Baku, Azerbaijan. Concurrently in 1997-1998, he was also
President of Amoco Caspian Sea Petroleum Ltd. in Azerbaijan. In 1997, he served
as Director of Strategic Planning for Amoco Corporations Worldwide Exploration
and Production Sector in Chicago. From 1992 to 1996 Mr. Arleth was President of
Amoco Poland Ltd. in Warsaw, Poland. Between 1977 and 1992, Mr. Arleth held
positions with Amoco as an exploration and development geologist, project
supervisor, manager and executive in the Exploration and Production sector in
Denver, Tulsa, Chicago and Houston. In North America, he has significant
exploration and production experience in the Rocky Mountains, mid-continent, the
western U.S. and Alaska.
Patrick
A. Quinn, CPA,
CVA. Mr. Quinn joined Teton in February 2004 to serve as the Company’s Chief
Financial Officer on a contract basis. For the past 15 years, Mr. Quinn has been
the CEO of Quinn & Associates, P.C. Mr. Quinn provides accounting, tax, and
auditing services primarily to the oil and gas industry. As a result, Mr. Quinn
has extensive experience in U.S. oil and gas operations, including the Rocky
Mountain, Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast regions. He has provided accounting and
tax services to Teton since its inception. In addition, Mr. Quinn has extensive
experience in international oil and gas operations including serving as the
Controller of Hamilton Oil Corporation from 1978 through 1986, which was the
first company to produce oil in the U.K. sector of the North Sea.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
Summary
Compensation Table
The
following table provides information about the total compensation for services
in all capacities to the Company or its subsidiary for the Chief Executive
Officer and the other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company
whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 (collectively, the “named
executive officers”). See the Compensation Committee Report beginning on page 17
for an explanation of our compensation philosophy.
|
|
|
|
Annual
Compensation |
|
Long
Term Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
|
Payouts |
|
|
Name
& Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary
($) |
|
Bonus
($) |
|
Other
Annual
Compen-
sation
($) |
|
Restricted
Stock
awards |
|
Securities
Underlying
Options
SARs
(#) |
|
LTIP
Payouts
($) |
|
All
Other
Compen-sation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Howard Cooper, |
|
2004 |
|
200,000 |
|
160,000* |
|
8,200 |
|
0 |
|
400,000 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
Chairman |
|
2003 |
|
160,000 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
603,289 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
CEO (until |
|
2002 |
|
160,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
375,000 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
May
2003) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Karl
F. Arleth CEO |
|
2004 |
|
180,000 |
|
80,000* |
|
16,800 |
|
0 |
|
300,000 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
2003 |
|
85,000 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
410,338 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Bonus
paid for 2003 performance.
Stock
Options
Options/SARs
Grants During Last Fiscal Year
The
following table provides information related to options granted to our named
executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
Name |
|
Number
of Securities Underlying Options Granted |
|
%
of Total Options Granted in Fiscal 2004 (1) |
|
|
Exercise
Price Per Share |
|
Expiration
Date |
|
Grant
Date
Present
Value
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Howard
Cooper |
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
28.3 |
% |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
03/30/14 |
|
$ |
992,000 |
|
Karl
F. Arleth |
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
21.2 |
% |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
03/30/14 |
|
$ |
744,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The
exercise price of the stock options was based on the fair market value of
the stock on the day of the
grant. |
|
(2) |
Valued
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following
assumptions: volatility of 55%, a risk-free rate of 4.06%, zero dividend
payments, and an expected life of ten
years. |
The Board
issued the options in 2004 with the understanding that they would seek
shareholder approval as to the ultimate number of options that can be issued.
Accordingly, 994,000 of the options representing approximately $2,500,000 of the
fair value of the total options granted could be voided if the shareholders do
not approve an increase in the number of authorized shares available for
issuance under the 2003 Employee Stock option plan.
Aggregated
Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Value
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Howard
Cooper |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
1,003,289 |
|
|
— |
|
Karl
F. Arleth |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
710,338 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee
Pension, Profit Sharing or Other Retirement Plans
The
Company does not have a defined benefit, pension plan, profit sharing, or other
retirement plan.
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
The
following table sets forth information about our equity compensation plans at
December 31, 2004:
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
|
1,999,037 |
|
$ |
3.51 |
|
|
6,963 |
|
Equity
compensation plans not approved by security holders |
|
|
994,000 |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
0 |
|
Total |
|
|
2,993,037 |
|
$ |
3.48 |
|
|
6,963 |
|
Section
16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section
16(a) of the 1934 Act requires that the Company’s Directors and certain of its
officers file reports of ownership and changes of ownership of the Company
common stock with the SEC and AMEX. Based solely on copies of such reports
provided to the Company, the Company believes that all Directors and officers
filed on a timely basis all such reports required of them with respect to stock
ownership and changes in ownership during 2004 except that Messrs. Arleth,
Conroy, Connor, Cooper and Woodcock were late in reporting the grant of stock
options under the 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan.
Executive
Employment Agreements
Mr.
Howard Cooper, Director, signed a consulting agreement with the Company dated
March 1, 2005. The consulting agreement is for an initial term of one year and
will continue for additional one year terms unless 60 days prior to the
anniversary date either party gives notice of termination. Mr. Cooper will
receive bi-monthly payments of $8,333 each. Under the terms of the agreement, if
Mr. Cooper is terminated without cause, he is entitled to 12 months of severance
pay, payable in bi-monthly installments over 12 months, from the date of
termination. The Company may discontinue the severance payments if Mr. Cooper
violates the confidentiality, noncompetition, or nonsolicitation provisions of
his employment agreement.
Mr.
Arleth, President and Chief Executive Officer, signed an employment agreement on
May 1, 2003. The agreement is for a three-year term, with an initial salary of
$10,000 per month that was increased to $15,000 per month beginning in January
2004. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Arleth is entitled to 24 months
severance pay in the event of a change of position or control of the
Company.
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
The
Report of the Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Report”) does not
constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by
reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
1934 Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this
Compensation Report by reference therein.
The
Company’s executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain and
motivate executive officers capable of leading the Company to meet its business
objectives, to align the interests of executive management with those of the
stockholders, and to provide incentives and reward both short and long term
performance based on the success of the Company in meeting its development
milestones and business objectives. The Compensation Committee places a
particular emphasis on variable, performance based components, such as the bonus
potential and stock option awards, the value of which could increase or decrease
to reflect changes in corporate and individual performance.
Components
of Compensation
Each
executive officer’s compensation package is generally comprised of the following
elements: (1) a base salary which is established at levels considered
appropriate for the duties and scope of responsibilities of each officer’s
position; (2) a performance-based annual bonus; and (3) periodic grants of stock
options to strengthen the mutuality of interests between the executive officers
and the Company’s stockholders. Executive officers are also eligible to
participate in compensation and employee benefits generally available to all
employees of the Company.
The
Compensation Committee believes that this approach best serves the interests of
the Company and its stockholders. It enables the Company to meet the
requirements of the highly competitive environment in which the Company operates
while ensuring that executive officers are compensated in a way that advances
both the short and long term interests of stockholders. Under this approach,
compensation for these officers involves a high proportion of pay that is “at
risk,” namely, the annual bonus and stock options. The variable annual bonus is
also based, in significant part, on Company performance. Stock options relate a
significant portion of long term remuneration directly to stock price
appreciation realized by all of the Company’s stockholders.
Base
Salary
Base
salaries for executive officers are set at levels believed by the Committee to
be sufficient to attract and retain qualified executive officers based on the
stage of development of the Company, the salary levels in effect for comparable
positions in similarly situated companies within relevant industries, and
internal comparability considerations. Base salaries for the Company’s executive
officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, as well as changes in such
salaries, are based upon recommendations by the Chief Executive Officer, taking
into account such factors as competitive industry salaries, a subjective
assessment of the nature of the position and the contribution and experience of
the officer and the length of the officer’s service. All such recommendations
are subject to approval or disapproval by the Compensation Committee. Other than
provisions provided for in employment agreements, changes in base salaries of
executives are based on an evaluation of the personal performance of the
executive, prevailing market practices, and the performance of the Company as a
whole. In determining base salaries, the Committee not only considers the short
term performance of the Company, but also the success of the executive officers
in developing and executing the Company’s strategic plans, developing management
employees and exercising leadership in the development of the
Company.
Cash-Based
Incentive Bonus
The
Committee believes that a portion of the total cash compensation for executive
officers should be based on the Company’s success in meeting its short term
performance objectives and contributions by the executive officers that enable
the Company to meet its long term objectives, and has structured the executive
compensation program to reflect this philosophy. This approach creates a direct
incentive for executive officers to achieve desired short-term corporate goals
that also further the long-term objectives of the Company, and places a
significant portion of each executive officer’s annual compensation at
risk.
Stock
Options
The
Compensation Committee believes that equity participation is a key component of
the Company’s executive compensation program. Stock options are awarded by the
Committee to executive officers primarily based on potential contributions to
the Company’s growth and development and marketplace practices. These awards are
designed to retain executive officers and to motivate them to enhance
stockholder value by aligning the financial interests of executive officers with
those of stockholders. Stock options provide an effective incentive for
management to create stockholder value over the long term because the full
benefits of the option grants cannot be realized unless an appreciation in the
price of the Company’s Common Stock occurs over a number of years.
Variable
Bonus
The
Committee may award annual or interim special bonuses in the form of cash, stock
options, or restricted stock to executive management and employees for achieving
certain milestones, progress made in the staff and organizational development of
the Company, and advances in the market acceptance and commercialization of the
Company’s technology.
CEO
Compensation
With the
framework described above, the Committee determines the salary and bonus of the
Chief Executive Officer based on his leadership, the execution of business
plans, and strategic results. The complexity of the business and his experience
are also key factors. The Committee has used the following metrics to determine
the CEO’s compensation: the historical complexity of the Company’s international
operations, the experience that the CEO brings to the Company and its business,
the CEO’s ability to continuously improve the Company’s results, and the CEO’s
ability to evaluate and execute on acquisitions that will enable the Company to
grow its asset base in the near term. The Committee does not use narrow,
quantitative measures or formulas in determining the CEO’s compensation. The
Committee meets annually to establish operational and financial goals and
objectives for the CEO and throughout the year regularly meets in executive
sessions and with the CEO to review performance against those objectives. A
final meeting of the Compensation Committee as well as with the entire Board is
held at the end of each fiscal year to measure results of the prior year as well
as to set objectives and establish compensation benchmarks for the subsequent
year. Beginning in 2005, annual performance reviews will be held during the
first quarter of the year following the close of the previous calendar
year.
Thomas F.
Conroy
James J.
Woodcock
AUDIT
COMMITTEE REPORT
The
following Report of the Audit Committee (the “Audit Report”) does not constitute
soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference
into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates
this Audit Report by reference therein.
Role
of the Audit Committee
The Audit
Committee’s primary responsibilities fall into three broad categories:
First,
the Committee is charged with monitoring the preparation of quarterly and annual
financial reports by the Company’s management, including discussions with
management and the Company’s outside auditors about draft annual financial
statements and key accounting and reporting matters;
Second,
the Committee is responsible for matters concerning the relationship between the
Company and its outside auditors, including recommending their appointment or
removal; reviewing the scope of their audit services and related fees, as well
as any other services being provided to the Company; and determining whether the
outside auditors are independent (based in part on the annual letter provided to
the Company pursuant to Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1);
and
Third,
the Committee reviews financial reporting, policies, procedures, and internal
controls of the Company.
The
Committee has implemented procedures to ensure that during the course of each
fiscal year it devotes the attention that it deems necessary or appropriate to
each of the matters assigned to it under the Committee’s charter. In overseeing
the preparation of the Company’s financial statements, the Committee met with
management and the Company’s outside auditors, including meetings with the
Company’s outside auditors without management present, to review and discuss all
financial statements prior to their issuance and to discuss significant
accounting issues. Management advised the Committee that all financial
statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and the Committee discussed the statements with both management and
the outside auditors. The Committee’s review included discussion with the
outside auditors of matters required to be discussed pursuant to Statement
on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication With Audit
Committees).
With
respect to the Company’s outside auditors, the Committee, among other things,
discussed with Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC matters relating to its
independence, including the disclosures made to the Committee as required by the
Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees).
Recommendations
of the Audit Committee. In
reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee
recommended to the Board that the Board approve the inclusion of the Company’s
audited financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, for filing with the SEC.
John T.
Connor, Jr.
James J.
Woodcock
Thomas F.
Conroy
Audit
and Non-Audit Fees
Aggregate
fees for professional services rendered to the Company by Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner
& Hottman PC as of or for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and
2003 are set forth below:
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
|
Audit
Fees |
|
$ |
74,053 |
|
$ |
141,917 |
|
|
Audit-Related
Fees |
|
|
40,508 |
|
|
51,047 |
|
|
Tax
Fees |
|
|
8,550 |
|
|
6,500 |
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
123,111 |
|
$ |
199,464 |
|
Audit
Fees.
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner
& Hottman PC in connection with its audit of our consolidated financial
statements included in Forms 10-K and 10-KSB, respectively and the quarterly
reviews of our financial statements included in Forms 10-Q and 10-QSB,
respectively for the fiscal years 2004 and 2003.
Audit-Related
Fees. These
were primarily related to SB-2 and SB-2/A filings for the registration of our
stock, assistance with the AMEX application process, review of the proxy
statement and Form 8-K, and reviews and discussions regarding accounting
treatment of debt and equity transactions.
Tax
Fees. These
were related to tax compliance and related tax services.
Ehrhardt
Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC rendered no professional services to us in
connection with the design and implementation of financial information systems
in fiscal year 2004 or 2003.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The
following performance graph reflects the share price performance of Teton
Petroleum Company since its shares commenced trading in the United States on the
OTC Bulletin Board in November 2001. (Teton shares have been traded on the
American Stock Exchange since May 2003). The total return of Teton’s shares is
compared to 1) the Russell 2000® Index, an index measuring the performance of
2000 companies with small market capitalizations, and to 2) a peer group of 26
companies with SIC code 1311 (Crude Oil and Natural Gas Producers) with market
capitalizations of less than $100 million. All
cumulative returns are calculated on a fiscal year basis ending on December 31
of each year and have been weighted by market capitalization.
The
Companies included in the peer group are:
|
|
|
Abraxas
Pete Corp |
Equity
Oil Co |
Parallel
Pete Corp Del |
|
|
|
Arena
Resources Inc |
Exploration
Co |
Primeenergy
Corp |
|
|
|
Beta
Oil & Gas Inc |
Georesources
Inc |
Pyr
Energy Corp |
|
|
|
Blue
Dolphin Energy Co |
Gmx
Res Inc |
Quest
Resource Corp |
|
|
|
Castle
Energy Corp |
Gulfwest
Energy Inc New |
Tengasco
Inc |
|
|
|
Chaparral
Res Inc |
Isramco
Inc |
Toreador
Res Corp |
|
|
|
Contango
Oil & Gas Co |
Kestrel
Energy Inc |
Tri
Vy Corp |
|
|
|
Daugherty
Res Inc |
Magellan
Pete Corp |
Vaalco
Energy Inc |
|
|
|
Double
Eagle Pete Co |
Mexco
Energy Corp |
|
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The
Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and in
accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements, and other information with
the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information may be inspected
without charge at the principal office of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional offices of the SEC located at 233
Broadway, New York, New York 10279 and 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 900, Chicago,
Illinois 60604, and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained at
prescribed rates from the SEC’s Public Reference Section at such addresses.
Also, the SEC maintains a World Wide Web site on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.
Such reports, proxy and information statements and other information also can be
inspected at the office of the American Stock Exchange, Inc., 86 Trinity Place
New York, NY 10006.
The
Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2004 (which is not part of the Company’s proxy soliciting materials) has been
mailed to the Company’s stockholders with or prior to this proxy statement. A
copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, without exhibits, will be
furnished without charge to stockholders upon request to:
Ms.
Gillian Kane
Tel.
(303) 542-1878
Teton
Petroleum Company
1600
Broadway, Suite 2400
Denver,
Colorado 80202-4921
gkane@tetonpetroleum.com
RATIFICATION
OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
PROPOSAL
NO. 2
Ehrhardt
Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC has served as the Company’s independent auditors
since December 1999 and has been appointed by the Audit Committee to continue as
the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005.
In the event that ratification of this selection of auditors is not approved by
a majority of the shares of Common Stock voting at the Annual Meeting in person
or by proxy, the Board will reconsider its selection of auditors. Ehrhardt Keefe
Steiner & Hottman PC has no interest, financial or otherwise, in the
Company.
A
representative of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC is expected to be
present at the Annual Meeting. The auditors will have the opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
The proxy
holders intend to vote the shares represented by proxies to ratify the Board’s
selection of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC as the Company’s
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005.
Policy
on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of
Independent Auditors
The Audit
Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services provided by the
independent auditors prior to the engagement of the independent auditors with
respect to such services. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has been delegated
the authority by the Committee to pre-approve interim services by the
independent auditors other than the annual audit. The Chairman must report all
such pre-approvals to the entire Audit Committee at the next Committee
meeting.
Approval
of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares
present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting.
THE BOARD
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF EHRHARDT KEEFE STEINER
& HOTTMAN PC AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2005.
