As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 15, 1999 Registration No. 333- _______ ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 VERISIGN, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 94-3221585 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer incorporation or organization) identification no.) 1350 Charleston Road Mountain View, California 94043-1331 (Address of principal executive offices) 1998 Equity Incentive Plan 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Non-Plan Stock Options Granted by Registrant (Full titles of the plans) Dana L. Evan Chief Financial Officer VeriSign, Inc. 1350 Charleston Road Mountain View, California 94043-1331 (650) 961-7500 (Name, address and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) Copies to: Jeffrey R. Vetter, Esq. R. Gregory Roussel, Esq. Fenwick & West LLP Two Palo Alto Square Palo Alto, California 94306 CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed Amount Proposed Maximum Maximum to be Offering Price Aggregate Offering Amount of Title of Securities to be Registered Registered Per Share Price Registration Fee - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock, no par value.......... 4,900,000 (1) $81.47 (2) $399,203,000 (2) $110,978.43 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Represents 4,000,000 additional shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options under the Registrant's 1998 Equity Incentive Plan and 500,000 additional shares available for issuance under the Registrant's 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan pursuant to amendments of such plans made effective as of May 27, 1999. Also includes 400,000 shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options pursuant to Non-Plan Option Agreements with five non-executive officer employees. Shares issuable upon exercise of stock options under the Registrant's 1998 Equity Incentive Plan were originally registered on a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-46803) filed on February 24, 1998. Shares available for issuance under the Registrant's 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan were originally registered on a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-45237) filed on January 30, 1998. (2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 and based upon an average of the high and low prices reported on the Nasdaq National Market on July 13, 1999. ================================================================================
PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference. - ------ --------------------------------------- The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") are incorporated herein by reference: ---------- (a) The Registrant's latest annual report on Form 10-K filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which contains audited financial statements for ------------ the Registrant's latest fiscal year. (b) All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the annual report referred to in (a) above. (c) The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registrant's registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities registered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents. Item 4. Description of Securities. - ------ ------------------------- Not applicable. Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel. - ------ -------------------------------------- Not applicable. Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers and Limitation of Liability. - ------ --------------------------------------------------------------------- As permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of its directors to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (regarding unlawful dividends and stock purchases) or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant provide that: (i) the Registrant is required to indemnify its directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to certain very limited exceptions; (ii) the Registrant may, in its discretion, indemnify its other employees and agents to the extent that it indemnifies its officers and directors, unless otherwise required by law, its Certificate of Incorporation, its Amended and Restated Bylaws, or agreement; (iii) the Registrant is required to advance expenses, as incurred, to its directors and executive officers in connection with defending a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to the certain very limited exceptions; and (iv) the rights conferred in the Amended and Restated Bylaws are not exclusive. The Registrant has entered into Indemnification Agreements with each of its current directors and executive officers to give such directors and executive officers additional contractual assurances regarding the scope of the indemnification set forth Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and
to provide additional procedural protections. At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director, officer or employee of the Registrant regarding which indemnification is sought, nor is the Registrant aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification. The Registrant, with approval by the Registrant's Board of Directors, has applied for, and expects to obtain, directors' and officers' liability insurance. Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed - ------ ----------------------------------- Not applicable Item 8. Exhibits - ------ -------- Exhibit No. Description - ---------- ----------- 4.01* Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.03 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-40789) filed with the Commission and declared effective January 29, 1998). 4.02* Form of Amended And Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-40789) filed with the Commission and declared effective January 29, 1998). 4.03 Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. 4.04 Registrant's 1998 Equity Incentive Plan. 4.05 Registrant's 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 4.06 Form of Non-Plan Stock Option for options granted to certain non- executive officer employees. 5.01 Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP. 23.01 Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01). 23.02 Consent of KPMG LLP. 24.01 Power of Attorney (see page 4). * These exhibits were previously filed with the Commission as indicated and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Undertakings. - ------ ------------ The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post- effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement. (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement. Provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) above do not apply if -------- ------- the Registration Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered that remain unsold at the termination of the offering. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions discussed in Item 6 hereof, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered hereby, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Mountain View, State of California, on the 12th day of July, 1999. VERISIGN, INC. By: /s/ Stratton D. Sclavos ----------------------- Stratton D. Sclavos President, Chief Executive Officer and Director POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Stratton D. Sclavos, Dana L. Evan and Timothy Tomlinson, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in- fact and agents or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- Principal Executive Officer and Director: /s/ Stratton D. Sclavos President, Chief Executive July 12, 1999 - --------------------------------- Officer and Director Stratton D. Sclavos Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer: Vice President of Finance and - --------------------------------- Administration and Dana L. Evan Chief Financial Officer July 12, 1999 Additional Directors: /s/ D. James Bidzos Director July 12, 1999 - --------------------------------- D. James Bidzos /s/ William Chenevich Director July 12, 1999 - --------------------------------- William Chenevich /s/ Kevin R. Compton Director July 12, 1999 - --------------------------------- Kevin R. Compton Director - --------------------------------- July 12, 1999 David J. Cowan /s/ Tim Tomlinson Director July 12, 1999 - --------------------------------- Timothy Tomlinson
EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- Exhibit No. Description - ---------- ----------- 4.01* Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.03 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-40789) filed with the Commission and declared effective January 29, 1998). 4.02* Form of Amended And Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-40789) filed with the Commission and declared effective January 29, 1998). 4.03 Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. 4.04 Registrant's 1998 Equity Incentive Plan. 4.05 Registrant's 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 4.06 Form of Non-Plan Stock Option for options granted to certain non- executive officer employees. 5.01 Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP. 23.01 Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01). 23.02 Consent of KPMG LLP. 24.01 Power of Attorney (see page II-4). * These exhibits were previously filed with the Commission as indicated and are incorporated herein by reference.
EXHIBIT 4.03 ------------ CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF VERISIGN, INC. VeriSign, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation"), whose original ----------- Certificate of Incorporation was filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 12, 1995 under the name of Digital Certificates International, Inc., subsequently amended on April 18, 1995 and July 7, 1995, subsequently amended and restated on February 15, 1996, subsequently amended on August 22, 1996, subsequently amended and restated on November 14, 1996, subsequently amended on November 18, 1997 and January 27, 1998, and subsequently amended and restated on February 4, 1998 does hereby certify: A resolution amending the Corporation's Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was approved by the Corporation's Board of Directors and Stockholders, and that such amendment was adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law: Paragraph A of Article Four is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows: FOUR: A. The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, "Common Stock" and "Preferred Stock." The total number of shares which the Corporation is authorized to issue is Two Hundred Five Million (205,000,000) shares. Two Hundred Million (200,000,000) shares shall be Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, and Five Million (5,000,000) shares shall be Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, VeriSign, Inc. has caused this Certificate to be signed and attested by its duly authorized officers this 27th day of May, 1999. VERISIGN, INC. By: /s/ Stratton Sclavos -------------------- Stratton Sclavos, President Attest: /s/ Tim Tomlinson ----------------- Timothy Tomlinson, Secretary
Exhibit 4.04 VERISIGN, INC. 1998 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN As Adopted October 31, 1997 and Amended Effective May 27, 1999 1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to ------- attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential contributions are important to the success of the Company, its Parent and Subsidiaries, by offering them an opportunity to participate in the Company's future performance through awards of Options, Restricted Stock and Stock Bonuses. Capitalized terms not defined in the text are defined in Section 23. 2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. -------------------------- 2.1 Number of Shares Available. Subject to Sections 2.2 and -------------------------- 18, the total number of Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance pursuant to this Plan will be 8,000,000 Shares. Subject to Sections 2.2 and 18, Shares that: (a) are subject to issuance upon exercise of an Option but cease to be subject to such Option for any reason other than exercise of such Option; (b) are subject to an Award granted hereunder but are forfeited or are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price; or (c) are subject to an Award that otherwise terminates without Shares being issued, will again be available for grant and issuance in connection with future Awards under this Plan. Any authorized shares not issued or subject to outstanding grants under the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan and the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Prior Plans") on the Effective Date (as defined below) and any shares that are issuable upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the Prior Plans that expire or become unexercisable for any reason without having been exercised in full, will no longer be available for grant and issuance under the Prior Plans, but will be available for grant and issuance under this Plan. In addition, any shares issued under the Prior Plans which are repurchased or forfeited will be available for grant and issuance under this Plan. At all times the Company shall reserve and keep available a sufficient number of Shares as shall be required to satisfy the requirements of all outstanding Options granted under this Plan and all other outstanding but unvested Awards granted under this Plan. 2.2 Adjustment of Shares. In the event that the number of -------------------- outstanding shares is changed by a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or similar change in the capital structure of the Company without consideration, then (a) the number of Shares reserved for issuance under this Plan, (b) the Exercise Prices of and number of Shares subject to outstanding Options, and (c) the number of Shares subject to other outstanding Awards will be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the stockholders of the Company and compliance with applicable securities laws; provided, however, that -------- ------- fractions of a Share will not be issued but will either be replaced by a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of such fraction of a Share or will be rounded up to the nearest whole Share, as determined by the Committee. 3. ELIGIBILITY. ISOs (as defined in Section 5 below) may be granted ----------- only to employees (including officers and directors who are also employees) of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. All other Awards may be granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors and advisors of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company; provided such consultants, contractors and advisors render bona fide -------- services not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital- raising transaction. No person will be eligible to receive more than 800,000 Shares in any calendar year under this Plan pursuant to the grant of Awards hereunder, other than new employees of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company (including new employees who are also officers and directors of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company), who are eligible to receive up to a maximum of 2,000,000 Shares in the calendar year in which they commence their employment. A person may be granted more than one Award under this Plan. 4. ADMINISTRATION. --------------
4.1 Committee Authority. This Plan will be administered by ------------------- the Committee or by the Board acting as the Committee. Subject to the general purposes, terms and conditions of this Plan, and to the direction of the Board, the Committee will have full power to implement and carry out this Plan. Without limitation, the Committee will have the authority to: (a) construe and interpret this Plan, any Award Agreement and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Plan; (b) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan or any Award; (c) select persons to receive Awards; (d) determine the form and terms of Awards; (e) determine the number of Shares or other consideration subject to Awards; (f) determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination with, in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, other Awards under this Plan or any other incentive or compensation plan of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company; (g) grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions; (h) determine the vesting, exercisability and payment of Awards; (i) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement; (j) determine whether an Award has been earned; and (k) make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan. 4.2 Committee Discretion. Any determination made by the -------------------- Committee with respect to any Award will be made in its sole discretion at the time of grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of this Plan or Award, at any later time, and such determination will be final and binding on the Company and on all persons having an interest in any Award under this Plan. The Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant an Award under this Plan to Participants who are not Insiders of the Company. 5. OPTIONS. The Committee may grant Options to eligible persons and ------- will determine whether such Options will be Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of the Code ("ISO") or Nonqualified Stock Options ("NQSOs"), the number of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price of the Option, the period during which the Option may be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of the Option, subject to the following: 5.1 Form of Option Grant. Each Option granted under this -------------------- Plan will be evidenced by an Award Agreement which will expressly identify the Option as an ISO or an NQSO ("Stock Option Agreement"), and will be in such form and contain such provisions (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee may from time to time approve, and which will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. 5.2 Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option will be ------------- the date on which the Committee makes the determination to grant such Option, unless otherwise specified by the Committee. The Stock Option Agreement and a copy of this Plan will be delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time after the granting of the Option. 5.3 Exercise Period. Options may be exercisable within the --------------- times or upon the events determined by the Committee as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement governing such Option; provided, -------- -2-
however, that no Option will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) - ------- years from the date the Option is granted; and provided further that no ISO -------- ------- granted to a person who directly or by attribution owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company ("Ten Percent Stockholder") will be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted. The Committee also may provide for Options to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise, in such number of Shares or percentage of Shares as the Committee determines. 5.4 Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option will be -------------- determined by the Committee when the Option is granted and may be not less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant; provided that: (i) the Exercise Price of an ISO will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant; and (ii) the Exercise Price of any ISO granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder will not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. Payment for the Shares purchased may be made in accordance with Section 8 of this Plan. 5.5 Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised only by ------------------ delivery to the Company of a written stock option exercise agreement (the "Exercise Agreement") in a form approved by the Committee (which need not be the same for each Participant), stating the number of Shares being purchased, the restrictions imposed on the Shares purchased under such Exercise Agreement, if any, and such representations and agreements regarding Participant's investment intent and access to information and other matters, if any, as may be required or desirable by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws, together with payment in full of the Exercise Price for the number of Shares being purchased. 