RATIFICATION
OF CHANGE IN COMPANY’S NAME
PROPOSAL
NO. 3
In
response to the Company’s diversification from a producer solely of oil into a
concern focused on both oil and gas, the Company believes the name Teton
Petroleum Company may be seen as too limiting to the markets in which it
operates as well as to the public at large. In order to reflect this change, the
Company is proposing to amend its certificate of incorporation to change its
name to Teton Energy Corporation.
This
change will not affect the rights of the holders of any of our equity
securities. The rights, privileges, and preferences of our shareholders will
remain the same as they were before the amendment. Certificates for shares
issued by Teton Petroleum Company will represent the same number of shares in
Teton Energy Corporation. The Company will issue certificates in our new name as
old certificates are submitted for transfer or as new shares are authorized for
issuance. However, there is no requirement for shareholders to submit their old
certificates for re-issuance in the new corporate name.
To effect
the corporate name change we must file a Certificate of Amendment to our Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to insert the name “Teton
Energy Corporation” in lieu
of Teton Petroleum Company. If the amendment to change our corporate name is
approved by our stockholders we would expect to file the Certificate of
Amendment to effect the corporate name change with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware as soon as practicable. The name change will become effective
upon the filing of the Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware. All outstanding plans, such as our option plans, whether
previously approved or approved at the 2005 Annual Meeting, will be renamed to
reflect the Company’s new name.
A copy of
the proposed amendment to the certificate of incorporation is attached as
Appendix F to this Proxy Statement.
Approval
of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the
outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon.
THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION,
DEEMING IT ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND DIRECTED THAT
THE AMENDMENT BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF
DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION CHANGING OUR CORPORATE NAME FROM TETON PETROLEUM
COMPANY TO TETON ENERGY CORPORATION.
APPROVAL
OF AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE UNDER
THE 2003 EMPLOYEE STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN
PROPOSAL
NO. 4
We are
asking stockholders to approve an amendment to the Teton Petroleum Company 2003
Employee Stock Option Plan (the “2003 Plan”) to increase the number of shares of
Common Stock that are authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2003 Plan
by 916,667 shares (from 2,083,333 shares to 3,000,000 shares).
The
primary purpose of the 2003 Option Plan is to attract and retain the best
available personnel for the Company in order to promote the success of the
Company's business and to facilitate the ownership of the Company’s stock by
employees. Under the 2003 Option Plan, options may be granted to key employees,
officers, directors or consultants of the Company, as provided in the 2003
Option Plan.
Under the
Plan, options may be granted which are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock
Options (“ISOs”) under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the
“Code”) or which are not (“Non-ISOs”) intended to qualify as Incentive Stock
Options thereunder. The 2003 Option Plan and the right of participants to make
purchases thereunder are intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase
plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”). The 2003 Option Plan is not a qualified deferred compensation plan
under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and is not subject to the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).
Under the
Plan, options may be granted which are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock
Options (“ISOs”) under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the
“Code”) or which are not (“Non-ISOs”) intended to qualify as Incentive Stock
Options thereunder. The 2003 Option Plan and the right of participants to make
purchases thereunder are intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase
plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”). The 2003 Option Plan is not a qualified deferred compensation plan
under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and is not subject to the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).
The 2003
Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders on March 19, 2003. As adopted,
the 2003 Plan called for the reservation of 25,000,000 shares for issuance
thereunder. At the same annual meeting at which the 2003 Plan was adopted, the
Company’s shareholders also approved a 1:12 reverse split. Although the Board of
Directors believed that a reasonable interpretation of both actions indicated
that since the 2003 Plan was adopted at the same shareholders meeting as the
reverse split and further since there were no shares of the 2003 plan
technically outstanding at the time of the reverse split’s approval, no
adjustment needed to be made to the plan, it nevertheless elected to take a
conservative approach and considered the number of shares outstanding for
purposes of the 2003 Plan to similarly be reversed, thus resulting in only
2,083,333 shares being available under the 2003 Plan.
The Board
of Directors amended the 2003 Plan on May 11, 2004, subject to shareholder
approval, to increase the maximum number of shares available under the plan to
3,000,000. The 2003 Plan currently provides, under the Board’s interpretation,
for 2,083,333 to be available under the plan. The Board of Directors has
approved, and recommends to the stockholders that they approve, an amendment to
the 2003 Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock available for
issuance pursuant to the 2003 Plan by 916,667 shares so that an aggregate of
3,000,000 shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to the 2003 Plan and to
effectively ratify the issuance of additional options to qualified persons in
2004, which options were issued subject to shareholder approval. The Company’s
management relies on options to purchase its common stock as essential parts of
the compensation packages necessary for the Company to attract and retain
experienced officers, directors, and employees. The Board of Directors of the
Company believes that the proposed increase in the number of shares available
under the 2003 Plan is essential to permit the Company to continue to provide
long-term, equity-based
incentives to present and future key employees.
The 2003
Plan expires by its terms no later than March 19, 2013. However, it will
terminate immediately following stockholder approval of the 2005 Long Term
Incentive Plan. See Proposal 5 below; provided, however, that all outstanding
and approved options will remain in force until they are exercised or expire
pursuant to the terms of the 2003 Plan. As of April 15, 2005, an aggregate of
2,968,037 shares of common stock were issued under the 2003 Plan, net of options
cancelled, including 884,704 options that were issued subject to receiving
shareholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares under the 2003
Plan.
The
following table presents information regarding the options that were
prospectively issued subject to shareholder approval:
Name
& Position |
|
Dollar
Value of Grant |
|
Number
of Options Granted |
|
Arleth,
Karl F. |
|
$ |
676,406 |
|
|
272,223 |
|
Connor,
John T. |
|
$ |
186,356 |
|
|
75,000 |
|
Conroy,
Thomas F. |
|
$ |
186,356 |
|
|
75,000 |
|
Cooper,
H. Howard |
|
$ |
924,881 |
|
|
372,223 |
|
Woodcock,
James C. |
|
$ |
496,950 |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The full
text of the 2003 Stock Plan is attached as Appendix H.
Approval
of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares
present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting.
THE BOARD
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF
THE
AMENDMENT TO THE 2003 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
APPROVAL
OF THE 2005 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
PROPOSAL
NO. 5
At the
Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders are being asked to approve the Teton
Petroleum 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2005 Long Term Incentive Plan”) to
replace the 2003 Plan and the 2004 Non-Employee Compensation Plan (the “2004
Plan”). The Board has unanimously approved the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan and
has directed that it be submitted for the approval of the stockholders at the
annual meeting. The 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan will become effective on the
date of stockholder approval (the “Effective Date”). The 2003 Plan and the 2004
Plan will each terminate immediately after stockholders approve the 2005 Long
Term Incentive Plan.
The
following description of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan is only a summary of
the important provisions of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan and does not
contain all of the terms and conditions of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan.
The full text of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan is attached as Appendix
G.
What
is the Purpose of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan?
Stock-based
compensation, also called equity incentives, is a critical component of our
compensation program. Our ability to attract and retain qualified,
high-performing employees is vital to our success as a company. Our equity
compensation programs have historically been and continue to be designed to
attract and retain these employees, many of whom view equity incentives as a key
component of their compensation. Stock-based compensation encourages and rewards
employee performance and links it to shareholder value. We believe that such
flexibility is all-the-more important since the Company has shifted its focus
from Russia into North America, where competition for highly qualified employees
in the oil and gas industry is especially competitive. We believe that the 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan will provide us with the flexibility to offer a variety
of competitive stock-based compensation. In addition, stock-based compensation
will also help us retain consultants, professionals, and service providers who
provide services to the Company in connection with, among other things, the
Company’s obligations as a publicly held reporting company. Furthermore, we
expect to benefit from the added interest that the non-affiliated Awardees will
have in our welfare as a result of their ownership or increased ownership of our
Common Stock.
The Board
of Directors has adopted, and is submitting to shareholders for approval, the
2005 Long Term Incentive Plan.
Background
Because
the Board of Directors believes that the fundamental objective of a long term
incentive compensation program is the alignment of management and shareholder
interests, the Board of Directors has designed the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan
to focus management on the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders and
align management’s interests with shareholders. The 2005 Long Term Incentive
Plan allows for several forms of awards based on the value of Common Stock and
for the utilization of performance based vesting targets that measure
operational and financial performance improvements relevant to shareholder
value. Key points include:
• |
Emphasis
on Performance Based Awards.
The Committee intends to direct the greatest portion of awards to vest
solely on the basis of performance targets. The most senior executive
group of executives will receive 60% of the value of their awards in the
form of performance share units subject to three-year performance targets.
A performance share unit is equal in value to a share of Common Stock.
Between 20 and 25% of the value of awards to other executives and
employees will consist of performance share units.
|
• |
Discounted
stock option and stock appreciation rights and re-pricing
prohibited.
The 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan prohibits stock appreciation rights or
stock option awards with an exercise price less than fair market value of
Common Stock on the date of grant. The 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan also
prohibits re-pricing such awards or the cancellation of such awards in
exchange for new awards with a lower exercise price, except in the event
of stock splits and certain other capital
transactions. |
• |
Inclusion
of minimum vesting provisions.
The 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan generally provides for a minimum
three-year vesting schedule for stock appreciation rights and stock
options. Additionally, awards contingent upon performance-based vesting
will also generally be subject to a three-year performance measurement
period. No more than 60% of awards may be subject to less than a
three-year vesting period. |
• |
Plan
Term.
The 2005 Plan will expire on the fifth anniversary of the shareholder
approval date. |
• |
Shares
terminated under prior plans will not increase plan
reserve.
Shares subject to awards under previous plans that are cancelled,
forfeited, or expired will not be available for re-grant in the 2005 Long
Term Incentive Plan. There will be no transfer of unused shares reserved
for other plans into the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan share reserve. Upon
approval of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, Teton will not grant any
new awards under existing equity compensation
plans. |
• |
Shares
surrendered to pay taxes or exercise price for stock options will not
increase the plan reserve.
Shares tendered to Teton for taxes or to pay the exercise price will not
provide Teton with additional shares for the 2005 Long Term Incentive
Plan. |
• |
Stock
appreciation rights settled in shares will not be counted on a net
basis.
Each stock settled stock appreciation right will count as a full share
against the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan share reserve limit rather than
the net gain realized upon exercise. |
Description
of the Plan
The text
of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan is attached hereto as Appendix G and is
hereby incorporated by reference. The following summary of key provisions of the
2005 Long Term Incentive Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
attached 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan document.
Purpose
of the Plan
The
purpose of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan is to align shareholder and
management interests through stock and performance-based awards linked to
shareholder value and to give Teton a competitive advantage in attracting and
retaining key employees and directors.
Eligibility
and Participation
Executives,
employees, directors and certain consultants of Teton, its subsidiaries and
affiliates will be eligible to participate in the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan,
as determined by the Committee. Upon approval of the 2005 Long Term Incentive
Plan by shareholders, Teton will not grant any new awards under the 2003 Plan or
the 2004 Plan.
Administration
of the Plan
The 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan will be administered by the Committee, composed
exclusively of independent non-employee directors in accordance with American
Stock Exchange listing requirements. The Committee will have full authority to
administer the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, including, without limitation, the
authority to determine who will receive awards, to establish the specific terms
that will govern awards as will be set forth in individual award agreements, to
interpret awards and 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan provisions, to revoke awards
in the event of serious misconduct and to amend the Plan and outstanding awards
subject to certain limitations set forth in the Plan document. The Committee may
delegate authority to officers of Teton, provided however, that it may not
delegate authority with respect to executives who are reporting persons under
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Committee’s authority to
amend existing awards is restricted in the event of a change in control. The
Board’s Governance and Nominating Committee will authorize awards to
non-employee directors.
Shares
Reserved for Plan Awards
There
shall be reserved and available for issuance under the Plan (a) for the first
Plan Year, that number of shares equal to 20% of the total number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding as of the Effective Date and (b) for each subsequent
Plan Year, (i) that number of shares equal to 10% of the total number of shares
of Common Stock outstanding as of the first day of each respective Plan Year,
plus (ii) that number of shares of Common Stock reserved and available for
issuance but unissued during any prior Plan Year during the Term of the Plan;
provided, however, in no event shall the number of shares of Common Stock
available for issuance under the Plan as of the beginning of any Plan Year plus
the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for outstanding awards under the
Plan exceed 35% percent of the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding at that time, based on a three-year period of grants. Such shares
may consist in whole or in part of authorized and unissued shares or treasury
shares or any combination thereof.
Individual
Award Limits
The
number of shares subject to awards of (i) Stock Options, (ii) Stock appreciation
rights or (iii) Stock bonus awards made to any individual in any Plan Year may
not exceed 20% of the shares of Stock reserved and available for issuance in
such Plan Year. Except as otherwise provided herein, any shares subject to an
option or right which for any reason expires or is terminated unexercised as to
such shares shall again be available under the Plan.
Stock
Appreciation Rights and Stock Options
The 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan provides for awards of stock appreciation rights,
non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options intended to comply with
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Committee intends to utilize stock
appreciation rights for regular cycle awards if tax-efficient, or,
alternatively, will use non-qualified stock option awards. The 2005 Long Term
Incentive Plan specifically prohibits stock appreciation rights and stock
options with an exercise price less than the fair market value of Common Stock
on the date of grant, the re-pricing of stock appreciation and stock option
awards or the cancellation of such awards in exchange for new awards with a
lower exercise price unless approved by the Company’s shareholders except in the
event of a stock split or certain other capital transactions.
A stock
appreciation right entitles the holder to receive shares of Common Stock or cash
equal in value to the difference between the fair market value of Common Stock
on the exercise date and the value of Common Stock on the grant date. Stock
appreciation rights and stock options will have a maximum term of 10 years.
Generally, options will be subject to a minimum three-year vesting schedule. In
limited circumstances, the Committee can provide grants with a vesting schedule
of less than three years; however, no more than60% of the pool of shares can be
used for awards to executives and directors that have a vesting period of less
than three years. Upon retirement, however, stock appreciation rights and stock
options will become exercisable if the recipient has held them for at least one
year. Exercisable stock appreciation and stock option awards may be exercised
for a period of 90 days following termination, or until expiration of their term
following termination after age 55. In cases of long-term disability, awards are
not forfeited and will remain outstanding and become exercisable as scheduled
during the period of disability. All outstanding stock appreciation right and
stock option awards will become exercisable for a period of three years in the
event of the death of the participant.
Restricted
Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards
A
restricted stock award is an award of shares of Common Stock subject to a
restriction on transferability. The restriction on transferability will lapse
following a stated period of time, upon attainment of specified performance
targets or some combination thereof. Generally, awards will be subject to a
multi-year time or performance based vesting schedule. In limited circumstances,
the Committee can provide grants with a vesting schedule of less than three
years; provided, however, that such grants to executives and directors may not
exceed 10% of the shares reserved for full value share awards under the 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan. A recipient of a restricted stock award will have all
of the rights of a holder of Common Stock with respect to the underlying shares
except for the restriction on transferability, including the right to vote the
shares and receive dividends. A restricted stock unit is equal in value to one
share of Common Stock and will vest following a specified period of continuous
employment (or service in the case of a consultant) as set forth in the award
agreement. A performance share unit is a restricted stock unit that will vest
solely upon the achievement of specified performance targets. The holder of a
restricted stock unit or performance share unit award is generally not entitled
to the rights of a holder of Common Stock. Both restricted stock units and
performance share units will be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock or
cash, as specified in the award agreement.
The 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan also authorizes other types of awards valued by
reference to Common Stock.
Change
in Control and Other Events
The 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan provides the Committee with discretion to take certain
actions with respect to outstanding awards in the event of a change in control
or certain other material events that affect Teton’s capital structure or the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. In the event of a stock split,
reverse stock split, share combination, recapitalization, sale of assets,
extraordinary dividend or other event affecting the value of a share of Common
Stock or the number of shares outstanding, the various share limitations set
forth in the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan and the number of shares subject to
outstanding awards will be adjusted as necessary and appropriate to reflect the
change in the number or value of outstanding shares and to preserve the value of
outstanding awards. The Committee may also, in its discretion, take other
actions, including without limitation, the cancellation of outstanding awards in
exchange for payments of cash, property, or a combination thereof having an
aggregate value as determined by the Committee to be appropriate to protect the
value of participants’ interests in their awards.
In the
event of a change in control, the Committee may, in its discretion, provide that
all stock appreciation rights and stock options will immediately vest and become
exercisable, lapse any restrictions applicable to restricted stock and provide
that performance based vesting targets applicable to performance share units and
other awards will be deemed satisfied and that such performance based awards
will be considered to be earned and payable in full. In addition, if within 24
months following a change in control an award recipient is involuntarily
terminated, resigns following a material and adverse change in compensation,
responsibilities, functions or reporting relationship or resigns rather than
relocate more than 50 miles from his or her job location, then, without further
action by the Committee, such recipient will become vested in all outstanding
awards as of the date of termination. Stock appreciation rights and stock
options so vested may be exercised until the earlier of the third anniversary of
the date of termination or the expiration of the term of the award.
For
purposes of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, a change in control means
generally: (i) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the
meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act) of
beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common
Stock; (ii) a change in the composition of the Board of Directors such that the
individuals who constitute a majority of the Board cease for any reason to
constitute at least a majority of the Board (for this purpose, individuals whose
nomination for election to the Board is approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds of the directors then comprising the incumbent board shall be
considered to be a member of the incumbent board); or (iii) the consummation of
a merger or similar consolidation following which: (A) the individuals and
entities that were owners of Common Stock do not own more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the new resulting business entity; or (B) an individual or
group owns 15% or more of the outstanding shares of the resulting new business
entity; or (C) the members of the incumbent Teton Board do not comprise a
majority of the board of directors of the resulting new business
entity.
Qualified
Performance-Based Awards
The 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan provides that compensation from stock options, stock
appreciation rights, performance share units and other performance-based awards
will generally be structured to be exempt from the limitation on deductible
compensation imposed by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code Section. The
Committee will administer the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 2005 Long
Term Incentive Plan will be interpreted consistent with the purpose of
maintaining the exemption from the Section 162(m) deduction limitation, except
that qualified performance targets will be waived in the event of death and may
be waived in the event of a change of control. The Committee is responsible for
certifying to the measurement of applicable performance targets. The 2005 Long
Term Incentive Plan provides that performance based compensation awards intended
to be exempt from the Section 162(m) deduction limitation will be subject to
vesting on the basis of one or more of the following performance targets: (i)
diluted earnings per share; (ii) total shareholder return; (iii) working capital
and gross inventory turnover; or (iv) revenue growth. The Committee shall
determine which of the foregoing criteria shall be applicable to awards and
shall set the specific targets no later than 90 days following the commencement
of the applicable measurement period, which will generally be 3
years.
Effective
Date and Term
The 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan will be effective June 2, 2005 if approved at the
Annual Meeting. The first regular cycle of award grants will occur in 2005. The
2005 Long Term Incentive Plan will terminate on the fifth anniversary of
shareholder approval. The 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan may be amended by the
Committee provided that no 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan amendment may
materially impair the rights of award recipients with respect to existing awards
and no amendment shall be made without approval of Teton’s shareholders to the
extent that such approval is required by applicable law or the listing standards
of the American Stock Exchange.
Federal
Income Tax Consequences
The
following discussion is intended only as a brief summary of the material U.S.
Federal income tax rules that are generally relevant to 2005 Long Term Incentive
Plan awards. The laws governing the tax aspects of awards are highly technical
and such laws are subject to change.
Upon the
exercise of a stock appreciation right, an award recipient will be subject to
ordinary income tax, and wage and employment tax withholding equal to the excess
of the fair market value of Common Stock on the exercise date over the fair
market value of Common Stock on the date of grant. Teton will generally be
entitled to a corresponding deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income
that the recipient recognizes. Upon the sale of Common Stock acquired upon
exercise of a stock appreciation right, the recipient will recognize long or
short-term capital gain or loss, depending on whether the recipient held the
stock for more than one year from the date of exercise. Upon the exercise of a
non-qualified option, the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired
on the exercise of the option over the exercise price paid (the “spread”) will
constitute compensation taxable to the recipient as ordinary income. Teton will
generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction equal to the amount of
ordinary income recognized by the recipient. With respect to incentive stock
options (“ISOs”), a recipient who holds shares acquired upon exercise will not
recognize taxable income. If the recipient holds the shares for at least one
year, the recipient will recognize long-term capital gain or loss, as the case
may be, measured by the difference between the stock’s selling price and the
exercise price. Teton will not receive a tax deduction with respect to the
exercise of an ISO if the one year ISO holding period is satisfied. Award
recipients do not recognize any taxable income and Teton is not entitled to a
deduction upon the grant of a stock appreciation right, a non-qualified option
or an ISO.
The
recipient of a performance share unit, restricted stock, restricted stock unit,
or other stock-based or performance based award will not recognize taxable
income at the time of grant as long as the award is subject to a substantial
risk of forfeiture as a result of performance based vesting targets, continued
service requirements or other conditions that must be satisfied before payment
or delivery of shares can occur. The recipient will generally recognize ordinary
income and be subject to wage and employment tax withholding when the
substantial risk of forfeiture expires or is removed unless the cash to be paid
or shares to be delivered are deferred until a date subsequent to the vesting
date. Teton will generally be entitled to a corresponding deduction equal to the
amount of income the recipient recognizes.
Foreign
Employees and Foreign Law Considerations
The
Committee may grant awards to individuals who are foreign nationals and are
located outside of the United States. With respect to such individuals, the
Committee is authorized to amend the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, establish
sub-plans and/or provide provisions to applicable award agreements for the
purpose of complying with legal or regulatory provisions of countries outside
the United States.
Required
Vote
Approval
of the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan requires the receipt of the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares of the Company’s Common Stock present in person
or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
THE BOARD
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF
THE 2005
LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Other
Business
The Board
is not aware of any other business that will come before the Annual Meeting, but
if any such matters are properly presented, the proxies solicited hereby will be
voted in accordance with the best judgment of the persons holding the proxies.
All shares represented by duly executed proxies will be voted at the Annual
Meeting.
Stockholder
Proposals
In order
for stockholders proposals to be included in Teton’s proxy statement for the
2006 Annual Meeting, they must be received by Teton at its principal executive
office, 1600 Broadway, Suite 2400, Denver, Colorado 80202 by January 16, 2006.
All other stockholder proposals, including nominations for Directors, must be
received by Teton not less than 60 days or more than 90 days prior to such
Meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2006.
Availability
of Certain Documents Referred to Herein
This
Proxy Statement refers to certain documents of the Company that are not
presented herein or delivered herewith. Such documents are available to any
person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Proxy Statement is
delivered, upon oral or written request, without charge, directed to Gillian
Kane, Vice President, Investor Relations, Teton Petroleum Company, 1600
Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80202, telephone number (303) 542-1878.
It is
important that the proxies be returned promptly and that your shares be
represented. Stockholders are urged to mark, date, execute and promptly return
the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed envelope.
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By Order of the Board of
Directors, |
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James J. Woodcock, Chairman |
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Denver,
Colorado
May
11, 2005 |
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APPENDIX
A
AUDIT
COMMITTEE CHARTER
Organization
This
charter governs the operations of the audit committee. The committee shall
review and reassess the charter at least annually and obtain the approval of the
Board. The committee shall be appointed by the Board and shall comprise at least
two Directors, each of whom is independent of management and the Company.
Members of the committee shall be considered independent if they have no
relationship that may interfere with the exercise of their independence from
management and the Company. All committee members shall be financially literate,
or shall become financially literate within a reasonable period of time after
appointment to the committee and at least one member shall have accounting or
related financial management expertise.
Statement
of Policy
The audit
committee shall provide assistance to the Board in fulfilling their oversight
responsibility to the stockholders, potential stockholders, the investment
community, and others relating to the Company’s financial statements and the
financial reporting process, the systems of internal accounting and financial
controls, the annual independent audit of the Company’s financial statements,
and the legal compliance and ethics programs as established by management and
the board. In so doing, it is the responsibility of the committee to maintain
free and open communication between the committee, independent auditors and
management of the Company. In discharging its oversight role, the committee is
empowered to investigate any matter brought to its attention with full access to
all books, records, facilities, and personnel of the Company and the power to
retain outside counsel, or other experts for this purpose.
Responsibilities
and Processes
The
primary responsibility of the audit committee is to oversee the Company’s
financial reporting process on behalf of the board and report the results of
their activities to the board. Management is responsible for preparing the
Company’s financial statements, and the independent auditors are responsible for
auditing those financial statements. The committee in carrying out its
responsibilities believes its policies and procedures should remain flexible, in
order to best react to changing conditions and circumstances. The committee
should take the appropriate actions to set the overall corporate “tone” for
quality financial reporting, sound business risk practices, and ethical
behavior.
The
following shall be the principal recurring processes of the audit committee in
carrying out its oversight responsibilities. The processes are set forth as a
guide with the understanding that the committee may supplement them as
appropriate.
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The
committee shall have a clear understanding with management and the
independent auditors that the independent auditors are ultimately
accountable to the board and the audit committee, as representatives of
the Company’s stockholders. The committee shall have the ultimate
authority and responsibility to evaluate and, where appropriate, replace
the independent auditors. The committee shall discuss with the auditors
their independence from management and the Company and the matters
included in the written disclosures required by the Independence Standards
Board. Annually, the committee shall review and recommend to the board the
selection of the Company’s independent auditors, subject to stockholders’
approval. |
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The
committee shall discuss with the independent auditors the overall scope
and plans for their respective audits including the adequacy of staffing
and compensation. Also, the committee shall discuss with management and
the independent auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting
and financial controls, including the Company’s system to monitor and
manage business risk, and legal and ethical compliance programs. Further,
the committee shall meet separately with the independent auditors, with
and without management present, to discuss the results of their
examinations. |
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The
committee shall review the interim financial statements with management
and the independent auditors prior to the filing of the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition, the committee shall discuss
the results of the quarterly review and any other matters required to be
communicated to the committee by the independent auditors under generally
accepted auditing standards. The chair of the committee may represent the
entire committee for the purposes of this
review. |
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The
committee shall review with management and the independent auditors the
financial statements to be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K (or the annual report to stockholders if distributed prior to the
filing of Form 10-K), including their judgment about the quality, not just
acceptability, of accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant
judgments, and the clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements.
In addition, the committee shall discuss the results of the annual audit
and any other matters required to be communicated to the committee by the
independent auditors under generally accepted auditing
standards. |
APPENDIX
B
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE CHARTER
1.
PURPOSE
The
Executive Compensation Committee (“Committee”) shall assist the Board of
Directors in the discharge of its responsibilities with respect to the
compensation of the Corporation’s outside Directors, executive officers, and
other key employees and consultants, and for such purpose shall review
compensation arrangements for the Corporation’s executive officers and
administer all employee benefit plans, including any equity incentive plan
adopted by the Corporation.
The
Committee is authorized to approve the compensation payable to the Corporation’s
executive officers and other key employees, approve all perquisites, equity
incentive awards, and special cash payments made or paid to the Corporation’s
executive officers and other key employees and consultants, and approve
severance packages with cash and/or equity components for the Corporation’s
executive officers and other key employees.
2.
COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The
Committee shall consist of not less than two Directors each of whom shall be an
independent director under American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) listing standards, a
“nonemployee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 issued the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and an “outside director” within the meaning of
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Each appointed
Committee member shall be subject to annual reconfirmation and may be removed by
the Board at any time.
3.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
In
carrying out the purpose and authorities set forth in Section 1 above, the
Committee shall:
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A.
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Executive
Officer Compensation.
Review and approve the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the
compensation of the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and
other executive officers, evaluate the officers’ performance in light of
those goals and objectives, and set the officers’ compensation level based
on this evaluation; |
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B.
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Significant
Officer Contracts.
Review and approve significant employment agreements, arrangements, or
transactions with executive officers, including any arrangements having
any compensatory effect or purpose; |
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C.
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Director
Compensation.
Review and recommend to the Board appropriate director compensation
programs for service as Directors, committee chairmanships, and committee
members, consistent with any applicable requirements of the listing
standards for independent Directors; |
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D.
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Compensation
Policies and Performance Review.
Periodically assess the Corporation’s policies applicable to the
Corporation’s executive officers and Directors, including the relationship
of corporate performance to executive compensation; |
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E.
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Equity
Plan Awards.
Approve stock option grants and other equity-based or incentive awards
under any stock option or equity incentive compensation plans adopted by
the Corporation, and otherwise assist the Board in administering awards
under these plans; |
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F.
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Evaluate
Stock and Incentive Plans.
Evaluate and make recommendations to the Board concerning any stock option
or equity incentive compensation plans proposed for or adopted by the
Corporation and make recommendations to the Board with respect to
incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans; |
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G.
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Retention
of Compensation Consultants and Other Professionals.
Have full authority to hire independent compensation consultants and other
professionals to assist in the design, formulation, analysis and
implementation of compensation programs for the Corporation’s executive
officers and other key employees; |
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H.
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Committee
Report in Proxy Statement.
Assist in the preparation of and approve a report of the Committee for
inclusion in the Corporation’s proxy statement for each annual meeting of
stockholders in accordance with the rules of the SEC and any requirements
of the AMEX; |
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I.
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Review.
Periodically review the operation of all of the Corporation’s employee
benefit plans, though day-to-day administration of such plans, including
the preparation and filing of all government reports and the preparation
and delivery of all required employee materials and communications, shall
be performed by Corporation management; |
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J. |
Access
to Executives.
Have full access to the Corporation’s executives as necessary to carry out
its responsibilities; |
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K.
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Other
Activities.
Perform any other activities consistent wit h this Charter, the
Corporation’s By-laws and governing law as the Committee or the Board
deems necessary or appropriate; |
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L. |
Review
Charter.
Review the Committee Charter from time to time for adequacy and recommend
any changes to the Board; and |
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M. |
Report
to Board.
Report to the Board of Directors on the major items covered at each
Committee meeting. |
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4.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The
Committee shall meet with the CEO at or near the start of each fiscal year to
discuss the goals and incentive compensation programs to be in effect for such
fiscal year and the performance targets triggering payout under those programs.
The Committee shall, by duly authorized resolution, establish the incentive
compensation programs to be in effect for the fiscal year for the Corporation’s
executive officers and other participants, including the financial objectives to
be attained and the procedures for determining the individual awards payable
under those programs. At or near the end of each fiscal year, the Committee
shall meet to review performance under those programs and award bonuses
thereunder. At that time the Committee shall also adjust base salary levels in
effect for the Corporation’s executive officers and review the overall
performance of the Corporation’s employee benefit plans.
The
Committee shall also meet as and when necessary to act upon any other matters
within its jurisdiction under this Charter. A majority of the total number of
members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum at all Committee meetings. A
majority of the members of the Committee acting shall be empowered to act on
behalf of the Committee.
Minutes
shall be kept of each meeting of the Committee.
APPENDIX
C
CODE
OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Introduction
We ask
for, and expect, a great deal from everyone associated with Teton Petroleum
Company and its domestic and foreign operations (collectively, the “Company”).
We ask that you produce outstanding results and maintain high standards of
business conduct. We ask that you become deeply involved with our business in
its many forms. We ask that you work smart and make intelligent and rational
decisions, which make the difference in our ability to be successful throughout
the world in highly competitive businesses. At the same time, we also ask that
you, as members of this Company, act in ways that will bring credit to
yourselves, your families and your associates.
The
purpose of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) is to set forth
the basic principles and guidelines for the employees, officers, and directors
of the Company, including the Company’s principal executive officer, principal
financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons
performing similar functions (collectively, the “Employees”), and to codify
standards reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing.
In
addition to strict compliance with legal requirements and local customs, all
Employees are expected to be guided by the principles of honesty and
professionalism in the conduct of the Company’s affairs, and to comply with the
policies contained, or referred to, in this Code. No code of business conduct
and ethics can replace the thoughtful behavior of Employees. However, such a
Code can focus the board and management on areas of ethical risk, provide
guidance to personnel to help them recognize and deal with ethical issues,
provide mechanisms to promptly report unethical conduct, and help to foster an
awareness of the Company’s obligations to shareholders, other Employees,
customers, vendors, and the general public.
You are
then responsible for compliance with this Code and, if you are a supervisor or
manager, for making sure that those under your supervision know and adhere to it
also. Failure to comply with the Code in any respect will result in disciplinary
action, termination of employment, or other corrective action determined legally
appropriate by the Company. If you are in a situation which you believe may
violate or lead to a violation of this Code, a law, or Company policy, follow
the guidelines described in Section 23 of this Code.
Section
1. Conflicts
of Interest
To
maintain the highest degree of integrity in the conduct of the Company’s
business and to maintain an Employee’s independent judgment, each Employee must
avoid any activity or personal interest that creates or appears to create a
conflict of interest between the Employee’s interest and the interests of the
Company.
When
conducting Teton-related activities, you must devote your undivided loyalty to
the business of Teton and avoid (1) any situation that might result in a
conflict between your personal interests and the interests of the Company; and
(2) any activity or financial interest that might reflect unfavorably on your or
the Company’s integrity or high reputation in the business community. In
addition, if an activity or investment would be improper for you, it may also be
improper for your family members or any business controlled by you or any family
member. Absent disclosure to the General Counsel of a particular situation which
raises a conflict of interest issue to determine whether the situation may
continue, you need adhere to the following principles:
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You
may not realize any personal gain or profit from the Company’s dealings
with suppliers, customers or other firms or persons doing or seeking to do
business or competing with Teton. You should avoid situations or the
receipt of favors that could interfere with your exercise of independent
judgment; cause you to act other than in the best interest of the Company;
or deprive Teton of your undivided loyalty. |
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You
may not take, for your own individual benefit, opportunities that are
discovered through the use of your Company position or the Company’s
property or information. You owe a duty to the Company to advance its
legitimate interests whenever the opportunity to do so arises.