5.6 Termination. Notwithstanding the exercise periods set ----------- forth in the Stock Option Agreement, exercise of an Option will always be subject to the following: (a) If the Participant is Terminated for any reason except death or Disability, then the Participant may exercise such Participant's Options only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable upon the Termination Date no later than three (3) months after the Termination Date (or such shorter or longer time period not exceeding five (5) years as may be determined by the Committee, with any exercise beyond three (3) months after the Termination Date deemed to be an NQSO), but in any event, no later than the expiration date of the Options. (b) If the Participant is Terminated because of Participant's death or Disability (or the Participant dies within three (3) months after a Termination other than because of Participant's death or disability), then Participant's Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by Participant on the Termination Date and must be exercised by Participant (or Participant's legal representative or authorized assignee) no later than twelve (12) months after the Termination Date (or such shorter or longer time period not exceeding five (5) years as may be determined by the Committee, with any such exercise beyond (a) three (3) months after the Termination Date when the Termination is for any reason other than the Participant's death or Disability, or (b) twelve (12) months after the Termination Date when the Termination is for Participant's death or Disability, deemed to be an NQSO), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions in paragraph 5.6(a) above, if a Participant is terminated for Cause, neither the Participant, the Participant's estate nor such other person who may then hold the Option shall be entitled to exercise any Option with respect to any Shares whatsoever, after termination of service, whether or not after termination of service the Participant may receive payment from the Company or Subsidiary for vacation pay, for services rendered prior to termination, for services rendered for the day on which termination occurs, for salary in lieu of notice, or for any other benefits. In making such determination, the Board shall give the Participant an opportunity to present to the Board evidence on his behalf. For the purpose of this paragraph, termination of service shall be deemed to occur on the date when the Company dispatches notice or advice to the Participant that his service is terminated. -3-
5.7 Limitations on Exercise. The Committee may specify a ----------------------- reasonable minimum number of Shares that may be purchased on any exercise of an Option, provided that such minimum number will not prevent Participant from exercising the Option for the full number of Shares for which it is then exercisable. 5.8 Limitations on ISO. The aggregate Fair Market Value ------------------ (determined as of the date of grant) of Shares with respect to which ISO are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or under any other incentive stock option plan of the Company, Parent or Subsidiary of the Company) will not exceed $100,000. If the Fair Market Value of Shares on the date of grant with respect to which ISO are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, then the Options for the first $100,000 worth of Shares to become exercisable in such calendar year will be ISO and the Options for the amount in excess of $100,000 that become exercisable in that calendar year will be NQSOs. In the event that the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder are amended after the Effective Date of this Plan to provide for a different limit on the Fair Market Value of Shares permitted to be subject to ISO, such different limit will be automatically incorporated herein and will apply to any Options granted after the effective date of such amendment. 5.9 Modification, Extension or Renewal. The Committee may ---------------------------------- modify, extend or renew outstanding Options and authorize the grant of new Options in substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the written consent of a Participant, impair any of such Participant's rights under any Option previously granted. Any outstanding ISO that is modified, extended, renewed or otherwise altered will be treated in accordance with Section 424(h) of the Code. The Committee may reduce the Exercise Price of outstanding Options without the consent of Participants affected by a written notice to them; provided, however, that the Exercise Price may not be reduced -------- ------- below the minimum Exercise Price that would be permitted under Section 5.4 of this Plan for Options granted on the date the action is taken to reduce the Exercise Price. 5.10 No Disqualification. Notwithstanding any other provision ------------------- in this Plan, no term of this Plan relating to ISO will be interpreted, amended or altered, nor will any discretion or authority granted under this Plan be exercised, so as to disqualify this Plan under Section 422 of the Code or, without the consent of the Participant affected, to disqualify any ISO under Section 422 of the Code. 6. RESTRICTED STOCK. A Restricted Stock Award is an offer by the ---------------- Company to sell to an eligible person Shares that are subject to restrictions. The Committee will determine to whom an offer will be made, the number of Shares the person may purchase, the price to be paid (the "Purchase Price"), the restrictions to which the Shares will be subject, and all other terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Award, subject to the following: 6.1 Form of Restricted Stock Award. All purchases under a ------------------------------ Restricted Stock Award made pursuant to this Plan will be evidenced by an Award Agreement ("Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement") that will be in such form (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from time to time approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. The offer of Restricted Stock will be accepted by the Participant's execution and delivery of the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement and full payment for the Shares to the Company within thirty (30) days from the date the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement is delivered to the person. If such person does not execute and deliver the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement along with full payment for the Shares to the Company within thirty (30) days, then the offer will terminate, unless otherwise determined by the Committee. 6.2 Purchase Price. The Purchase Price of Shares sold -------------- pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award will be determined by the Committee on the date the Restricted Stock Award is granted, except in the case of a sale to a Ten Percent Stockholder, in which case the Purchase Price will be 100% of the Fair Market Value. Payment of the Purchase Price may be made in accordance with Section 8 of this Plan. 6.3 Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock -------------------------------- Awards shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose. These restrictions may be based upon completion of a specified number of years of service with the Company or upon completion of the performance goals as set out in advance in the Participant's individual Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement. Restricted Stock Awards may vary from Participant to Participant and between groups of Participants. Prior to the grant of a Restricted Stock Award, the Committee shall: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for the Restricted Stock Award; (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure performance goals, if any; and (c) -4-
determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Prior to the payment of any Restricted Stock Award, the Committee shall determine the extent to which such Restricted Stock Award has been earned. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Restricted Stock Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and having different performance goals and other criteria. 6.4 Termination During Performance Period. If a Participant ------------------------------------- is Terminated during a Performance Period for any reason, then such Participant will be entitled to payment (whether in Shares, cash or otherwise) with respect to the Restricted Stock Award only to the extent earned as of the date of Termination in accordance with the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, unless the Committee will determine otherwise. 7. STOCK BONUSES. ------------- 7.1 Awards of Stock Bonuses. A Stock Bonus is an award of ----------------------- Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock) for services rendered to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Stock Bonus may be awarded for past services already rendered to the Company, or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to an Award Agreement (the "Stock Bonus Agreement") that will be in such form (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from time to time approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. A Stock Bonus may be awarded upon satisfaction of such performance goals as are set out in advance in the Participant's individual Award Agreement (the "Performance Stock Bonus Agreement") that will be in such form (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from time to time approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. Stock Bonuses may vary from Participant to Participant and between groups of Participants, and may be based upon the achievement of the Company, Parent or Subsidiary and/or individual performance factors or upon such other criteria as the Committee may determine. 7.2 Terms of Stock Bonuses. The Committee will determine the ---------------------- number of Shares to be awarded to the Participant. If the Stock Bonus is being earned upon the satisfaction of performance goals pursuant to a Performance Stock Bonus Agreement, then the Committee will: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any Performance Period for each Stock Bonus; (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any; and (c) determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Prior to the payment of any Stock Bonus, the Committee shall determine the extent to which such Stock Bonuses have been earned. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Stock Bonuses that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria. The number of Shares may be fixed or may vary in accordance with such performance goals and criteria as may be determined by the Committee. The Committee may adjust the performance goals applicable to the Stock Bonuses to take into account changes in law and accounting or tax rules and to make such adjustments as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the impact of extraordinary or unusual items, events or circumstances to avoid windfalls or hardships. 7.3 Form of Payment. The earned portion of a Stock Bonus may --------------- be paid currently or on a deferred basis with such interest or dividend equivalent, if any, as the Committee may determine. Payment may be made in the form of cash or whole Shares or a combination thereof, either in a lump sum payment or in installments, all as the Committee will determine. 8. PAYMENT FOR SHARE PURCHASES. --------------------------- 8.1 Payment. Payment for Shares purchased pursuant to this ------- Plan may be made in cash (by check) or, where expressly approved for the Participant by the Committee and where permitted by law: (a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant; (b) by surrender of shares that either: (1) have been owned by Participant for more than six (6) months and have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 (and, if such shares were purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note has been fully paid with respect to such shares); or (2) were obtained by Participant in the public market; -5-
(c) by tender of a full recourse promissory note having such terms as may be approved by the Committee and bearing interest at a rate sufficient to avoid imputation of income under Sections 483 and 1274 of the Code; provided, however, that Participants who are not -------- ------- employees or directors of the Company will not be entitled to purchase Shares with a promissory note unless the note is adequately secured by collateral other than the Shares; (d) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for services rendered; (e) with respect only to purchases upon exercise of an Option, and provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists: (1) through a "same day sale" commitment from the Participant and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD Dealer") whereby the Participant irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to pay for the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; or (2) through a "margin" commitment from the Participant and a NASD Dealer whereby the Participant irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; or (f) by any combination of the foregoing. 8.2 Loan Guarantees. The Committee may help the Participant --------------- pay for Shares purchased under this Plan by authorizing a guarantee by the Company of a third-party loan to the Participant. 9. WITHHOLDING TAXES. ----------------- 9.1 Withholding Generally. Whenever Shares are to be issued --------------------- in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan, the Company may require the Participant to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local withholding tax requirements prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates for such Shares. Whenever, under this Plan, payments in satisfaction of Awards are to be made in cash, such payment will be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local withholding tax requirements. 9.2 Stock Withholding. When, under applicable tax laws, a ----------------- Participant incurs tax liability in connection with the exercise or vesting of any Award that is subject to tax withholding and the Participant is obligated to pay the Company the amount required to be withheld, the Committee may in its sole discretion allow the Participant to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld, determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by a Participant to have Shares withheld for this purpose will be made in accordance with the requirements established by the Committee and be in writing in a form acceptable to the Committee. 10. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. ----------------------------- 10.1 Voting and Dividends. No Participant will have any of -------------------- the rights of a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the Shares are issued to the Participant. After Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other distributions made or paid with respect to such Shares; provided, that if -------- such Shares are Restricted Stock, then any new, additional or different securities the Participant may become entitled to receive with respect to such Shares by virtue of a stock dividend, stock split or any other change in the corporate or capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock; provided, further, that the Participant -------- ------- will have no right to retain such stock dividends or stock distributions -6-
with respect to Shares that are repurchased at the Participant's Purchase Price or Exercise Price pursuant to Section 12. 10.2 Financial Statements. The Company will provide -------------------- financial statements to each Participant prior to such Participant's purchase of Shares under this Plan, and to each Participant annually during the period such Participant has Awards outstanding; provided, however, the Company will not be required to provide such financial statements to Participants whose services in connection with the Company assure them access to equivalent information. 11. TRANSFERABILITY. Awards granted under this Plan, and any interest --------------- therein, will not be transferable or assignable by Participant, and may not be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process, otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement with respect to Awards that are not ISOs. During the lifetime of the Participant an Award will be exercisable only by the Participant, and any elections with respect to an Award may be made only by the Participant unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement with respect to Awards that are not ISOs. 12. RESTRICTIONS ON SHARES. At the discretion of the Committee, the ---------------------- Company may reserve to itself and/or its assignee(s) in the Award Agreement a right to repurchase a portion of or all Unvested Shares held by a Participant following such Participant's Termination at any time within ninety (90) days after the later of Participant's Termination Date and the date Participant purchases Shares under this Plan, for cash and/or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness, at the Participant's Exercise Price or Purchase Price, as the case may be. 13. CERTIFICATES. All certificates for Shares or other securities ------------ delivered under this Plan will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable, including restrictions under any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law, or any rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC or any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be listed or quoted. 14. ESCROW; PLEDGE OF SHARES. To enforce any restrictions on a ------------------------ Participant's Shares, the Committee may require the Participant to deposit all certificates representing Shares, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer approved by the Committee, appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the certificates. Any Participant who is permitted to execute a promissory note as partial or full consideration for the purchase of Shares under this Plan will be required to pledge and deposit with the Company all or part of the Shares so purchased as collateral to secure the payment of Participant's obligation to the Company under the promissory note; provided, however, that the Committee may -------- ------- require or accept other or additional forms of collateral to secure the payment of such obligation and, in any event, the Company will have full recourse against the Participant under the promissory note notwithstanding any pledge of the Participant's Shares or other collateral. In connection with any pledge of the Shares, Participant will be required to execute and deliver a written pledge agreement in such form as the Committee will from time to time approve. The Shares purchased with the promissory note may be released from the pledge on a pro rata basis as the promissory note is paid. 15. EXCHANGE AND BUYOUT OF AWARDS. The Committee may, at any time or ----------------------------- from time to time, authorize the Company, with the consent of the respective Participants, to issue new Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of any or all outstanding Awards. The Committee may at any time buy from a Participant an Award previously granted with payment in cash, Shares (including Restricted Stock) or other consideration, based on such terms and conditions as the Committee and the Participant may agree. 16. SECURITIES LAW AND OTHER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. An Award will not ---------------------------------------------- be effective unless such Award is in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations of any governmental body, and the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted, as they are in effect on the date of grant of the Award and also on the date of exercise or other issuance. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any approvals from -7-
governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with the SEC or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification or listing requirements of any state securities laws, stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so. 17. NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY. Nothing in this Plan or any Award ----------------------- granted under this Plan will confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to terminate Participant's employment or other relationship at any time, with or without cause. 18. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS. ---------------------- 18.1 Assumption or Replacement of Awards by Successor. In ------------------------------------------------ the event of (a) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (b) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, a reincorporation of the Company in a different jurisdiction, or other transaction in which there is no substantial change in the stockholders of the Company or their relative stock holdings and the Awards granted under this Plan are assumed, converted or replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption will be binding on all Participants), (c) a merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but after which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger (other than any stockholder that merges, or which owns or controls another corporation that merges, with the Company in such merger) cease to own their shares or other equity interest in the Company, (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (e) the acquisition, sale, or transfer of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company by tender offer or similar transaction, any or all outstanding Awards may be assumed, converted or replaced by the successor corporation (if any), which assumption, conversion or replacement will be binding on all Participants. In the alternative, the successor corporation may substitute equivalent Awards or provide substantially similar consideration to Participants as was provided to stockholders (after taking into account the existing provisions of the Awards). The successor corporation may also issue, in place of outstanding Shares of the Company held by the Participant, substantially similar shares or other property subject to repurchase restrictions no less favorable to the Participant. In the event such successor corporation (if any) refuses to assume or substitute Awards, as provided above, pursuant to a transaction described in this Subsection 18.1, such Awards will expire on such transaction at such time and on such conditions as the Committee will determine; provided, however, that the Committee may, in -------- ------- its sole discretion, provide that the vesting of any or all Awards granted pursuant to this Plan will accelerate. If the Committee exercises such discretion with respect to Options, such Options will become exercisable in full prior to the consummation of such event at such time and on such conditions as the Committee determines, and if such Options are not exercised prior to the consummation of the corporate transaction, they shall terminate at such time as determined by the Committee. 