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Neither
you nor members of your family may have a financial interest, direct or
indirect, in any firm doing business or competing with Teton, if you are
in a position to influence awarding of or managing the business or
competition between Teton and that firm, except for publicly traded shares
or other securities not exceeding 1% of the outstanding shares or other
securities of that company. |
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Neither
you nor any member of your family is permitted to accept money, gifts of
more than token value, substantial favors or services, or excessive
entertainment, from any person or firm doing business or competing with
Teton. Likewise, gifts or favors that you make to any employee of another
enterprise (a supplier, a customer or any other firm) should not be of a
nature or amount that could even create the appearance of a bribe,
kickback or unlawful gift. Any attempt to offer a gift of the magnitude
that indicates an intent to exert improper influence must be reported
promptly to the Company’s General Counsel. If because of cultural or other
reasons the receipt of a gift exceeding token value cannot be avoided,
and/or the gift cannot be returned, the General Counsel must be consulted
with respect to the gift’s proper disposition, and that disposition must
be confirmed in writing to the Law Department. |
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You
are not permitted to accept outside employment that may adversely affect
your relationship with Teton. |
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If
you have any responsibility for or knowledge of the Company’s investments
in other companies, you must not make any personal investment, direct or
indirect, in those companies. You are not permitted to use information
obtained as a result of your relationship with Teton for personal profit
or as the basis for a “tip” to others unless the Company has made that
information generally available to the public. For example, the purchase
of real estate near property that you are aware is being considered for
purchase or development by the Company would be a conflict and thus
prohibited. In addition, you must not purchase or sell stock or other
securities of Teton or of any other company if because of information you
learned in confidence, either directly or indirectly, as a result of your
relationship with Teton, you believe that the price of such stock or other
security will increase or decrease. Finally, as part of the Company’s
desire to avoid even the appearance of any conflict of interest, any
director or executive officer or other employee designated by the Company
as being subject to the obligation described in this paragraph (or any
member of his or her immediate family) who is offered the opportunity to
participate in any offering of securities by any person or entity with
whom the Company has an investment or commercial banking or other supplier
or customer relationship must notify and secure the approval for such
participation from the Company’s Legal Counsel before participating in any
such offering. See also the Company’s insider trading
policy. |
You must
report to the Company’s Legal Counsel any personal interests or circumstances
that might constitute a conflict of interest, as described above, in the
attached Employee Affirmation or as soon as the circumstances arise. Depending
on the degree of potential conflict, appropriate action may be taken, which may
include requiring you (or a family member) to divest a financial interest, to
accept a new position within Teton or to return or to pay for gifts or other
favors received. Failure to report any actual or potential conflict of interest,
or continuing to engage in such conduct after being advised of its impropriety,
is grounds for disciplinary action, including termination.
Conflicts
of interest may not always be clear-cut; thus, if you believe that any
transaction or activity may constitute a conflict of interest, you should
promptly consult with the Teton Law Department.
Generally,
a “conflict of interest” exists when a person’s private interest interferes in
any way with the interests of the Company. A conflict situation can arise when
an Employee takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform
his or her Company work objectively and effectively. Sections 2, 3, and 4 of
this Code provide specific examples of conflicts of interest. Loans to, or
guarantees of obligations of, Employees and their family members may also create
conflicts of interest.
Conflicts
of interest are prohibited as a matter of Company policy, except under
guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Conflicts of interest may not
always be clear-cut, so if you have a question, you should consult with your
manager, or a higher level of management or member of the Company’s legal
counsel. Any Employee who becomes aware of a conflict or potential conflict
should bring it to the attention of a supervisor, manager or other appropriate
personnel or consult the procedures described in Section 21 of this Code.
Special
Rules for Members of the Board of Directors and Executive Officers
The Board
of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board must approve a director’s or an
executive officer’s direct or indirect interest in a transaction involving the
Company and the director or officer and a third party.
The Board
of Directors will determine on a continuing basis whether, in its judgment, a
director’s relationship with other business, consulting, legal, charitable or
other institutions impair his or her independence as a director.
Executive
officers of the Company must obtain the approval of the Board of Directors or
the Audit Committee of the Board for any outside employment, or any
directorships with for-profit entities.
Only the
Board of Directors or the Audit Committee of the Board may grant a waiver of
this Code for executive officers and directors.
Loans
from the Company to directors and executive officers of the Company are
prohibited in accordance with applicable federal law.
Section
2. Interest
in Other Business Organizations
Employees
or members of their families should not have a “significant financial interest”
in any business organization that does, or seeks to do, business with the
Company, or is a competitor of the Company, unless such interest has been fully
disclosed in writing to the Employee’s Human Resources Manager, who will
determine whether the Employee’s duties with the Company will require him or her
to make decisions that could be influenced by such interest.
As a
minimum standard, a “significant financial interest” is an aggregate interest of
an Employee and family member of more than:
1% of any
class of outstanding securities of the firm or corporation, or
10%
interest in any partnership or association, or
5% of the
total direct and beneficial assets or income of such company.
Family
members include spouse, minor or adult child, stepchild, parents, stepparents,
brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws and any person living in
the same household.
An
Employee must not conduct business on behalf of the Company with a member of
his/her family, or business organization with which the Employee or family
member has “significant financial interest” or is a director, officer, employee,
creditor or proprietor. An Employee whose duties bring him or her into contact
with an organization that employs a family member should take appropriate
precautions to avoid a potential conflict of interest or the suspicion of
preferential treatment. The Employee should consult with his or her supervisor
and, if necessary, disqualify himself or herself from acting on behalf of the
Company.
Section
3. Gifts,
Gratuities and Payments to Employees
No
Employee should accept gifts, loans, favors, or entertainment, directly or
indirectly, from any person, firm, or corporation doing business, or seeking to
do business, with the Company, other than nominal gifts or courtesies as
described further below. Gifts or loans of cash or other property, or gift
certificates in any amount whatsoever, or any form of bribe or kickback, to
Employees by existing or potential suppliers of the Company are forbidden. This
policy does not prohibit either giving or receiving reasonable courtesies in the
normal course of business.
In the
application of this policy, Employees may accept such courtesies only if they
meet all of the following criteria:
|
1. |
They
are consistent with accepted business practice and in a form that is not,
will not appear to be, or will not be construed as, a bribe, kickback,
payoff or substantial personal benefit to the
Employee. |
|
2. |
They
are of nominal value or intended for business use, such as datebooks, desk
calendars or reasonable business meals. |
|
3. |
They
do not violate any applicable law, regulation or generally accepted
ethical standard. |
|
4. |
Public
disclosure of the facts would not embarrass the
Company. |
The
policy is not intended to eliminate participation in business-related functions
and activities that occur in conjunction with seminars, exhibits, meetings and
presentations, which often involve lunches, dinners and entertainment. These can
be, under the proper circumstances, in the best interest of the Company. Failure
to comply with this prohibition in any respect will result in disciplinary
action, termination of employment, or other corrective action determined legally
appropriate by the Company.
Services
offered by a supplier may be accepted by an Employee when the need for the
services are associated with a business relationship, and the supplier provides
the service to other customers and prospects as a normal part of its business,
(e.g., travel agency services). The services should generally be of the type
normally used by Employees and allowable on the travel expense
account.
If in
doubt as to the propriety of any gift or activity, it should be cleared with the
Corporate Attorney or the CEO. In making this judgment, the Employee must go
beyond the question of whether the gift or activity would influence an Employee
in any way and should consider what unfavorable appearance or interpretation
might be placed on this action by a critical third party who has the advantage
of hindsight.
Section
4. Corporate
Opportunities Converted to Personal Benefit
As Teton
employees, we are obligated to place Teton’s interests in any business
transaction ahead of any personal interest or personal gain to the individual
employee (and, for purposes of this policy, to the employee’s spouse, family
member, roommate, friend or other individual). Each employee is under an
affirmative obligation to bring to the attention of his or her supervisor, Legal
Counsel or the CEO or CFO any situation that is an actual, alleged or even
potential conflict of interest.
Employees
are prohibited from taking for themselves personally any business opportunities
that are discovered or learned through the use of corporate property,
information or position without the consent of the Board of Directors. No
Employee may use corporate property, information, or position for personal gain,
and no Employee may compete with the Company directly or indirectly. Employees
owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the
opportunity to do so arises.
Section
5. Fair
Dealing with Customers, Suppliers, Competitors and Others
Employees
who make or are involved in making business decisions for the Company must do so
using consistent and unbiased standards. We seek to outperform our competition
fairly and honestly by gaining competitive advantages through superior
performance, and each Employee should deal fairly with the Company’s customers,
suppliers, competitors and Employees.
Section
6. Company
Records and Preservation of Assets
Accurate
and auditable records of all Company financial transactions must be maintained
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and local
requirements.
Employees
are responsible for safeguarding and preserving Company assets and properties
under their control. Employees are also responsible for providing an auditable
record of financial transactions related to the use of these assets. No
“off-the-books” funds (e.g., side cash funds, reserves or allowances) or
transactions that are not documented in the Company’s regular accounting system
are permitted. Guidelines are as follows:
|
1. |
The
use of Company funds or assets for any improper or unlawful purpose is
prohibited. Improper purposes include the use of Company time, materials,
assets or facilities for purposes not related directly to the Company’s
business, or the removal or borrowing of the Company’s property without
permission. |
|
2. |
All
assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and transactions must be
accurately reported on the books of the Company, in accordance with the
Company’s accounting procedures. |
|
3. |
No
false or misleading entries may be made in the books and records of the
Company. |
|
4. |
No
undisclosed or unrecorded fund or asset of the Company may be established
or maintained for any purpose. |
|
5. |
No
payment on behalf of the Company may be approved or made with the
intention or understanding that any part of such payment is being made for
any purpose other than that described in the documents supporting such
payment. |
Dishonest
reporting or failure to disclose information that by law or by contract must be
disclosed is strictly prohibited by this Code and will not be tolerated.
Violation of these guidelines may lead not only to termination of employment,
but could also lead to civil or criminal liability or monetary damages for
Employees or the Company.
Section
7. Proprietary
or Confidential Information
You must
not disclose any Company confidential or proprietary information, or
confidential information entrusted to you by the Company’s customers, to anyone
outside the Company, except when disclosure is authorized by the Company’s
general or outside counsel, or required by laws or regulations. Furthermore,
such information is to be used only in the Company’s business. These obligations
apply whether or not you developed the information yourself. You should also
limit the disclosure of proprietary information within the Company to those
Employees with a “need to know.”
Proprietary
or confidential information subject to the foregoing restriction on disclosure
includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors, or
harmful to the Company or its customers, if disclosed, such as information of
the type contained in patents, copyrights or trademarks, or held as trade
secrets. It also includes the business, financial, marketing and service plans
associated with products; designs, engineering and manufacturing ideas, know-how
and processes; Company business and product plans with outside suppliers and
customers; manufacturing performance data; unpublished financial data and
reports; information pertaining to acquisition and divestiture plans,
directional strategy, and competitive position; product test results; a variety
of internal data bases; and personnel and salary information.
Section
8. Compliance
with Laws, Rules and Regulations
The
Company’s goal is to comply with the spirit and letter of the laws, rules and
regulations that apply to our business, and also to endeavor to abide by the
highest principles of ethical standards and honor. This means obeying the law,
both in letter and in spirit. All Employees must respect and obey the
governmental laws, rules and regulations of the cities, states and countries in
which we operate. Although not all Employees are expected to know the details of
these laws, it is important to know enough to determine when to seek advice from
supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel.
Section
9. Public
Communications
All
disclosures in reports and documents that the Company files with the
U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as
well as all other public communications made by the Company, should be complete,
fair, accurate, timely and understandable.
Section
10. Insider
Trading
On
occasion, Employees of the Company come into possession of non-public
information concerning the Company and its affairs. This information about the
Company comes to us so that we can do our jobs better, not so that we can
benefit personally by using inside information in the stock market. Disclosure
of material non-public information is against Company policy and knowledge of
such information may not be used under any circumstances for the Employee’s
personal benefit in the stock market. Failure to observe these rules could
potentially expose an Employee to civil or criminal penalties. Material
information means: “any information concerning the Company that is not yet
public knowledge, but that, if publicly known, could reasonably be expected to
affect the price of the Company’s stock, or is likely to be considered important
by a reasonable investor.” The Employee’s responsibilities are twofold under SEC
rules:
|
1. |
Employees
cannot buy or sell Teton Petroleum Company stock at any time when he or
she has material information about the Company that is not known to the
investing public. |
|
2. |
Employees
cannot tip off others to buy or sell Teton Petroleum Company stock on the
basis of his or her material information that is not known to the
investing public. |
Similar
restrictions apply to trading in the stock of other companies on the basis of
non-public information an Employee may learn in the course of his or her
employment at the Company.
Limitations
on use of information obtained as a result of employment for personal gain is
not limited to transactions involving stock. For example, the purchase of real
estate near property that an Employee knows is being considered for purchase by
the Company constitutes a conflict of interest.
Please
also see the Company’s Insider Trading Policy.
Section
11. Gifts,
Gratuities and Payments by the Company
All
customer relations are maintained on the fundamental premise that our business
efforts are based on quality and performance at an agreed price. Accordingly,
Employees are prohibited from attempting to promote the Company and its business
offerings, or to gain improper concessions for the Company by giving any bribe,
kickback, payment, gift, loan or special favor to customers, except casual
entertainment or items of nominal value. Any form of indirect payment also is
prohibited under this policy. A legitimate use, however, of accepted business
techniques, such as employment of a reputable, independent commissioned agent,
is proper if done in accordance with established Company policies and procedures
and under terms by which the agent is expected to adhere to the similar policies
prohibiting improper payments or actions.
Gifts,
favors and entertainment may be given to others at Company expense only if they
meet all of the following criteria:
|
1. |
They
are consistent with accepted business practices and in a form that is not,
will not appear to be, or will not be construed as, a bribe, kickback,
payoff or substantial benefit. |
|
2. |
They
are of nominal value or intended for business use such as datebooks, or
desk calendars. |
|
3. |
They
do not violate any applicable law, regulation or generally accepted
ethical standard of the locale. |
|
4. |
Public
disclosure of the facts would not embarrass the
Company. |
|
5. |
The
cost is allowable under the applicable expense account
policy. |
The
recipient’s policies regarding such gifts, favors and entertainment should be
respected.
Business
gifts, loans or favors to U.S. federal, state, or municipal employees are
strictly forbidden. Business gifts or favors to overseas customers must conform
to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, local law, and Company policy. The
Company’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act policy is articulated in a separate
document and is specifically referenced herein.
The
Company adheres to the letter and spirit of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
This Act prohibits giving money or items of value to foreign officials for the
purpose of obtaining or retaining business from a foreign government or
influencing foreign legislation or regulations. The Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act further prohibits giving money or items of value to any person or firm where
there is reason to believe that it will be passed on to a government official
for this purpose. The law also requires that accurate records and accounts be
maintained in reasonable detail and prohibits the establishment of off-the-books
corporate slush funds. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act has severe penalties,
including fines and imprisonment. All matters pertaining to this statute must be
coordinated with the Company’s CFO and legal counsel.
Section
12. Political
Contributions
Contributions
by the Company to federal candidates or political parties are prohibited by law
and may not be made. State and local laws often prohibit and restrict
contributions by corporate organizations. It is Company policy that no
contributions may be made at the state or local level that do not comply with
applicable law and without the written approval of the Company’s legal counsel.
Laws regarding foreign contributions vary by country and no contributions may be
made except in compliance with applicable law, and with written approval of the
Company’s legal counsel.
The
Company encourages its Employees to become involved in civic affairs and to
participate in political activities. Employees must recognize, however, that
their involvement and participation must be on an individual basis, on their own
time, and at their own expense. Employees may not use any Company facilities,
such as supplies, telephones, copy machines, or Company letterhead in connection
with political activities, candidates or parties.
Unless
specifically directed by the Company, when an Employee speaks on public issues,
it must be clear that the comments or statements made are those of the
individual and not those of the Company.
Section
13. Non-Discrimination
and Non-Harassment
It is the
policy of the Company that all Employees should be able to work in an
environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. The
Company strives to comply fully with all applicable local, state and federal US
laws for its US operations and applicable local laws and customs in other
countries and to manage its human resources and business operations in ways that
promote equitable and respectful treatment of Employees and expects all
Employees to follow this practice. Personnel decisions such as compensation,
benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoffs, training, company-sponsored
education, tuition assistance, social and recreation programs will be
administered without discrimination. Only valid job requirements will be imposed
for promotional opportunities
Sexual or
other unlawful harassment by any Employee(s) also is inconsistent with our
obligation to provide all Employees with a nondiscriminatory work environment in
the US. It is also a violation of US law. The Company will conform with the laws
of other locales in which it operates. The Company will not tolerate any
unlawful harassment, whether by an Employee toward another, by an Employee
toward a customer or a supplier or by a customer or a supplier toward an
Employee.
Employees
of the Company are expected to know and follow the Company’s policies. Copies of
these policies are available in the Employee handbook. Reports of violations
should be directed to the Company’s legal counsel for prompt investigation and
appropriate corrective action. The Company’s policies prohibit retaliation
against any Employee who raises a complaint in good faith.
Section
14. Substance
Abuse
The
unlawful possession, use, dispensation, distribution, or manufacture of a
controlled substance is prohibited within any Company office or facility.
Employees who fail to comply with this policy will be terminated.
Section
15. Electronic
Communications
All data
that is composed, transmitted or received via the Company’s computer
communications systems may be considered to be part of the official records of
the Company and, as such, may be subject to disclosure to law enforcement or
other third parties. Consequently, Employees should always ensure that the
information contained in e-mail messages and other transmissions is accurate,
appropriate, ethical and lawful.