18.2 Other Treatment of Awards. Subject to any greater ------------------------- rights granted to Participants under the foregoing provisions of this Section 18, in the event of the occurrence of any transaction described in Section 18.1, any outstanding Awards will be treated as provided in the applicable agreement or plan of merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, or sale of assets. 18.3 Assumption of Awards by the Company. The Company, from ----------------------------------- time to time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or otherwise, by either; (a) granting an Award under this Plan in substitution of such other company's award; or (b) assuming such award as if it had been granted under this Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to an Award granted under this Plan. Such substitution or assumption will be permissible if the holder of the substituted or assumed award would have been eligible to be granted an Award under this Plan if the other company had applied the rules of this Plan to such grant. In the event the Company assumes an award granted by another company, the terms and conditions of such award will remain unchanged (except that the exercise price and the number and nature of Shares ------ issuable upon exercise of any such option will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code). In the event the Company elects to grant a new Option rather than assuming an existing option, such new Option may be granted with a similarly adjusted Exercise Price. -8-
19. ADOPTION AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan will become --------------------------------- effective on the date on which the registration statement filed by the Company with the SEC under the Securities Act registering the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock is declared effective by the SEC (the "Effective Date"). This Plan shall be approved by the stockholders of the Company (excluding Shares issued pursuant to this Plan), consistent with applicable laws, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. Upon the Effective Date, the Committee may grant Awards pursuant to this Plan; provided, however, that: (a) no Option may be exercised prior to -------- ------- initial stockholder approval of this Plan; (b) no Option granted pursuant to an increase in the number of Shares subject to this Plan approved by the Board will be exercised prior to the time such increase has been approved by the stockholders of the Company; and (c) in the event that stockholder approval of such increase is not obtained within the time period provided herein, all Awards granted pursuant to such increase will be canceled, any Shares issued pursuant to any Award granted pursuant to such increase will be canceled, and any purchase of Shares pursuant to such increase will be rescinded. 20. TERM OF PLAN/GOVERNING LAW. Unless earlier terminated as provided -------------------------- herein, this Plan will terminate ten (10) years from the date this Plan is adopted by the Board or, if earlier, the date of stockholder approval. This Plan and all agreements thereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. 21. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Board may at any time -------------------------------- terminate or amend this Plan in any respect, including without limitation amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant to this Plan; provided, however, that the Board will not, without the approval -------- ------- of the stockholders of the Company, amend this Plan in any manner that requires such stockholder approval. 22. NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN. Neither the adoption of this Plan by -------------------------- the Board, the submission of this Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval, nor any provision of this Plan will be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such additional compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options and bonuses otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. 23. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan, the following terms will have ----------- the following meanings: "Award" means any award under this Plan, including any Option, Restricted Stock or Stock Bonus. "Award Agreement" means, with respect to each Award, the signed written agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. "Cause" means the commission of an act of theft, embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty or a breach of fiduciary duty to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board. "Company" means VeriSign, Inc. or any successor corporation. "Disability" means a disability, whether temporary or permanent, partial or total, within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as determined by the Committee. "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. "Exercise Price" means the price at which a holder of an Option may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option. -9-
"Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company's Common Stock determined as follows: (a) if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, its closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; ----------------------- (b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal; ----------------------- (c) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall -------- Street Journal; -------------- (d) in the case of an Award made on the Effective Date, the price per share at which shares of the Company's Common Stock are initially offered for sale to the public by the Company's underwriters in the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act; or (d) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Committee in good faith. "Insider" means an officer or director of the Company or any other person whose transactions in the Company's Common Stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. "Option" means an award of an option to purchase Shares pursuant to Section 5. "Parent" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if each of such corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. "Participant" means a person who receives an Award under this Plan. "Performance Factors" means the factors selected by the Committee from among the following measures to determine whether the performance goals established by the Committee and applicable to Awards have been satisfied: (a) Net revenue and/or net revenue growth; (b) Earnings before income taxes and amortization and/or earnings before income taxes and amortization growth; (c) Operating income and/or operating income growth; (d) Net income and/or net income growth; (e) Earnings per share and/or earnings per share growth; (f) Total shareholder return and/or total shareholder return growth; (g) Return on equity; (h) Operating cash flow return on income; -10-
(i) Adjusted operating cash flow return on income; (j) Economic value added; and (k) Individual confidential business objectives. "Performance Period" means the period of service determined by the Committee, not to exceed five years, during which years of service or performance is to be measured for Restricted Stock Awards or Stock Bonuses. "Plan" means this VeriSign, Inc. 1998 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time. "Restricted Stock Award" means an award of Shares pursuant to Section 6. "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. "Shares" means shares of the Company's Common Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan, as adjusted pursuant to Sections 2 and 18, and any successor security. "Stock Bonus" means an award of Shares, or cash in lieu of Shares, pursuant to Section 7. "Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. "Termination" or "Terminated" means, for purposes of this Plan with respect to a Participant, that the Participant has for any reason ceased to provide services as an employee, officer, director, consultant, independent contractor, or advisor to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. An employee will not be deemed to have ceased to provide services in the case of (i) sick leave, (ii) military leave, or (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided, that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute or unless provided otherwise pursuant to formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and promulgated to employees in writing. In the case of any employee on an approved leave of absence, the Committee may make such provisions respecting suspension of vesting of the Award while on leave from the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event may an Option be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the Option agreement. The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has ceased to provide services and the effective date on which the Participant ceased to provide services (the "Termination Date"). "Unvested Shares" means "Unvested Shares" as defined in the Award Agreement. "Vested Shares" means "Vested Shares" as defined in the Award Agreement. -11-
Exhibit 4.05 VERISIGN, INC. 1998 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN As Adopted December 19, 1997 and Amended Effective May 1, 1998 and May 27, 1999 1. Establishment of Plan. VeriSign, Inc. (the "Company") proposes to grant options for purchase of the Company's Common Stock to eligible employees of the Company and its Participating Subsidiaries (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to this Employee Stock Purchase Plan (this "Plan"). For purposes of this Plan, "Parent Corporation" and "Subsidiary" (collectively, "Participating Subsidiaries") shall have the same meanings as "parent corporation" and "subsidiary corporation" in Sections 424(e) and 424(f), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). "Participating Subsidiaries" are Parent Corporations or Subsidiaries that the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") designates from time to time as corporations that shall participate in this Plan. The Company intends this Plan to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Code (including any amendments to or replacements of such Section), and this Plan shall be so construed. Any term not expressly defined in this Plan but defined for purposes of Section 423 of the Code shall have the same definition herein. A total of 1,500,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock is reserved for issuance under this Plan. Such number shall be subject to adjustments effected in accordance with Section 14 of this Plan. 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to provide eligible employees of the Company and Participating Subsidiaries with a convenient means of acquiring an equity interest in the Company through payroll deductions, to enhance such employees' sense of participation in the affairs of the Company and Participating Subsidiaries, and to provide an incentive for continued employment. 3. Administration. This Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Committee"). Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the limitations of Section 423 of the Code or any successor provision in the Code, all questions of interpretation or application of this Plan shall be determined by the Committee and its decisions shall be final and binding upon all participants. Members of the Committee shall receive no compensation for their services in connection with the administration of this Plan, other than standard fees as established from time to time by the Board for services rendered by Board members serving on Board committees. All expenses incurred in connection with the administration of this Plan shall be paid by the Company. 4. Eligibility. Any employee of the Company or the Participating Subsidiaries is eligible to participate in an Offering Period (as hereinafter defined) under this Plan except the following: (a) employees who are not employed by the Company or Participating Subsidiaries ten (10) days before the beginning of such Offering Period, except that employees who are employed on the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") registering the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock shall be eligible to participate in the first Offering Period under the Plan; (b) employees who are customarily employed for twenty (20) hours or less per week; (c) employees who are customarily employed for five (5) months or less in a calendar year; (d) employees who, together with any other person whose stock would be attributed to such employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code, own stock or hold options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Participating Subsidiaries or who, as a result of being granted an option under this Plan with respect to such Offering Period, would own stock or hold options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Participating Subsidiaries; and
VeriSign, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (e) individuals who provide services to the Company or any of its Participating Subsidiaries as independent contractors who are reclassified as common law employees for any reason except for federal income and employment tax ------ --- purposes. 5. Offering Dates. The offering periods of this Plan (each, an "Offering Period") shall be of twenty-four (24) months duration commencing on February 1 and August 1 of each year and ending on January 31 and July 31 of each year; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the first such - --------- -------- Offering Period shall commence on the first business day on which price quotations for the Company's Common Stock are available on the Nasdaq National Market (the "First Offering Date") and shall end on January 31, 2000. Except for the first Offering Period, each Offering Period shall consist of four (4) six-month purchase periods (individually, a "Purchase Period") during which payroll deductions of the participants are accumulated under this Plan. The first Offering Period shall consist of no more than five and no fewer than three Purchase Periods, any of which may be greater or less than six months as determined by the Committee. The first business day of each Offering Period is referred to as the "Offering Date". The last business day of each Purchase Period is referred to as the "Purchase Date". The Committee shall have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods or Purchase Periods with respect to offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period or Purchase Period to be affected. 6. Participation in this Plan. Eligible employees may become participants in an Offering Period under this Plan on the first Offering Date after satisfying the eligibility requirements by delivering a subscription agreement to the Company's treasury department (the "Treasury Department") not later than five (5) days before such Offering Date unless a later time for filing the subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions is set by the Committee for all eligible employees with respect to a given Offering Period. An eligible employee who does not deliver a subscription agreement to the Treasury Department by such date after becoming eligible to participate in such Offering Period shall not participate in that Offering Period or any subsequent Offering Period unless such employee enrolls in this Plan by filing a subscription agreement with the Treasury Department not later than five (5) days preceding a subsequent Offering Date. Once an employee becomes a participant in an Offering Period, such employee will automatically participate in the Offering Period commencing immediately following the last day of the prior Offering Period unless the employee withdraws or is deemed to withdraw from this Plan or terminates further participation in the Offering Period as set forth in Section 11 below. Such participant is not required to file any additional subscription agreement in order to continue participation in this Plan. 7. Grant of Option on Enrollment. Enrollment by an eligible employee in this Plan with respect to an Offering Period will constitute the grant (as of the Offering Date) by the Company to such employee of an option to purchase on the Purchase Date up to that number of shares of Common Stock of the Company determined by dividing (a) the amount accumulated in such employee's payroll deduction account during such Purchase Period by (b) the lower of (i) eighty- five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the Offering Date (but in no event less than the par value of a share of the Company's Common Stock), or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the Purchase Date (but in no event less than the par value of a share of the Company's Common Stock), provided, however, that the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock - -------- ------- subject to any option granted pursuant to this Plan shall not exceed the lesser of (a) the maximum number of shares set by the Committee pursuant to Section 10(c) below with respect to the applicable Purchase Date, or (b) the maximum number of shares which may be purchased pursuant to Section 10(b) below with respect to the applicable Purchase Date. The fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock shall be determined as provided in Section 8 hereof. 8. Purchase Price. The purchase price per share at which a share of Common Stock will be sold in any Offering Period shall be eighty-five percent (85%) of the lesser of: (a) The fair market value on the Offering Date; or (b) The fair market value on the Purchase Date. -2-
VeriSign, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan For purposes of this Plan, the term "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company's Common Stock determined as follows: (a) if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, its closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; ----------------------- (b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal; ----------------------- (c) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall -------- Street Journal; or -------------- (d) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Board in good faith, which in the case of the First Offering Date will be the price per share at which shares of the Company's Common Stock are initially offered for sale to the public by the Company's underwriters in the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act. 9. Payment Of Purchase Price; Changes In Payroll Deductions; Issuance Of Shares. (a) The purchase price of the shares is accumulated by regular payroll deductions made during each Offering Period. The deductions are made as a percentage of the participant's compensation in one percent (1%) increments not less than two percent (2%), nor greater than ten percent (10%) or such lower limit set by the Committee. Compensation shall mean base salary, commissions, bonuses, incentive compensation and shift premiums not to exceed $250,000 per calendar year, provided however, that for purposes of determining a participant's compensation, any election by such participant to reduce his or her regular cash remuneration under Sections 125 or 401(k) of the Code shall be treated as if the participant did not make such election. Payroll deductions shall commence on the first payday of the Offering Period and shall continue to the end of the Offering Period unless sooner altered or terminated as provided in this Plan. (b) A participant may decrease or increase the rate of payroll deductions during an Offering Period by filing with the Treasury Department a new authorization for payroll deductions, in which case the new rate shall become effective for the next payroll period commencing more than fifteen (15) days after the Treasury Department's receipt of the authorization and shall continue for the remainder of the Offering Period unless changed as described below. Such change in the rate of payroll deductions may be made at any time during an Offering Period, but not more than two (2) changes may be made effective during any Offering Period. A participant may increase or decrease the rate of payroll deductions for any subsequent Offering Period by filing with the Treasury Department a new authorization for payroll deductions not later than fifteen (15) days before the beginning of such Offering Period. (c) All payroll deductions made for a participant are credited to his or her account under this Plan and are deposited with the general funds of the Company. No interest accrues on the payroll deductions. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions. (d) On each Purchase Date, so long as this Plan remains in effect and provided that the participant has not submitted a signed and completed withdrawal form before that date which notifies the Company that the participant wishes to withdraw from that Offering Period under this Plan and have all payroll deductions accumulated in -3-