Computers,
computer files, voice mail, the e-mail system, Internet access, and software
furnished to Employees are the Company’s property intended for appropriate
business use. Employee use of this equipment and systems may be monitored at any
time at the Company’s discretion and is subject to the following requirements:
|
1. |
All
software provided by the Company must be used in accordance with the
software license agreement of the vendor. Illegal duplication of software
and its related documentation is prohibited. |
|
2. |
An
Employee’s personal software, unauthorized, and undocumented software may
not be used on Company equipment or otherwise be accessible for use by
Employees. |
|
3. |
Willful
unlawful infringement of a copyright and willful unlawful violation of a
software license are prohibited and may expose the Company and the
Employee to substantial damages, including criminal
penalties. |
|
4. |
All
use of Company electronic communications equipment and Internet access
must be consistent with Company policies, including without limitation
policies referenced in this Code. |
|
5. |
Information
maintained in, or distributed through, Company electronic communications
equipment must be consistent with Company policies, including without
limitation policies referenced in this
Code. |
|
6. |
Only
authorized Employees may establish or modify Company web sites or access
records, files, or equipment of others. |
Section
16. Environmental
Responsibilities
The
Company recognizes the importance of protecting our natural environment and
conserving natural resources. The
Company is committed to its Employees, customers and the public to operate its
business in a manner consistent with environmental stewardship and in compliance
with all environmental laws of the locale in which we are operating.
Section
17. Compliance
with Antitrust Laws
The
objective of U.S. antitrust laws, State antitrust laws, and the antitrust laws
in certain countries where the Company does or may do business is to promote
vigorous competition in open markets. Violation of U.S. antitrust laws is a
serious offense and can result in criminal and/or civil penalties for business
entities or imprisonment and/or fines for individuals. An individual who
willfully violates the antitrust laws will receive no protection from the
Company. Failure to comply with the antitrust laws in any respect will result in
disciplinary action, termination of employment, or other corrective action
determined legally appropriate by the Company.
Generally
speaking, antitrust laws of the United States prohibit agreements,
understandings or actions whether oral or written, tacit or explicit, which
unreasonably restrain trade. Among the activities found to be clear violations
of the law regardless of the intentions of the parties involved (“per se”
violations) are any agreements or understandings among competitors to fix or
control prices; to boycott specified suppliers or customers; to allocate
customers, product, territories, or markets; or to control, limit or reduce
production or sales. Such agreements are against public policy and against the
policy of the Company.
Relations
with Competitors
The
antitrust laws prohibit any understanding whatsoever between competitors with
respect to price or any element of price (such as discounts or credit terms),
including price stabilization. Thus, agreements between competitors to adhere to
a specific formula for the determination of price, to restrict production, or to
communicate with each other with respect to their prices are just as unlawful as
an agreement regarding price itself.
In this
regard, Employees must not:
|
|
|
|
1. |
Engage
in any discussions of such matters with representatives of other
companies. |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Exchange
information with competitors relating to prices or other terms or
conditions of sale. |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Attend
a meeting with a competitor at which such matters are likely to be
discussed. |
|
|
|
The
Company’s relationships with its customers are also subject to a number of
antitrust statutes aimed at protecting its customers.
(a) Restrictive
Agreements. The
antitrust laws prohibit all understandings or agreements that unreasonably
restrain trade. In addition to the per se
violations outlined above, which are considered unlawful by themselves without
specific proof as to their effect, there are certain types of agreements between
sellers and buyers which, while not unlawful by themselves, fall into a danger
zone. They should not be considered or consummated without prior consultation
with the
Company’s legal counsel.
(i) Refusals
to Deal. A
company generally has the right to select the customers with which it chooses or
refuses to do business. However, this is a right which must be
exercised by the company alone without
consultation with any other outside party.
(ii) Resale
restrictions. A basic
tenet of the law is that a purchaser of a product has the right to do with it as
he chooses without restriction by the seller; thus, an agreement or
understanding by the seller and customer with respect to the prices at which the
customer will resell the product violates antitrust laws. Restrictions on the
area in which resales can be made can also cause serious problems.
(iii) Tying
Arrangements. Any
arrangement under which a seller having a substantial market position in one
product coerces a customer to take a product the customer does not want as a
condition for the sale of another product it does want constitutes a “tie-in”
sale. Such arrangements should be regarded as per se unlawful
and strictly avoided. The commingling in a bid of two products where the
commingled price is different from the price of the two articles purchased
separately should receive legal review. “Teaming” arrangements, by which the
Company and another party cooperate in making a bid to a customer, are not
unlawful but should also be reviewed in advance by the Company’s legal
counsel.
(b) Discrimination
in Pricing. The
Robinson-Patman Act prohibits sales of products of like grade and quality at
different prices to competing customers where the effect may be to injure
competition. To determine whether a Robinson-Patman problem exists, an Employee
should ask initially whether the Company has made sales (i) at different prices;
(ii) within a reasonably contemporaneous period; (iii) of products of like grade
and quality; (iv) to customers who were using or reselling the product in
substantially the same competitive market. The Robinson-Patman Act is also
applicable to purchasers. It is unlawful to procure a price from a supplier on
the basis that the supplier must meet a competitive price which has not actually
been offered by another supplier.
Relations
with Suppliers
Reciprocal
Dealing. The
antitrust laws make reciprocal buying and selling illegal where a purchaser with
substantial buying power intentionally uses that power as a lever to make sales
of its products to its suppliers. The law does not prohibit our purchasing
products from companies that purchase from us. It does prohibit any
understanding or agreement, whether written or oral and whether expressed or
implied, that purchases by one party are contingent upon purchases by the
other.
International
Transactions. Certain
U. S. antitrust laws also apply to international operations and transactions
related to imports to, or exports from, the United States. Moreover, the
international activities of the Company could be subject to antitrust laws of
foreign nations or organizations such as the European Economic
Community.
As with
other complex laws, it is important that legal advice be sought on any questions
regarding antitrust matters, particularly before entering into any agreement,
understanding or arrangement.
Section
18. Compliance
and Discipline
Failure
to comply with the standards contained or referenced in this booklet will result
in corrective action that may include disciplinary action, termination, referral
for criminal prosecution, requirement to reimburse the Company for any losses or
damages or other measures determined appropriate by the Company. If an Employee
is charged with a violation of this Code, the matter normally will be dealt with
in a manner consistent with any grievance procedure or complaint resolution
process applicable in the Employee’s worksite.
Section
19. Certification
At least
annually, Company personnel in sensitive positions must complete a
certification/questionnaire affirming their commitment to the Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics and disclosing violations of the Code. Completion of this
questionnaire will be requested by the Chief Executive Officer of Teton
Petroleum Company and a report of responses will be made to the Board committee
designated with overseeing and enforcing this Code.
The
annual questionnaire does not relieve Employees of the continuing obligation to
disclose relevant information immediately and, whenever possible, in advance of
any proposed action.
Section
20. Waivers
of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
This Code
has been adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and it applies to all
employees, officers and directors of the Company. Any waiver of this Code,
including any waiver with respect to the Company’s principal executive officer,
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or
persons performing similar functions, may be made only by the Company’s Board of
Directors or a Board committee designated with overseeing and enforcing this
Code. Any such waiver approved by the Board or committee will be promptly
disclosed to shareholders in compliance with the relevant rules issued by the
American Stock Exchange and the SEC.
Section
21. Problem
Solving
While
this Code aims to provide answers to Employees, it is impossible to address all
possible problems. Often a question presented to an Employee will not have a
clear-cut answer and may present difficult choices. As a result, the Company
encourages Employees to use the following steps to solve problems regarding
policy:
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|
1. |
Obtain
all the facts. |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Determine
what specifically you are being asked to do. |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Clarify
your responsibility and whether others should be
involved. |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Ask
yourself: Is it legal? |
|
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|
|
5. |
Also
ask yourself: Even if it is legal, is it appropriate? |
|
|
|
|
6. |
Discuss
the problem with your supervisor or any other person identified in the
“Seeking Advice” section. |
Section
22. Seeking
Advice/Reporting
any Illegal or Unethical Behavior
The
Company wants to make sure that all Employees fully understand the Company’s
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and are able to seek advice. Employees are
encouraged to ask questions and seek advice before acting, rather than
after.
If you
are unsure of what a policy requires of you, if you are concerned that the
Company may be in violation of the law, or if you feel that a Company policy is
being violated, you should seek advice from your supervisor. If you are
uncomfortable raising a question about policy with your supervisor, or if you
are not satisfied with the resolution by your supervisor, you may contact the
Company’s President. If your question or concern relates to accounting, internal
accounting controls or auditing matters, contact the Chairman of the Audit
Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.
Disciplinary
action will be taken against any Employee who retaliates, directly or
indirectly, or encourages others to do so, against an Employee who reports a
violation or suspected violation of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics. The Company wants Employees to communicate concerns or report misconduct
without fear of retribution. It is your responsibility to report misconduct if
you become aware of it.
Section
23. Administration
of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Code
was adopted by the Board of Directors on July 16, 2004. The Board of Directors
shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this Code, but
may delegate responsibility for administration of the Code to a committee of the
Board. The Board (or a Board committee designated with overseeing and enforcing
this Code) shall take reasonable steps to monitor and audit compliance with the
Code, including establishment of monitoring and auditing systems reasonably
designed to detect violations of the Code by Employees. The Board (or a Board
committee designated with overseeing and enforcing this Code) shall periodically
review the Code and recommend changes when desirable or necessary to (i) ensure
continued compliance with applicable rules and regulations, and (ii) make
certain that any weaknesses revealed through monitoring, auditing and reporting
systems are eliminated or corrected.
No
amendments or changes to the Code shall be made by anyone other than the Board
of Directors of the Company (or a Board committee designated with overseeing and
enforcing this Code). Amendments to this Code shall be publicly disclosed in
compliance with rules of the American Stock Exchange and applicable law, rule
and regulation.
A copy of
the most up-to-date version of the Code shall be posted at all times on the
Company’s website and intranet, and the Company’s Internet address and the fact
that the Company has posted this Code on its website will be disclosed in the
Company’s annual report. In addition, a copy of the most up-to-date version of
the Code will be made available in print to any Company shareholder who requests
it, and this availability of the Code will be stated in the Company’s annual
report.
Section
24. Non-Exclusivity
This Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics is not the exclusive set of policies and
procedures of the Company. You are expected to comply with all policies and
procedures applicable to you, whether or not set forth or referenced in this
Code. Further, remedies for non-compliance with this Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics are not exclusive and references to possible actions set forth herein
shall not limit the Company’s options in addressing non-compliance. Mention of a
remedy upon a failure to comply in any one instance shall not limit the
applicability of all remedies to all circumstances of
noncompliance.
APPENDIX
D
Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act
OFFICIAL
POLICY STATEMENT
Teton
Petroleum Company (“Teton” or the “Company”) has in the past and may in the
future engage in its operations and activities outside the United States in
complete compliance with the letter and spirit of the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act (the “FCPA”). No Company officer, employee, or agent has the authority to
offer payments to a foreign official to induce that official to affect any
government act or decision in a manner that will assist the Company, or any of
its subsidiaries or divisions, to obtain or retain business. Furthermore, every
officer, employee and agent is obligated by Company policy and federal law to
keep books, records and accounts that accurately and fairly reflect all
transactions and disposition of Company assets.
GENERAL
POLICY
All
employees must conduct business in a way which will assure compliance with the
FCPA, a United States law that prohibits giving money or any other thing of
value to a foreign government official with the intention of corruptly
influencing the official’s actions. No payments will be authorized, offered or
made, nor gifts or anything of value be promised, directly or indirectly, to any
foreign official, political party or official of that political party, or to any
candidate for political office, which is intended to corruptly influence an
official act or decision of such a person. Every Teton employee, agent and
contractor must properly account for the use of Teton funds and assets. Further,
Teton will take appropriate steps in its international activities, including
accounting practices, contract provisions and training, to assure that its
employees, agents, contractors and partners will assist Teton in meeting its
responsibilities under the FCPA. Failure to comply with this policy may subject
a Teton employee to discipline approved by the Chief Executive
Officer.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Any Teton
employee having information, knowledge or belief of the commission of any act
prohibited by this policy, or any solicitation to engage in any such prohibited
act, must report it immediately to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief
Financial Officer. In cases of uncertainty as to the applicability of the FCPA
or this policy concerning any potentially prohibited act, advice should be
sought from the Chief Financial Officer.
Subject
to direction from the Chief Executive Officer, Teton’s Chief Financial Officer
is responsible for devising and maintaining a system of internal accounting
controls to assure compliance with the FCPA and this policy. He is also
responsible for making and keeping books, records and accounts which accurately
and fairly reflect the financial transactions and disposition of the assets of
the Company.
Audits of
Teton books and records will be conducted by the internal audit function within
the Company. Periodic independent audits of Teton books and records will be
conducted by outside auditors not less frequently than once each year. Among
other objectives, these audits will evaluate Teton compliance with the FCPA. The
term “foreign official” means any officer or employee of a foreign government or
any department, agency, or instrumentality of that foreign government, or any
person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of such government,
department, agency, or instrumentality. The term “foreign official” also
includes a member of the immediate family of a foreign official.
Payment
to foreign officials to expedite or secure the performance of a routine
governmental action as permitted under section 78dd-1(b) of the FCPA may be made
only with the express prior approval of the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief
Financial Officer.
It is
critical that all employees be aware that payments to agents may inadvertently
amount to FCPA violations and must take care to assure that they do not
inadvertently get caught in an FCPA violation.
SOME
“RED FLAGS” THAT COULD INDICATE THAT PAYMENT TO AN AGENT
MAY
INVOLVE A VIOLATION OF THE FCPA INCLUDE:
|
§ |
An
agent who insists on anonymity; |
|
§ |
An
agent who insists on payment by cash, the use of false invoices, that
payment be made in a third country, etc.; |
|
§ |
The
commission requested by the agent is substantially above the market
rate; |
|
§ |
The
agent states that money is needed to “get the business” or “make the
necessary arrangements.” |
I,
[Employee], in my
capacity as [Position] of
Teton Petroleum Company, swear under the pains and penalties of perjury
that:
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|
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|
1. |
I
have read the Company’s policy on the FCPA and have no questions
concerning its provisions, its application, its purpose, or its
intent. |
|
2. |
I
have not engaged during the previous year in any action that would amount
to a covered transaction under the FCPA nor have I ordered or suggested
that any other employee or agent or consultant of the Company engage in
any action that would amount to a covered transaction under the
FCPA. |
|
3. |
I
am not aware of any other employee, consultant, or agent of the Company
that has committed an act that would be covered under the FCPA, nor am I
aware of any other instance that may be construed as a violation of the
FCPA. |
|
4. |
I
have no reason to believe that any third party whom I have dealt with
during the past year has had intent to evade the prescriptions of the FCPA
or has in fact violated the FCPA. |
|
5. |
I
am aware that there are significant penalties for violations of the FCPA,
including criminal penalties. |
APPENDIX
E
GOVERNANCE
& NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER
ORGANIZATION
AND FUNCTIONING
There
shall be a committee of the Board to be known as the Governance and Nominating
Committee (the “Committee”).
1.
Composition, Meetings, and Quorum
The
Committee shall be comprised of at least two Directors who shall be appointed
initially by the Board and thereafter by the Board after considering the
recommendation of the Committee. The Committee shall only include Directors who
satisfy the independence requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and AMEX. The Board shall designate one member of the Committee as its Chairman.
Members of the Committee shall serve until their resignation, retirement,
removal by the Board or until their successors are appointed.
The
Committee shall meet at least two times per each year with authority to convene
additional meetings as circumstances require. The meetings may be held by
teleconference with the same authority as in-person meetings. A majority of the
members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum of the Committee. A majority
of the members in attendance shall decide any question brought before any
meeting of the Committee. Voting or approval of matters may occur either in
person, or via teleconference, facsimile, or electronic mail.
2.
Reporting
The
Secretary shall keep minutes of its proceedings. The minutes of a meeting shall
be approved by the Committee at its next meeting, shall be available for review
by the entire Board, and shall be filed as permanent records with the Secretary
of the Company.
At each
meeting of the Board following a meeting of the Committee, the Chairman of the
Committee shall report to the full Board on the matters considered at the last
meeting of the Committee.
The
Committee shall prepare and, through its Chair, submit periodic reports of the
Committee’s work and findings to the Board; the Committee shall include
recommendations for Board actions when appropriate.
3.
Authority
The
Committee shall have the authority to retain special legal, accounting or other
consultants to advise the Committee. The Committee may request any officer or
employee of the Company or any outside counsel or consultants to meet with any
members of the Committee.
4.
Staff
The
Corporate Secretary, Assistant Secretary, or his or her assistant shall provide
the Committee such staff support as it may require.
STATEMENT
OF PURPOSE
The
Committee’s goal is to provide guidance to and oversight of the Corporation’s
governance and to assure that the composition, practices, and operation of the
Board contribute to value creation and effective representation of Teton
Corporation’s stockholders.
SPECIFIC
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The
Committee has the following specific duties, in addition to any additional
similar matters which may be referred to the Committee from time to time by the
full Board or the Chairman or which the Committee raises on its own
initiative:
1.
Recommend Nominees for Election as Directors
The
Committee shall recommend to the Board the Director nominees for the next annual
meeting of stockholders and persons to fill vacancies in the Board that occur
between meetings of stockholders. In carrying out this responsibility, the
Committee shall:
(a) |
Establish
qualifications, desired background, and selection criteria for members of
the Board in accordance with relevant law and AMEX
rules. |
(b) |
Consider
nominees submitted to the Board by stockholders; and
|
(c) |
Prior
to recommending a nominee for election, determine that the election of the
nominee as a Director would effectively further the policies set forth in
the Governance Guidelines. |
The
Committee shall have the sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm
used to identify director candidates and shall have sole authority to approve
such search firm’s fees and other retention terms. The Committee shall also have
authority to obtain advice and assistance from internal or external legal,
accounting or other advisors.