VeriSign, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan the account maintained on behalf of the participant as of that date returned to the participant, the Company shall apply the funds then in the participant's account to the purchase of whole shares of Common Stock reserved under the option granted to such participant with respect to the Offering Period to the extent that such option is exercisable on the Purchase Date. The purchase price per share shall be as specified in Section 8 of this Plan. Any cash remaining in a participant's account after such purchase of shares shall be refunded to such participant in cash, without interest; provided, however that any amount remaining in such participant's account on a Purchase Date which is less than the amount necessary to purchase a full share of Common Stock of the Company shall be carried forward, without interest, into the next Purchase Period or Offering Period, as the case may be. In the event that this Plan has been oversubscribed, all funds not used to purchase shares on the Purchase Date shall be returned to the participant, without interest. No Common Stock shall be purchased on a Purchase Date on behalf of any employee whose participation in this Plan has terminated prior to such Purchase Date. (e) As promptly as practicable after the Purchase Date, the Company shall issue shares for the participant's benefit representing the shares purchased upon exercise of his or her option. (f) During a participant's lifetime, such participant's option to purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her. The participant will have no interest or voting right in shares covered by his or her option until such option has been exercised. 10. Limitations on Shares to be Purchased. (a) No participant shall be entitled to purchase stock under this Plan at a rate which, when aggregated with his or her rights to purchase stock under all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company or any Subsidiary, exceeds $25,000 in fair market value, determined as of the Offering Date (or such other limit as may be imposed by the Code) for each calendar year in which the employee participates in this Plan. The Company shall automatically suspend the payroll deductions of any participant as necessary to enforce such limit provided that when the Company automatically resumes such payroll deductions, the Company must apply the rate in effect immediately prior to such suspension. (b) No more than two hundred percent (200%) of the number of shares determined by using eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the Offering Date as the denominator may be purchased by a participant on any single Purchase Date. (c) No participant shall be entitled to purchase more than the Maximum Share Amount (as defined below) on any single Purchase Date. Not less than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of any Offering Period, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, set a maximum number of shares which may be purchased by any employee at any single Purchase Date (hereinafter the "Maximum Share Amount"). Until otherwise determined by the Committee, there shall be no Maximum Share Amount. In no event shall the Maximum Share Amount exceed the amounts permitted under Section 10(b) above. If a new Maximum Share Amount is set, then all participants must be notified of such Maximum Share Amount prior to the commencement of the next Offering Period. Once the Maximum Share Amount is set, it shall continue to apply with respect to all succeeding Purchase Dates and Offering Periods unless revised by the Committee as set forth above. (d) If the number of shares to be purchased on a Purchase Date by all employees participating in this Plan exceeds the number of shares then available for issuance under this Plan, then the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the remaining shares in as uniform a manner as shall be reasonably practicable and as the Committee shall determine to be equitable. In such event, the Company shall give written notice of such reduction of the number of shares to be purchased under a participant's option to each participant affected thereby. (e) Any payroll deductions accumulated in a participant's account which are not used to purchase stock due to the limitations in this Section 10 shall be returned to the participant as soon as practicable after the end of the applicable Purchase Period, without interest. -4-
VeriSign, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 11. Withdrawal. (a) Each participant may withdraw from an Offering Period under this Plan by signing and delivering to the Treasury Department a written notice to that effect on a form provided for such purpose. Such withdrawal may be elected at any time at least fifteen (15) days prior to the end of an Offering Period. (b) Upon withdrawal from this Plan, the accumulated payroll deductions shall be returned to the withdrawn participant, without interest, and his or her interest in this Plan shall terminate. In the event a participant voluntarily elects to withdraw from this Plan, he or she may not resume his or her participation in this Plan during the same Offering Period, but he or she may participate in any Offering Period under this Plan which commences on a date subsequent to such withdrawal by filing a new authorization for payroll deductions in the same manner as set forth above for initial participation in this Plan. (c) If the purchase price on the first day of any current Offering Period in which a participant is enrolled is higher than the purchase price on the first day of any subsequent Offering Period, the Company will automatically enroll such participant in the subsequent Offering Period. Except with respect to the first Offering Period, any funds accumulated in a participant's account prior to the first day of such subsequent Offering Period will be applied to the purchase of shares on the Purchase Date immediately prior to the first day of such subsequent Offering Period. With respect to the first Offering Period, any funds accumulated in a participant's account prior to the first day of such subsequent Offering Period will be applied to the purchase of shares on the Purchase Date next following the first day of such subsequent Offering Period. A participant does not need to file any forms with the Company to automatically be enrolled in the subsequent Offering Period. 12. Termination of Employment. Termination of a participant's employment for any reason, including retirement, death or the failure of a participant to remain an eligible employee of the Company or of a Participating Subsidiary, immediately terminates his or her participation in this Plan. In such event, the payroll deductions credited to the participant's account will be returned to him or her or, in the case of his or her death, to his or her legal representative, without interest. For purposes of this Section 12, an employee will not be deemed to have terminated employment or failed to remain in the continuous employ of the Company or of a Participating Subsidiary in the case of sick leave, military leave, or any other leave of absence approved by the Board; provided that such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days or - -------- reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute. 13. Return of Payroll Deductions. In the event a participant's interest in this Plan is terminated by withdrawal, termination of employment or otherwise, or in the event this Plan is terminated by the Board, the Company shall promptly deliver to the participant all payroll deductions credited to such participant's account. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a participant in this Plan. 14. Capital Changes. Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each option under this Plan which has not yet been exercised and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under this Plan but have not yet been placed under option (collectively, the "Reserves"), as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each option under this Plan which has not yet been exercised, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company resulting from a stock split or the payment of a stock dividend (but only on the Common Stock) or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of any consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any ----------------- convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration". Such adjustment shall be made by the Committee, whose determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issue by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an option. -5-
VeriSign, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Period will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise provided by the Committee. The Committee may, in the exercise of its sole discretion in such instances, declare that this Plan shall terminate as of a date fixed by the Committee and give each participant the right to purchase shares under this Plan prior to such termination. In the event of (i) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, a reincorporation of the Company in a different jurisdiction, or other transaction in which there is no substantial change in the stockholders of the Company or their relative stock holdings and the options under this Plan are assumed, converted or replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption will be binding on all participants), (ii) a merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but after which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger (other than any stockholder that merges, or which owns or controls another corporation that merges, with the Company in such merger) cease to own their shares or other equity interest in the Company, (iii) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company or (iv) the acquisition, sale, or transfer of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company by tender offer or similar transaction, the Plan shall continue for all Offering Periods which began prior to the transaction and shares will be purchased based on the fair market value of the surviving corporation's stock on each Purchase Date (taking into account the exchange ratio, where necessary). The Committee may, if it so determines in the exercise of its sole discretion, also make provision for adjusting the Reserves, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each outstanding option, in the event that the Company effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights offerings or other increases or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common Stock, or in the event of the Company being consolidated with or merged into any other corporation. 15. Nonassignability. Neither payroll deductions credited to a participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares under this Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as provided in Section 22 hereof) by the participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be void and without effect. 16. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each participant in this Plan. Each participant shall receive promptly after the end of each Purchase Period a report of his or her account setting forth the total payroll deductions accumulated, the number of shares purchased, the per share price thereof and the remaining cash balance, if any, carried forward to the next Purchase Period or Offering Period, as the case may be. 17. Notice of Disposition. Each participant shall notify the Company if the participant disposes of any of the shares purchased in any Offering Period pursuant to this Plan if such disposition occurs within two (2) years from the Offering Date or within one (1) year from the Purchase Date on which such shares were purchased (the "Notice Period"). Unless such participant is disposing of any of such shares during the Notice Period, such participant shall keep the certificates representing such shares in his or her name (and not in the name of a nominee) during the Notice Period. The Company may, at any time during the Notice Period, place a legend or legends on any certificate representing shares acquired pursuant to this Plan requesting the Company's transfer agent to notify the Company of any transfer of the shares. The obligation of the participant to provide such notice shall continue notwithstanding the placement of any such legend on the certificates. 18. No Rights to Continued Employment. Neither this Plan nor the grant of any option hereunder shall confer any right on any employee to remain in the employ of the Company or any Participating Subsidiary, or restrict the right of the Company or any Participating Subsidiary to terminate such employee's employment. 19. Equal Rights And Privileges. All eligible employees shall have equal rights and privileges with respect to this Plan so that this Plan qualifies as an "employee stock purchase plan" within the meaning of Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code and the related regulations. Any provision of this Plan which is inconsistent with Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code shall, without further act or amendment by the -6-