2.
Recommend Appointments to Board Committees
The
Committee shall annually evaluate and make recommendations to the full Board
concerning the number and accountability of Board Committees, and Committee
assignments to the Board the Directors. The Committee shall consider the desired
qualifications for membership on each Committee, the availability of the
Director to meet the time commitment required for membership on the particular
committee and the extent to which there should be a policy of periodic rotation
of Committee members.
3.
Monitor and Evaluate Governance Guidelines and Committee
Charter
The
Committee shall review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter annually and
recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval. The Committee shall
annually review the Governance Guidelines for the purposes of: Determining
whether the Guidelines are being effectively adhered to and implemented; Ensure
that the Guidelines are appropriate for the Company and comply with applicable
laws, regulations and listing standards; and Recommending any desirable changes
in the Guidelines to the Board. The Committee shall monitor and evaluate
annually how effectively the Board and the Company have implemented the policies
and principles of the governance guidelines. In addition, the Committee shall
consider any other corporate governance issues that may arise, from time to
time, and develop appropriate recommendations to the Board.
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Guidelines
for Selection of Director Nominees
To
discharge its duties in identifying and evaluating Directors for selection to
the Board and its committees, the Committee shall evaluate the overall
composition of the Board as well as the qualifications of each candidate. In its
evaluation process, the Committee shall take into account the following
guidelines:
Criteria:
1.
Decisions for nominating candidates shall be based on merit, qualifications,
performance, competency, and the corporation’s business needs and shall comply
with the corporation’s anti-discrimination policies and federal, state and local
laws.
2. A
majority of the entire Board shall be composed of independent Directors, as
defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission and AMEX.
3. The
composition of the entire Board shall be taken into account when evaluating
individual Directors, including: the diversity of experience and background
represented on the Board; the need for financial, business, academic, public and
other expertise on the Board and its committees; and the desire for Directors
working cooperatively to represent the best interests of the corporation, its
stockholders and employees.
4.
Candidates shall be individuals of the highest professional and personal ethics
and values and who possess significant experience or skills that will benefit
the corporation and assist in discharging their duties as
Directors.
5.
Candidates shall be free of conflicts of interest that would interfere with
their ability to discharge their duties as a director or would violate any
applicable law or regulation.
6.
Candidates shall be willing and able to devote sufficient time to effectively
carry out their duties; their service on other boards of public companies should
be limited to a reasonable number.
7.
Candidates shall have the desire to represent and evaluate the interests of the
corporation as a whole.
8. In
conducting this assessment, the Committee considers diversity, age, skill, and
such other factors as it deems appropriate given the current needs of the Board
and the Company, to maintain a balance of knowledge, experience, and
capability.
9. Any
other criteria as determined by the Committee.
APPENDIX
F
STATE
OF DELAWARE
CERTIFICATE
OF AMENDMENT
TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
Teton
Petroleum Company (the “Corporation”), a corporation duly organized and existing
under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
“Law”), hereby changes its name to “Teton Energy Corporation” (the “Name
Change”) by the filing of this Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation. The Name Change was duly adopted in accordance
with the provisions of Section 242 of the Law as set forth below. The
Corporation
DOES
HEREBY CERTIFY:
FIRST: That at a
meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, resolutions were duly
adopted setting forth a proposed amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation to change the
Corporation’s name to “Teton Energy Corporation” Such resolutions declared the
Name Change and the Amendment to be advisable, recommended the Name Change and
the Amendment to the stockholders of the Corporation and called a meeting of the
stockholders of the Corporation for consideration thereof.
SECOND: That
thereafter, pursuant to resolution of its Board of Directors, an annual meeting
of the stockholders of the Corporation was duly called and held upon notice in
accordance with Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute
were voted in favor of the Name Change and the Amendment.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, said
Teton Petroleum Company has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by
President, its ,
this day of , 2005.
|
|
|
|
TETON
PETROLEUM COMPANY. (now known as TETON ENERGY CORPORATION), a Delaware
corporation |
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|
BY: |
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|
APPENDIX
G
TETON
PETROLEUM COMPANY
2005
LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
SECTION
1. Purpose
The
purpose of this Plan is to give the Corporation a competitive advantage in
attracting, retaining and motivating officers, employees, directors, and certain
consultants and advisors through a long term incentive plan providing stock and
performance based awards linked to shareholder value.
SECTION
2. Definitions
Certain
terms used herein have definitions provided when they are first used. In
addition, for purposes of this Plan, the following terms are defined as set
forth below:
a.
“Affiliate” means a
corporation or other entity in which the Corporation has an equity or other
financial interest, a joint venturer or partner of the Corporation, or an
organization that is involved in a strategic, technological or marketing
collaboration with the Corporation.
b.
“Award” means an
Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Performance Share Unit, Restricted Stock,
Restricted Stock Unit, Dividend Equivalent or other stock-based Award granted
pursuant to the terms of this Plan.
c.
“Award
Agreement” means a
written document or agreement setting forth the specific terms and conditions of
an Award.
d.
“Board” means
the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
e.
“Cause” means:
(i) conduct involving a felony criminal offense under U. S. federal or state law
or an equivalent violation of the laws of any other country; (ii) dishonesty,
fraud, self dealing or material violations of civil law in the course of
fulfilling the Participant’s employment or other assigned duties on behalf of
the Corporation; (iii) breach of any confidentiality, employment, or other
written agreement with the Corporation; or (iv) willful misconduct injurious to
the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates as shall be determined
by the Committee.
f.
“Change
in Control” has the
meaning set forth in Section 10(e).
g.
“Code” means
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any
successor thereto.
h.
“Commission” means
the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency.
i.
“Committee” means
the Board’s Compensation Committee.
j.
“Common
Stock” means
common stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Corporation.
k.
“Corporation” means
Teton Petroleum Company, a Delaware corporation.
l.
“Disability” means
permanent and total disability as determined under any then-applicable long-term
disability plan administered by the Corporation and applicable to the
Participant, or if there is no such plan applicable to the Participant,
“Disability” as determined by the Committee.
m.
“Disaffiliation” means
the sale, spin-off, public offering or other transaction that effects the
divestiture of the Corporation’s ownership of a Subsidiary, Affiliate or
division of the Corporation.
n.
“Early
Retirement” means
early retirement as defined in the applicable provisions of the Participant’s
pension plan, if applicable, or as specified by the Committee in the Award
Agreement.
o.
“Eligible
Individuals” means
directors, officers, and employees of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries
or Affiliates, and prospective directors, officers and employees who have
accepted offers of employment or affiliation with the Corporation or its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or certain consultants determined by the Committee
or the Board on a case-by-case basis to be providing services of a nature and a
quality that justify their being included in the category of Eligible
Individuals. As provided for herein, a consultant may be an officer of the
Corporation even if such individual is not an employee.
p.
“Exchange
Act” means
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any
successor thereto.
q.
“Exchange” means
the American Stock Exchange.
r.
“Fair
Market Value” means,
as of any given date, the closing price for Common Stock on the Exchange. If
there is no reported price on the relevant date, Fair Market Value will be the
closing price for the next following day for which there is a reported closing
price for Common Stock.
s.
“Grant
Date” means
the effective date of an award as specified in the Award Agreement.
t.
“Normal
Retirement” means
retirement from active employment with the Corporation, a Subsidiary or an
Affiliate at or after age 65; provided, however, that the application of normal
retirement shall not apply to directors.
u.
“Participant” means an
Eligible Individual to whom an Award is or has been granted.
v.
“Performance
Target” means
one or more performance targets established by the Committee in connection with
the grant of Performance Share Units or other stock-based awards. In the case of
Qualified Performance-Based Awards, such targets shall be based on the
attainment of specified levels of one or more of the following measures: (i)
diluted earnings per share; (ii) total shareholder return; (iii) revenue growth;
(iv) growth in reserves; (v) growth in market capitalization; and (vi) operating
measures such as net operating income and general and administrative expenses.
w.
“Plan” means
this Teton Petroleum Company 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as set forth herein
and as hereafter amended from time to time.
x.
“Qualified
Performance-Based Award” means an
Award intended to qualify for the Section 162(m) Exemption, as provided in
Section 11.
y.
“Retirement” means
Normal or Early Retirement.
z.
“Section
162(m) Exemption” means
the exemption from the limitation on deductibility imposed by Section 162(m) of
the Code that is set forth in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code.
aa.
“Share” means a
share of Common Stock.
bb.
“Subsidiary” means
any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or other
entity during any period in which at least a 50% voting or profits interest is
owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation or any successor to the
Corporation, or, if less than 50% of the voting or profits interest is owned,
may nevertheless be consolidated under rules specifically applicable to the oil
and gas industry.
cc.
“Term” means
the maximum period of an Award which shall not exceed ten years for Options and
Stock Appreciation Rights.
dd.
“Termination
of Employment” means
the termination of a Participant’s employment with, or performance of services
for, the Corporation and any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates. Unless otherwise
determined by the Committee, if a Participant’s employment with the Corporation
and its Affiliates terminates but such Participant continues to provide services
to the Corporation and its Affiliates in a non-employee capacity, such change in
status shall not be deemed a Termination of Employment. A Participant shall be
deemed to incur a Termination of Employment in the event of the Disaffiliation
of such Participant’s Subsidiary, Affiliate, or division unless the Committee
specifies otherwise. Temporary absences from employment because of illness,
vacation or leave of absence and transfers among the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries and Affiliates do not constitute a Termination of Employment.
SECTION
3. Administration
a.
Committee. The
Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall be composed exclusively
of independent non-employee directors appointed by the Board. The Committee
shall have full authority to administer the Plan, including the authority to
select Eligible Individuals to whom Awards are granted, to determine the number
of Shares covered by each Award, the terms and conditions of each Award as set
forth in the Award Agreement and to interpret the terms and provisions of the
Plan and Award Agreements, provided, however, that the Board Committee on
Nominations and Governance shall be responsible for approving Awards to
non-employee directors. The Committee shall have the authority to modify, amend
or adjust the terms and conditions of any Award to comply with tax and
securities laws, including laws of countries outside of the United States, and
to comply with changes of law and accounting standards. The Committee may
temporarily suspend Awards pursuant to any “blackout” period that it deems
necessary or advisable in its sole discretion.
b.
Procedures. The
Committee may act by a majority of its members then in office. It also may
allocate responsibilities and powers among its members and may delegate its
responsibilities and powers to any person or persons selected by it, to the
extent permitted by applicable law and the listing standards of the Exchange.
The Committee may delegate authority to grant, interpret and administer Awards
under the Plan to officers of the Corporation, provided however, that no such
authority shall be delegated with respect to awards granted to any officer of
the Corporation who is a reporting person under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
The full Board may exercise any of the Committee’s authority. If the Board takes
any action that conflicts with action taken by the Committee, the Board action
shall control.
c.
Discretion
of Committee. Any
determination made by the Committee or by a person pursuant to delegated
authority (a “Delegate”) with respect to any Award shall be made in the sole
discretion of the Committee or such Delegate unless in contravention of any
express term of the Plan. All decisions made by the Committee or a Delegate
shall be final and binding on all persons, including the Corporation,
Participants, and Eligible Individuals; provided, however, that in the event of
a Change in Control, all such decisions shall be subject to de novo review.
d.
Award
Agreements. The
terms and conditions of each Award, as determined by the Committee, shall be set
forth in a written Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant
receiving such Award as promptly as is reasonably practicable following the
grant of such Award. The Award’s effectiveness will not be dependent on any
signature unless specifically so provided in the Award Agreement. Awards shall
generally be subject to a three year vesting period and no more than 60% of
Awards to executives and directors may have a vesting period of less than three
years, provided, however, that vesting may accelerate in the event of change in
control and certain other events as set forth in Section 10 herein, and in the
events of death, disability or retirement, as will be specified in the Award
Agreement.
SECTION
4. Common Stock Subject to Plan
a.
Plan
Maximums. There
shall be reserved and available for issuance under the Plan (a) for the first
Plan Year, that number of shares equal to 20% of the total number of shares of
Stock outstanding as of the Effective Date and (b) for each subsequent Plan
Year, (i) that number of shares equal to 10% of the total number of shares of
Stock outstanding as of the first day of each respective Plan Year, plus (ii)
that number of shares of Stock reserved and available for issuance but unissued
during any prior Plan Year during the Term of the Plan; provided, however, in no
event shall the number of shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan
as of the beginning of any Plan Year plus the number of shares of Stock reserved
for outstanding awards under the Plan exceed 35% percent of the total number of
shares of Stock outstanding at that time, based on a three-year period of
grants. Such shares may consist in whole or in part of authorized and unissued
shares or treasury shares or any combination thereof.
b.
Individual
Limits. The
number of shares subject to awards of (i) Stock Options, (ii) Stock appreciation
rights or (iii) Stock bonus awards made to any individual in any Plan Year may
not exceed 20% of the shares of Stock reserved and available for issuance in
such Plan Year. Except as otherwise provided herein, any shares subject to an
option or right which for any reason expires or is terminated unexercised as to
such shares shall again be available under the Plan.
c.
Rules
for Calculating Shares Delivered. To the
extent that any Award is forfeited, or any Option or Stock Appreciation Right
terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised, the Shares subject to
such Awards not delivered as a result thereof shall again be available for
Awards under the Plan. Shares tendered or withheld to pay the exercise price of
a Stock Option or to pay tax withholding will count against the foregoing
limitations and will not be added back to the Shares available under the Plan.
Each Stock Appreciation Right will count as one Share, notwithstanding the fact
that net Shares delivered upon exercise may be less than the number of Stock
Appreciation Rights granted. Awards valued by reference to Common Stock that may
be settled in equivalent cash value will count against the foregoing limitations
to the same extent as if settled in Shares.
SECTION
5. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
a.
Options. An
“Option” entitles the holder to acquire Shares at an exercise price equal to or
greater than the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on the Grant Date, subject to
the terms and conditions set forth in the Award Agreement. Options will be
non-qualified Options unless the Award Agreement specifies that the Option is an
Incentive Stock Option intended to comply with Section 422 of the Code.
b.
Stock
Appreciation Rights. A
“Stock Appreciation Right” entitles the holder to acquire shares of Common Stock
or to receive a cash payment in each case equal in value to the difference
between Fair Market Value on the Grant Date and Fair Market Value on the date of
exercise, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Award Agreement.
Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Participant shall be
entitled to receive cash or Shares equal in value to the product of (i) the
excess of the Fair Market Value of one Share over the exercise price of the
applicable Stock Appreciation Right, multiplied by (ii) the number of Shares in
respect of which the Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised. The Award
Agreement shall specify whether such payment is to be made in cash, Common Stock
or both.
c.
Limitations. The
exercise price per Share of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right shall be
determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, and
shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of the Common Stock on
the Grant Date. In no event may any Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted
under this Plan be amended, other than pursuant to Section 10, to decrease the
exercise price thereof, be cancelled in conjunction with the grant of any new
Option or Stock Appreciation Right with a lower exercise price, or otherwise be
subject to any action that would be treated, for accounting purposes, as a
“repricing” of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, unless such amendment,
cancellation, or action is approved by the Corporation’s shareholders.
d.
Term. The
Term of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right shall be fixed by the
Committee, but shall not exceed ten years from the Grant Date.
e.
Vesting
and Exercisability. Except
as otherwise provided herein, Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be
vested and exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and
conditions as shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award
Agreement.
f.
Method
of Exercise. Vested
Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised, in whole or in part,
during the applicable Term by giving written notice of exercise to the
Corporation specifying the number of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to be
exercised. In the case of the exercise of an Option, such notice shall be
accompanied by payment in full of the exercise price (which shall equal the
product of such number of Shares subject to an Option multiplied by the
applicable exercise price) by certified or bank check or such other instrument
as the Corporation may accept. If approved by the Committee, payment, in full or
in part, may also be made as follows:
(i)
Payments may be made in the form of unrestricted Shares already owned by the
Participant (by delivery of such Shares or by attestation) of the same class as
the Common Stock subject to the Option (based on the Fair Market Value of the
Common Stock on the date the Option is exercised);
(ii) To
the extent permitted by applicable law, payment may be made by delivering a
properly executed exercise notice to the Corporation, together with a copy of
irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Corporation the
amount of sale proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price, and, if requested,
the amount of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes. To
facilitate the foregoing, the Corporation may enter into agreements for
coordinated procedures with one or more brokerage firms;
(iii) By
such other means as the Committee shall authorize, including without limitation,
the withholding of Shares otherwise receivable upon settlement of the Award in
payment of the exercise price.
g.
Termination of Employment. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights will generally
vest after a three year holding period or achievement of Performance Targets, if
applicable. Awards shall be forfeited in the event of a Participant’s
Termination of Employment prior to the vesting date, except as set forth below:
(i) In
the event of a Participant’s death, Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held
by the Participant shall immediately vest and all outstanding Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights may be exercised at any time until the third anniversary of
the date of death;
(ii)
Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of Disability,
Options or Stock Appreciation Rights held by the Participant that were
exercisable immediately before the Termination of Employment may be exercised at
any time until the later of (A) the third anniversary of such Termination of
Employment or (B) the expiration of the Term thereof. Non-vested Stock
Appreciation Rights and Options will continue to be eligible to vest as
scheduled during the period the Participant remains disabled and will be
exerciseable for three years after the vesting date;
(iii)
Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of Retirement or Early
Retirement, Options or Stock Appreciation Rights held for more than one year
shall immediately become vested and exercisable. Vested Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights may be exercised until the expiration of their Term with
respect to Participants who retire on or after age 55;
(iv) Upon
a Participant’s Termination of Employment for Cause, all Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights held by the Participant will be forfeited immediately,
whether or not vested;
(v) If a
Participant dies after Termination of Employment, outstanding Option or Stock
Appreciation Rights may be exercised until the later of the expiration of the
Term thereof or three years from the date of death; and
(vi) Upon
a Participant’s Termination of Employment for any reason other than death,
Disability, Retirement or for Cause, any vested Option or Stock Appreciation
Right may be exercised until the earlier of (A) the 90th day
following such Termination of Employment or (B) expiration of the Term thereof.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Committee shall have the power, in its discretion, to apply
different rules concerning the consequences of a Termination of Employment; as
set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
SECTION
6. Restricted Stock
a.
Nature
of Awards and Certificates. Shares
of “Restricted Stock” are actual Shares issued to a Participant, evidenced by
book-entry registration in the name of the Participant and shall reference the
terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Award.
b.
Terms
and Conditions. Shares
of Restricted Stock shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(i) The
Committee may designate an Award of Restricted Stock as a Qualified
Performance-Based Award that will vest only upon the attainment of Performance
Targets. The Committee may also condition the grant or vesting of a Restricted
Stock Award upon the continued service of the Participant or a combination of
continued service and performance vesting criteria;
(ii) The
Participant shall not be permitted to sell, assign, transfer, pledge or
otherwise encumber Shares of Restricted Stock prior to the expiration of the
required period of continued service or the achievement of applicable
Performance Targets. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the
Participant shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Corporation
holding the class or series of Common Stock that is the subject of the
Restricted Stock Award, including the right to vote the Shares and the right to
receive cash dividends; and
(iii)
Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment during the restriction period or
before the applicable Performance Targets are satisfied, non-vested Shares of
Restricted Stock shall be forfeited by such Participant; provided, however that
Performance Units will vest in the event of death and may vest or remain
eligible to vest in the event of Early Retirement, Retirement or Disability, as
set forth in the Award Agreement.
SECTION
7. Performance Share Units
a.
Nature
of Award. A
“Performance Share Unit” is equal in value to one Share and subject to vesting
on the basis of the achievement of specified Performance Targets. Upon vesting,
Performance Share Units will be settled by delivery of Shares or cash (as
specified in the Award Agreement) to the Participant equal to the number of
vested Performance Share Units.
b.
Terms
and Conditions.
Performance Share Units shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(i)
Performance Share Units are Qualified Performance-Based Awards and shall vest
solely as a result of the achievement of Performance Targets. An Award of
Performance Share Units shall be settled if and when the Performance Share Units
become vested;
(ii) A
Participant may not assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber Performance
Share Units;
(iii) The
Award Agreement shall specify if the Participant shall be entitled to receive
current or deferred payments of cash or Common Stock in respect of non-vested
Performance Units corresponding to the dividends payable on the Common Stock;
and
(iv) Upon
a Participant’s Termination of Employment before the applicable Performance
Targets are satisfied, all Performance Share Units still subject to restriction
shall be forfeited by such Participant; provided, however that Performance Units
will vest in the event of death and may vest or remain eligible to vest in the
event of Early Retirement, Retirement or Disability, as set forth in the Award
Agreement.
SECTION
8. Restricted Stock Units
Nature
of Award. A
“Restricted Stock Unit” is equal in value to one Share of Common Stock and
subject to vesting on the basis of a period of continuous employment with the
Corporation or an Affiliate or other criteria as specified in the Award
Agreement. Upon vesting, Restricted Stock Units will be settled by delivery of
Shares to the Participant equal to the number of vested Restricted Stock Units.
SECTION
9. Other Stock-Based Award
Other
Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise
based upon, Common Stock, including (without limitation) unrestricted stock,
dividend equivalents, and convertible debentures, may be granted under the Plan.
SECTION
10. Future Events
a.
Adjustments
to Common Stock. In the
event of a stock split, reverse stock split, share combination,
recapitalization, sale of assets, stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or
similar event affecting the value of a Share of Common Stock, or the number of
shares outstanding (each, a “Share Change”), applicable Share limitations as set
forth in Section 4 and outstanding Awards, the number of Shares subject to
outstanding Awards, the exercise price of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
and other relevant provisions of the Plan and outstanding Awards shall be
adjusted as necessary and appropriate to reflect the Share Change and to
preserve the value of Awards.
b.
Changes
to the Corporation’s Capital Structure. In the
event of a merger, consolidation, spin-off, reorganization, stock rights
offering, liquidation, Disaffiliation, or other material event affecting the
capital structure of the Corporation (each, a “Corporate Transaction”), the
Committee or the Board may in its discretion make such substitutions or
adjustments as it deems appropriate and equitable to: (A) the aggregate number
and kind of Shares or other securities reserved for issuance and delivery under
the Plan; (B) the various maximum limitations set forth in Section 4; (C) the
number and kind of Shares or other securities subject to outstanding Awards; and
(D) the exercise price of outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.
Adjustments may include, without limitation, the cancellation of outstanding
Awards in exchange for payments of cash, property or a combination thereof
having an aggregate value equal to the value of such Awards, as determined by
the Committee or the Board in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate
to protect the value of Participants’ interests in their Awards. In the event of
a Disaffiliation, the Committee may arrange for the assumption of Awards, or
replacement of Awards with new awards based on other property or other
securities.
c.
Change
in Control. In the
event of a Change in Control, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to
the contrary, the Committee may, in its discretion, take any of the following
actions:
(i)
provide that any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding which are not
then exercisable and vested shall become immediately vested and fully
exercisable;
(ii)
immediately lapse restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit and other Awards and such Restricted
Stock shall become free of all restrictions, fully vested and transferable and
Restricted Stock Units and other Awards shall be settled as promptly as
practicable in the form set forth in the applicable Award Agreement;
(iii)
provide that Performance Targets applicable to Performance Share Units and other
Awards shall be deemed to be satisfied and such Awards shall be considered to be
earned and payable in full, and any deferral or other restriction shall lapse
and such Restricted Stock Units and other Awards shall be settled as promptly as
is practicable in the form set forth in the applicable Award Agreement; and
(iv) make
such additional adjustments, substitutions and/or settlements of outstanding
Awards as it deems appropriate to protect Participants’ interests in their
Awards, consistent with the Plan’s purposes, including, without limitation, the
cancellation of outstanding Awards in exchange for payments of cash, property or
a combination thereof having an aggregate value equal to the value of such
Awards, as determined by the Committee or the Board in its sole discretion.
d.
Termination
of Employment Following Change in Control. To the
extent not otherwise vested by the Committee in accordance with the provisions
of this Section 10 and notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the
contrary, during the 24-month period following a Change in Control: (i) upon the
involuntary termination of a Participant’s employment other than termination for
Cause; (ii) upon the voluntary termination of employment by the Participant
following a material and adverse change in the Participant’s compensation,
responsibilities, functions or reporting relationship; or (iii) in the event a
Participant resigns rather that accept a mandatory relocation greater than 50
miles; then, in any such event, all outstanding Awards held by such Participant
shall become vested as of the Date of Termination. Any Option or Stock
Appreciation Right held by the Participant as of the date of the Change in
Control that remains outstanding as of the date of Termination of Employment may
thereafter be exercised, until the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the
date of termination; or (ii) the expiration of the Term of such Option.
Restricted Shares shall immediately be free and transferable and Restricted
Share Units, Performance Share Units and other Awards shall be vested as of the
Termination of Employment and settled as soon as practicable as specified in the
Award Agreement.
e.
Definition
of Change in Control. For
purposes of the Plan, a “Change in Control” shall mean any of the following
events:
(i) The
acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section
13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act (a “Person”)) of beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 15% or
more of the then-outstanding Shares of Common Stock plus any other outstanding
shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors
(the “Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the
Corporation and any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored by it
shall not be deemed to be a Person; or
(ii) A
change in the composition of the Board such that the individuals who constitute
the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority of the Board. For this purpose, any individual whose election or
nomination for election by the Corporation’s shareholders was approved by a vote
of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board
shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(iii) The
consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or
consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving the Corporation or any
of its subsidiaries or a sale or other disposition of substantially all of the
assets of the Corporation or a material acquisition of assets or stock of
another entity by the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, (each, a “Business
Combination”) if:
A. the
individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding
Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination do
not beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the
then-outstanding shares of stock and the combined voting power of the
then-outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such
Business Combination; or
B. a
Person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the
then-outstanding shares of stock of the corporation resulting from such Business
Combination; or
C.
members of the Incumbent Board do not comprise at least a majority of the
members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such
Business Combination; or
(iv) The
approval by the shareholders of the Corporation of a complete liquidation or
dissolution of the Corporation.
SECTION
11. Qualified Performance-Based Awards
a. The
provisions of this Plan are intended to ensure that all Options, Stock
Appreciation Rights, Performance Share Units and other Qualified
Performance-Based Awards granted hereunder to any Participant who is or may be a
“covered employee” (within the meaning of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code) qualify
for the Section 162(m) Exemption, and all such Awards and this Plan shall be
interpreted and operated consistent with that intention.
b. Each
Qualified Performance-Based Award (other than an Option or Stock Appreciation
Right) shall be earned, vested and payable (as applicable) only upon the
achievement of one or more Performance Targets, together with the satisfaction
of any other conditions, such as continued employment, as the Committee may
determine to be appropriate. Qualified Performance-Based Awards may not be
amended, nor may the Committee exercise discretionary authority in any manner
that would cause the Qualified Performance-Based Award to cease to qualify for
the Section 162(m) Exemption; provided, however; that the Committee may provide,
either in connection with the grant of the applicable Award or by amendment
thereafter, that achievement of such Performance Targets will be waived: (i)
upon the death or Disability of the Participant (or under any other circumstance
with respect to which the existence of such possible waiver will not cause the
Award to fail to qualify for the Section 162(m) Exemption); and (ii) in
accordance with Section 10 herein.
c. The
Committee shall certify to the measurement of performance by the Corporation and
the business units relative to Performance Targets and the resulting vesting
achievement percentage. The Committee shall rely on such financial information
and other materials as it deems necessary and appropriate to enable it to
certify to the percentage of achievement of Performance Targets. The Committee
shall make its vesting determination not later than the end of the first quarter
following the end of the performance measurement period.
SECTION
12. Term, Amendment and Termination
a.
Effective
Date. The
Plan shall be effective as of the date of approval by the shareholders of the
Corporation (the “Effective Date”).
b.
Termination. The
Plan will terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Plan’s Effective Date.
Awards outstanding shall not be affected or impaired by the termination of the
Plan.
c.
Amendment
of Plan. The
Board may amend, alter, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration or
discontinuation shall be made which would materially impair the rights of a
Participant with respect to a previously granted Award without such
Participant’s consent, except an amendment made to comply with applicable law,
stock exchange rules or accounting rules. In addition, no amendment shall be
made without the approval of the Corporation’s shareholders to the extent such
approval is required by applicable law or the listing standards of the Exchange.
d.
Amendment
of Awards. Subject
to Section 10, the Committee may unilaterally amend the terms of any Award
theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but no such amendment shall
cause a Qualified Performance-Based Award to cease to qualify for the Section
162(m) Exemption or be made without the Participant’s consent if such amendment
materially impairs the rights of any Participant with respect to an Award,
except amendments made to cause the Plan or Award to comply with applicable law,
stock exchange rules, tax rules or accounting rules. The Committee may
unilaterally amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, as appropriate,
in the event that performance criteria are achieved earlier than planned
targets.
SECTION
13. General Provisions
a.
Nature
of Payments. All
Awards made pursuant to this Plan are in consideration of services performed for
the Corporation or its Affiliates. Any gain realized pursuant to such Awards
constitutes a special incentive payment to the Participant and shall not be
taken into account as compensation for purposes of any of the employee benefit
plans of the Corporation or any Affiliate. Nothing contained in the Plan shall
prevent the Corporation or any Subsidiary or Affiliate from adopting other or
additional compensation arrangements for its employees.
b.
Unfunded
Plan. The
Plan constitutes an “unfunded” plan for incentive and deferred compensation.
Neither the Corporation nor the Committee shall have any obligation to segregate
assets or establish a trust or other arrangements to meet the obligations
created under the Plan. Any liability of the Corporation to any Participant with
respect to an Award shall be based solely upon contractual obligation created by
the Plan and the Award Agreement. No such obligation shall be deemed to be
secured by any pledge or encumbrance on the property of the Corporation.
c.
No
Contract of Employment. The
Plan shall not constitute a contract of employment, and adoption of the Plan or
granting of an Award shall not confer upon any employee the right to continued
employment, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation
or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to terminate the employment of any employee at
any time.
d.
Required
Taxes. No
later than the date an amount first becomes includible in gross income with
respect to any Award, Participants must pay to the Corporation, or make
arrangements satisfactory to the Corporation regarding the payment of, any
federal, state, local or foreign taxes of any kind required by law to be
withheld with respect to such amount. Unless otherwise determined by the
Corporation, withholding obligations may be settled with Common Stock, including
Common Stock that is part of the Award that gives rise to the withholding
requirement; provided, however, that not more than the legally required minimum
withholding may be settled with Common Stock. The obligations of the Corporation
under the Plan and any Award Agreement shall be conditional on such payment or
arrangements, and the Corporation and its Affiliates shall, to the extent
permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment
otherwise due to such Participant. Nothing in this section or in this Plan shall
prohibit the Committee from authorizing the Corporation to enact gross-up
provisions as part of any Award granted herein.
e.
Forfeiture
of Interests and Gains Upon Certain Events. All
Awards, including vested Awards, shall be forfeited, and a Participant shall be
obligated to repay gains previously realized from Awards upon any of the
following events:
(1)
Termination of Employment for Cause, as defined in any applicable employment
contract, employment letter, consulting or similar agreement or in material
contravention of any standard conduct required by the Corporation’s Code of
Business Conduct;
(2) if
within three years following any Termination of Employment the Committee or the
Corporation determines that the Participant engaged in conduct that would have
constituted the basis for a Termination of Employment for Cause; or
(3) if at
any time during the twelve month period immediately following any Termination of
Employment, a Participant: (i) solicits for employment or otherwise attempts to
retain the professional services of any individual then employed or engaged by
the Corporation (other than a person performing secretarial or similar services)
or who was so employed or engaged during the three month period preceding such
solicitation; or (ii) publicly disparages the Corporation or any of its
officers, directors or senior executive employees or otherwise makes any public
statement that is materially detrimental to the interests of the Corporation or
such individuals.
Following
any of these events and immediately upon notice from the Corporation, the
Participant must repay an amount equal to all income or gain realized in respect
of any Awards on and after the earlier of (A) the date that is twelve months
prior to the Date of Termination of Employment or (B) the date the conduct
occurred that constituted the basis for termination for Cause in (1) or (2)
above. The amount of repayment shall include, without limitation: (i) gains from
the exercise of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights; (ii) amounts received in
connection with the delivery or sale of Shares or cash paid in respect of any
Award; and (iii) any dividends, dividend equivalents or other distributions
received in respect of any Award. There shall be no forfeiture or repayment
under this Section 13 (e) following a Change in Control.
f.
Certain
Deferrals. The
Committee may from time to time establish procedures pursuant to which a
Participant may elect to defer, until a date later than the date a Performance
Share Unit would otherwise become vested and payable. In the event of such a
deferral, the deferred Units will be credited with dividend equivalents to be
re-invested in additional Units or paid in cash, at the election of the
Participant.
g.
Designation
of Death Beneficiary. The
Committee shall establish such procedures as it deems appropriate for a
Participant to designate a beneficiary to whom any amounts payable in the event
of such Participant’s death are to be paid or by whom any rights of such
Eligible Individual, after such Participant’s death, may be exercised.
h.
Governing
Law and Interpretation. The
Plan and all Awards made and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without
reference to principles of conflict of laws and, where applicable, the laws of
the United States. The captions of this Plan are not part of the provisions
hereof and shall have no force or effect.
i.
Non-Transferability. Awards
under the Plan are not transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution. The Committee may provide that certain Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights may be transferred to a Participant’s children or family
members, whether directly or indirectly by means of a trust, partnership or
otherwise. “Family member” shall have the meaning given to such term in General
Instructions A.1(a)(5) to Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and any successor thereto. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be
exercisable only by the applicable Participant, the guardian or legal
representative of such Participant, or any person to whom such Option or Stock
Appreciation Right is permissibly transferred pursuant to Section 13(i).
j.
Foreign
Employees and Foreign Law Considerations. The
Committee may grant Awards to Eligible Individuals who are foreign nationals,
who are located outside the United States or who are not compensated from a
payroll maintained in the United States, or who are otherwise subject to (or
could cause the Corporation to be subject to) legal or regulatory provisions of
countries or jurisdictions outside the United States, on such terms and
conditions different from those specified in the Plan as may, in the judgment of
the Committee, be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of
the purposes of the Plan, and, in furtherance of such purposes, the Committee
may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, or subplans as may be
necessary or advisable to comply with such legal or regulatory provisions.
APPENDIX
H
TETON
PETROLEUM COMPANY
2003
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
(As
Amended, Subject to Shareholder Approval)
1. Purposes
This 2003
Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) is intended to attract and retain the best
available personnel for positions with Teton Petroleum Company or any of its
subsidiary corporations (collectively, the “Company”), and to provide additional
incentive to such employees and others to exert their maximum efforts toward the
success of the Company. The above aims will be effectuated through the granting
of certain stock options. Under the Plan, options may be granted which are
intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”) under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") or which are not (“Non-ISOs”)
intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options thereunder. The term “subsidiary
corporation” shall, for the purposes of the Plan, be defined in the same manner
as such term is defined in Section 424(f) of the Code and shall include a
subsidiary of any subsidiary.
2. Administration
of the Plan
(a)
The Plan
shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of
Directors”), as the Board of Directors may be composed from time to time, except
as provided in subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph 2. The determinations of the
Board of Directors under the Plan, including without limitation as to the
matters referred to in this Paragraph 2, shall be conclusive. Any determination
by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors at any meeting, or by
written consent in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed to have been made by the
whole Board of Directors. Within the limits of the express provisions of the
Plan, the Board of Directors shall have the authority, in its discretion, to
take the following actions under the Plan:
(i) to
determine the individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, ISOs to
purchase the Company's shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
(“Common Shares”), shall be granted, and the number of Common Shares to be
subject to each ISO,
(ii) to
determine the individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, Non-ISOs to
purchase the Common Shares, shall be granted, and the number of Common Shares to
be subject to each Non-ISO,
(iii) to
determine the terms and provisions of the respective stock option agreements
granting ISOs and Non-ISOs (which need not be identical),
(iv) to
interpret the Plan,
(v) to
prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan,
and
(vi) to make
all other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for
the administration of the Plan. In making such determinations, the Board of
Directors may take into account the nature of the services rendered by such
individuals, their present and potential contributions to the Company's success
and such other factors as the Board of Directors, in its discretion, shall deem
relevant. An individual to whom an option has bee granted under the Plan is
referred to herein as an “Optionee.”
(b) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, the Board of Directors may at any
time, or from time to time, appoint a committee (the “Committee”) of at least
two members of the Board of Directors, and delegate to the Committee the
authority of the Board of Directors to administer the Plan. Upon such
appointment and delegation, the Committee shall have all the powers, privileges
and duties of the Board of Directors, and shall be substituted for the Board of
Directors, in the administration of the Plan, except that the power to appoint
members of the Committee and to terminate, modify or amend the Plan shall be
retained by the Board of Directors. In the event that any member of the Board of
Directors is at any time not a "disinterested person," as defined in Rule
16b-3(c)(3)(i) promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Plan shall not be administered by the Board of Directors, and may only by
administered by a Committee, all the members of which are disinterested persons,
as so defined. The Board of Directors may from time to time appoint members of
the Committee in substitution for or in addition to members previously
appointed, may fill vacancies in the Committee and may discharge the Committee.
A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and all determinations
shall be made by a majority of its members. Any determination reduced to writing
and signed by a majority of the members shall be fully as effective as if it had
been made by a majority vote at a meeting duly called and held. Members of the
Committee shall not be eligible to participate in this Plan.
3. Shares
Subject to the Plan
The total
number of Common Shares which shall be subject to ISOs and Non-ISOs granted
under the Plan (collectively, “Options”) shall be 3,000,000 in the aggregate,
subject to adjustment as provided in Paragraph 8. The Company shall at all times
while the Plan is in force reserve such number of Common Shares as will be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of outstanding Options. The Common Shares
to be issued upon exercise of Options shall in whole or in part be authorized
and unissued or reacquired Common Shares. The unexercised portion of any
expired, terminated or canceled Option shall again be available for the grant of
Options under the Plan.
4. Eligibility
(a) Subject
to subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this Paragraph 4, Options may be granted to key
employees, officers, directors or consultants of the Company, as determined by
the Board of Directors.
(b) An ISO
may be granted, consistent with the other terms of the Plan, to an individual
who owns (within the meaning of Sections 422(b)(6) and 424(d) of the Code), more
that ten (10%) percent of the total combined voting power or value of all
classes of stock of the Company or a subsidiary corporation (any such person, a
"Principal Stockholder") only if, at the time such ISO is granted, the purchase
price of the Common Shares subject to the ISO is an amount which equals or
exceeds one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of such Common
Shares, and such ISO by its terms is not exercisable more than five (5) years
after it is granted.
(c) A
director or an officer of the Company who is not also an employee of the Company
and consultants to the Company shall be eligible to receive Non-ISOs but shall
not be eligible to receive ISOs.
(d) Nothing
contained in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right to the Board of
Directors to grant an ISO and Non-ISO concurrently under a single stock option
agreement so long as each Option is clearly identified as to its status.
Furthermore, if an Option has been granted under the Plan, additional Options
may be granted from time to time to the Optionee holding such Options, and
Options may be granted from time to time to one or more employees, officers or
directors who have not previously been granted Options.
(e) To the
extent that the grant of an Option results in the aggregate fair market value
(determined at the time of grant) of the Common Shares (or other capital stock
of the Company or any subsidiary) with respect to which Incentive Stock Options
are exercisable for the first time by an Optionee during any calendar year
(under all plans of the Company and subsidiary corporation) to exceed $100,000,
such Options shall be treated as a Non-ISO. The provisions of this subparagraph
(e) of Paragraph 4 shall be construed and applied in accordance with Section
422(d) of the Code and the regulations, if any, promulgated
thereunder.
5. Terms of
Options
The term
of each Option granted under the Plan shall be contained in a stock option
agreement between the Optionee and the Company and such terms shall be
determined by the Board of Directors consistent with the provisions of the Plan,
including the following:
(a) The
purchase price of the Common Shares subject to each ISO shall not be less than
the fair market value (or in the case of the grant of an ISO to a Principal
Stockholder, not less that 110% of fair market value) of such Common Shares at
the time such Option is granted. Such fair market value shall be determined by
the Board of Directors and, if the Common Shares are listed on a national
securities exchange or traded on the over-the-counter market, the fair market
value shall be the mean of the highest and lowest trading prices or of the high
bid and low asked prices of the Common Shares on such exchange, or on the
over-the-counter market as reported by the NASDAQ system or the National
Quotation Bureau, Inc., as the case may be, on the day on which the ISO is
granted or, if there is no trading or bid or asked price on that day, the mean
of the highest and lowest trading or high bid and low asked prices on the most
recent day preceding the day on which the ISO is granted for which such prices
are available.
(b) The
purchase price of the Common Shares subject to each Non-ISO shall not be less
than 85% of the fair market value of such Common Shares at the time such Option
is granted. Such fair market value shall be determined by the Board of Directors
in accordance with subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5. The purchase price of
the Common Shares subject to each Non-ISO shall be determined at the time such
Option is granted.
(c) The dates
on which each Option (or portion thereof) shall be exercisable and the
conditions precedent to such exercise, if any, shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors, in its discretion, at the time such Option is granted.
(d) The
expiration of each Option shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, in its
discretion, at the time such Option is granted; however, unless otherwise
determined by the Board of Directors at the time such Option is granted, an
Option shall be exercisable for ten (10) years after the date on which it was
granted (the "Grant Date"). Each Option shall be subject to earlier termination
as expressly provided in Paragraph 6 hereof or as determined by the Board of
Directors, in its discretion, at the time such Option is granted.
(e) Options
shall be exercised by the delivery by the Optionee thereof to the Company at its
principal office, or at such other address as may be established by the Board of
Directors, of written notice of the number of Common Shares with respect to
which the Option is being exercised accompanied by payment in full of the
purchase price of such Common Shares. Payment for such Common Shares may be made
(as determined by the Board of Directors) (i) in cash, (ii) by certified check
or bank cashier's check payable to the order of the Company in the amount of
such purchase price, (iii) by a promissory note issued by the Optionee in favor
of the Company in the amount equal to such purchase price and payable on terms
prescribed by the Board of Directors, which provides for the payment of interest
at a fair market rate, as determined by the Board of Directors, (iv) by delivery
of capital stock to the Company having a fair market value (determined on the
date of exercise in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (a) of this
Paragraph 5) equal to said purchase price, or (v) by any combination of the
methods of payment described in clauses (i) through (iv) above.
(f) An
Optionee shall not have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the
Common Shares subject to his Option until such shares are issued to him upon the
exercise of his Option as provided herein.
(g) No Option
shall be transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution,
and any Option may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by him.
No Option granted under the Plan shall be subject to execution, attachment or
other process.
6. Death or
Termination of Employment
(a) If
employment or other relationship of an Optionee with the Company shall be
terminated voluntarily by the Optionee and without the consent of the Company or
for "Cause" (as hereinafter defined), and immediately after such termination
such Optionee shall not then be employed by the Company, any Options granted to
such Optionee to the extent not theretofore exercised shall expire forthwith.
For purposes of the Plan, "Cause" shall mean "Cause" as defined in any
employment agreement ("Employment Agreement") between Optionee and the Company,
and, in the absence of an Employment Agreement or in the absence of a definition
of "Cause" in such Employment Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (i) any continued
failure by the Optionee to obey the reasonable instructions of the President or
any member of the Board of Directors, (ii) continued neglect by the Optionee of
his duties and obligations as an employee of the Company, or a failure to
perform such duties and obligations to the reasonable satisfaction of the
President or the Board of Directors, (iii) willful misconduct of the Optionee or
other actions in bad faith by the Optionee which are to the detriment of the
Company, including without limitation commission of a felony, embezzlement or
misappropriation of funds or commission of any act of fraud or (iv) a breach of
any material provision of any Employment Agreement not cured within 10 days
after written notice thereof.
(b) If such
employment or other relationship shall terminate other than (i) by reason of
death, (ii) voluntarily by the optionee and without the consent of the Company,
or (iii) for Cause, and immediately after such termination such Optionee shall
not them be employed by the Company, any Options granted to such Optionee may be
exercised at any time within three months after such termination, subject to the
provisions of subparagraph (d) of this Paragraph 6. After such three-month
period, the unexercised Options shall expire. For the purposes of the Plan, the
retirement of an Optionee either pursuant to a pension or retirement plan
adopted by the Company or on the normal retirement date prescribed from time to
time by the Company, and the termination of employment as a result of a
disability (as defined in Section 22(e) (3) of the Code) shall be deemed to be a
termination of such Optionee's employment or other relationship other than
voluntarily by the Optionee or for Cause.
(c)
If an
Optionee dies (i) while employed by, or engaged in such other relationship with,
the Company or (ii) within three months after the termination of his employment
or other relationship other than voluntarily by the Optionee and without the
consent of the Company or for Cause, any options granted to such Optionee may be
exercised at any time within twelve months after such Optionee's death, subject
to the provisions of subparagraph (d) of this Paragraph 6. After the three month
period, the unexercised Options shall expire.
(d)
An Option
may not be exercised pursuant to this paragraph 6 except to the extent that the
Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the time of termination of
employment or Such other relationship, or death, and in any event may not be
exercised after the expiration of the earlier of (i) the term of the option or
(ii) ten (10) years from the date the Option was granted, or five (5) years from
the date an ISO was granted if the optionee was a Principal Stockholder at that
date.
7. Leave of
Absence.
For
purposes of the Plan, an individual who is on military or sick leave or other
bona fide leave of absence (such temporary employment by the United States or
any state government) shall be considered as remaining in the employ of the
Company for 90 days or such longer period as shall be determined by the Board of
Directors.
8. Option
Adjustments.
(a)
The
aggregate number and class of shares as to which Options may be granted under
the Plan, the number and class shares covered by each outstanding Option and the
exercise price per share thereof (but not the total price), and all such
Options, shall each be proportionately adjusted for any increase and decrease in
the number of issued Common Shares resulting from any split-up, spin-off or
consolidation of shares or any like Capital adjustment or the payment of any
stock dividend.
(b)
Except as
provided in subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph 8, upon a merger, consolidation,
acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization (other than a
merger or reorganization of the Company in which the holders of Common Shares
immediately prior to the merger or reorganization have the same proportionate
ownership of Common Shares in the surviving corporation immediately after the
merger or reorganization) or liquidation of the Company, as a result of which
the stockholders of the Company receive cash, stock or other property in
exchange for their Common Shares, any Option granted hereunder shall terminate;
but, provided that the Optionee shall have the right immediately prior to any
such merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation,
reorganization or liquidation to exercise his Option in whole or in part whether
or not the vesting requirements set forth in the stock option agreement have
been satisfied.
(c)
If the
stockholders of the Company receive capital stock of another corporation
(“Exchange Stock”) in exchange for their Common Shares in any transaction
involving a merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation
or reorganization (other than a merger or reorganization of the Company in which
the holders of Common Shares immediately prior to the merger or reorganization
have the same proportionate ownership of Common Shares in the surviving
corporation immediately after the merger or reorganization), all options granted
hereunder shall terminate in accordance with the provision of subparagraph (b)
of this Paragraph 8 unless the of Directors and the corporation issuing the
Exchange Stock in their sole and arbitrary discretion and subject to any
required action by the stockholders of the Company and such corporation, agree
that all such Options granted hereunder are converted into options to purchase
shares of Exchange Stock. The amount and price of such options shall be
determined by adjusting the amount and price of the Options granted hereunder in
the same proportion as used for determining the number of shares of Exchange
Stock the holders of the Common Shares receive in such merger, consolidation,
acquisition of property or stock, separation or reorganization. The vesting
schedule set forth in the stock option agreement shall continue to apply to the
options granted for the Exchange Stock.
(d)
All
adjustments pursuant to this Paragraph 8 shall be made by the Board of Directors
and its determination as to what adjustments shall be made, and the extent
thereof, shall be final, binding and conclusive.
9. Further
Conditions of Exercise.
(a)
Unless
prior to the exercise of an Option the Common Shares issuable upon such exercise
are the subject of a registration statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), and there is then in effect a prospectus filed as part of
such registration statement meeting the Requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act, the notice of exercise with respect to such Option shall be
accompanied by a representation or agreement of the individual exercising the
Option to the Company to the effect that such shares are being acquired for
investment only and not with a view to the resale or distribution thereof, or
such other documentation as may be required by the Company, unless, in the
opinion of counsel to the Company, such representation, agreement or
documentation is not necessary to comply with the Securities Act.
(b)
Anything
in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated
to issue or sell any Common Shares until they have been listed on each
securities exchange on which the Common Shares may then be listed and until and
unless, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, the Company may issue such
shares pursuant to a qualification or an effective registration statement, or an
exemption from registration, under such state and federal laws, rules or
regulations as such counsel may deem applicable. The Company shall use
reasonable efforts to effect such listing, qualification and registration, as
the case may be.
10. Termination,
Modification and Amendment
(a)
The Plan
(but not Options previously granted under the Plan) shall terminate ten (10)
years from the earlier of the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors or
the date on which the Plan is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to
vote thereon, and no Option shall be granted after termination of the
Plan.
(b)
The Plan
may at any time be terminated and from time to time be modified or amended by
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
the capital stock of the Company present, or represented, and entitled to vote
at a meeting duly held in accordance with the applicable laws of the State of
Delaware.
(c)
The Board
of Directors of the Company may at any time terminate the Plan or from time to
time make such modifications or amendments of the Plan as it may deem advisable;
provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall not (i) modify or amend the
Plan in any way that would disqualify any ISO issued pursuant to the Plan as an
Incentive Stock Option or (ii) without approval by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the
Company present, or represented, and entitled to vote at a meeting duly held in
accordance with the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, increase (except
as provided by Paragraph 8) the maximum number of Common Shares as to which
Options may be granted under the Plan or change the class of persons eligible to
Options under the Plan.
(d)
No
termination, modification or amendment of the Plan may adversely affect the
rights conferred by any Options the consent of the Optionee thereof.
11. Effectiveness
of the Plan
The Plan
shall become effective upon adoption by the Board of Directors. The Plan shall
be subject to approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote
thereon within one year following adoption of the Plan by the Board of
Directors, and all Options granted prior to such approval shall be subject
thereto. In the event such approval is withheld, the Plan and all Options which
may have been granted thereunder shall become null and void.
12. Not a
Contract of Employment
Nothing
contained in the Plan or in any stock option agreement executed pursuant hereto
shall be deemed to confer upon any individual to whom an Option is or may be
granted hereunder any right to remain in the employ of, or in another
relationship with, the relationship with, the Company.
13. Miscellaneous
(a)
Nothing
contained in the Plan or in any stock option agreement executed pursuant hereto
shall be deemed to confer upon any individual to whom an Option is or may be
granted hereunder any right to remain in the employ of, or other relationship
with, the Company.
(b)
If an
Option has been granted under the Plan, additional Options may be granted from
time to time to the Optionee, and Options may be granted from time to time to
one or more individuals who have not previously been granted
options.
(c)
Nothing
contained in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company to
grant options otherwise than under the Plan in connection with the acquisition
of the business and assets of any corporation, firm, person or association,
including options granted to employees thereof who become employees of the
Company, nor shall the provisions of the Plan be to limit the right of the
Company to grant options Otherwise than under the Plan for other proper
corporate purposes.
(d)
The
Company shall have the right to require the Optionee to pay the Company the cash
amount of any taxes the Company is required to withhold in connection with the
exercise of an Option.
(e)
No award
under this Plan shall be taken into account in determining an Optionee's
compensation for purposes of an employee benefit plan of the
Company.