VeriSign, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Company, the Committee or the Board, be reformed to comply with the requirements of Section 423. This Section 19 shall take precedence over all other provisions in this Plan. 20. Notices. All notices or other communications by a participant to the Company under or in connection with this Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof. 21. Term; Stockholder Approval. After this Plan is adopted by the Board, this Plan will become effective on the date that is the First Offering Date (as defined above). This Plan shall be approved by the stockholders of the Company, in any manner permitted by applicable corporate law, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. No purchase of shares pursuant to this Plan shall occur prior to such stockholder approval. This Plan shall continue until the earlier to occur of (a) termination of this Plan by the Board (which termination may be effected by the Board at any time), (b) issuance of all of the shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan, or (c) ten (10) years from the adoption of this Plan by the Board. 22. Designation of Beneficiary. (a) A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account under this Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to the end of an Purchase Period but prior to delivery to him of such shares and cash. In addition, a participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the participant's account under this Plan in the event of such participant's death prior to a Purchase Date. (b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the participant at any time by written notice. In the event of the death of a participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under this Plan who is living at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall deliver such shares or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate. 23. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares; Limitation on Sale of Shares. Shares shall not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. 24. Applicable Law. The Plan shall be governed by the substantive laws (excluding the conflict of laws rules) of the State of California. 25. Amendment or Termination of this Plan. The Board may at any time amend, terminate or extend the term of this Plan, except that any such termination cannot affect options previously granted under this Plan, nor may any amendment make any change in an option previously granted which would adversely affect the right of any participant, nor may any amendment be made without approval of the stockholders of the Company obtained in accordance with Section 21 hereof within twelve (12) months of the adoption of such amendment (or earlier if required by Section 21) if such amendment would: (a) increase the number of shares that may be issued under this Plan; or (b) change the designation of the employees (or class of employees) eligible for participation in this Plan. -7-
Exhibit 4.06 FORM OF VERISIGN, INC. NON-PLAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT ------------------------------- This Stock Option Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of the date of grant set forth below (the "Date of Grant") by and between VeriSign, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the optionee named below ("Optionee"). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in Section 20. Optionee: ______________________________________________ Social Security Number: ______________________________________________ Optionee's Address: ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Total Option Shares: ______________________________________________ Exercise Price Per Share: ______________________________________________ Date of Grant: ______________________________________________ Vesting Start Date: ______________________________________________ Expiration Date: ______________________________________________ Type of Stock Option: ______________________________________________ 1. Grant of Option. The Company hereby grants to Optionee an option --------------- (this "Option") to purchase up to the total number of shares of common stock of the Company, $0.001 par value ("Common Stock"), set forth above (collectively, the "Shares") at the Exercise Price Per Share set forth above (the "Exercise Price"), subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. 2. Vesting; Exercise Period. ------------------------ 2.1 Vesting of Shares. This Option shall be exercisable a it ----------------- vests. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, this Option shall vest and become exercisable as to portions of the Shares as follows: (a) this Option shall not be exercisable with respect to any of the Shares until _________________, 19___ (the "First Vesting Date"); (b) if Optionee has continuously provided services to the Company, or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, then on the First Vesting Date, this Option shall become exercisable as to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares; and (c) thereafter this Option shall become exercisable as to an additional 6.25% of the Shares on each three (3) month anniversary of the First Vesting Date, provided that Optionee has continuously provided services to the Company, or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. This Option shall cease to vest upon Optionee's Termination and Optionee shall in no event be entitled under this Option to purchase a number of shares of the Company's Common Stock greater than the "Total Option Shares." 2.2 Expiration. This Option shall expire on the Expiration Date ---------- set forth above and must be exercised, if at all, on or before the earlier of the Expiration Date or the date on
VeriSign, Inc. Non-Plan Stock Option Agreement which this Option is earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 3, provided, however, that this Option will be not be exercisable after -------- ------- the expiration of ten (10) years from the Date of Grant. 3. Termination. ----------- 3.1 Termination for Any Reason Except Death, Disability or ------------------------------------------------------ Cause. If Optionee is Terminated for any reason except Optionee's death, - ----- Disability or Cause, then this Option, to the extent (and only to the extent) that it is vested in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 of this Agreement on the date of Termination, may be exercised by Optionee no later than three (3) months after the date of Termination, but in any event no later than the Expiration Date. 3.2 Termination Because of Death or Disability. If Optionee ------------------------------------------ is Terminated because of death or Disability of Optionee (or the Optionee dies within three (3) months after a Termination other than because of death, Disability or Cause), then this Option, to the extent that it is vested in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 of this Agreement on the date of Termination, may be exercised by Optionee (or Optionee's legal representative) no later than twelve (12) months after the date of Termination, but in any event no later than the Expiration Date. 3.3 Termination for Cause. If Optionee is Terminated for Cause, --------------------- this Option will expire on the Optionee's date of Termination. 3.4 No Obligation to Employ. Nothing in this Agreement shall ----------------------- confer on Optionee any right to continue in the employ of, or other relationship with, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to terminate Optionee's employment or other relationship at any time, with or without Cause. 4. Manner of Exercise. ------------------ 4.1 Stock Option Exercise Agreement. To exercise this Option, ------------------------------- Optionee (or in the case of exercise after Optionee's death, Optionee's executor, administrator, heir or legatee, as the case may be) must deliver to the Company an executed stock option exercise agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or in such other form as may be approved by the Company --------- from time to time (the "Exercise Agreement"), which shall set forth, inter alia, ----- ---- Optionee's election to exercise this Option, the number of shares being purchased, any restrictions imposed on the Shares and any representations, warranties and agreements regarding Optionee's investment intent and access to information as may be required by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws. If someone other than Optionee exercises this Option, then such person must submit documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company that such person has the right to exercise this Option.
VeriSign, Inc. Non-Plan Stock Option Agreement 4.2 Limitations on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised ----------------------- unless such exercise is in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws, as they are in effect on the date of exercise. This Option may not be exercised as to fewer than 100 Shares unless it is exercised as to all Shares as to which this Option is then exercisable. 4.3 Payment. The Exercise Agreement shall be accompanied by full ------- payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased in cash (by check), or where permitted by law: (a) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists: (1) through a "same day sale" commitment from Optionee and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD Dealer") whereby Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise this Option and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to pay for the exercise price and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the exercise price directly to the Company; or (2) through a "margin" commitment from Optionee and a NASD -- Dealer whereby Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise this Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the exercise price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the exercise price directly to the Company; or (b) by any combination of the foregoing. 4.4 Tax Withholding. Prior to the issuance of the Shares upon --------------- exercise of this Option, Optionee must pay or provide for any applicable federal or state withholding obligations of the Company. If the Committee permits, Optionee may provide for payment of withholding taxes upon exercise of this Option by requesting that the Company retain Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount of taxes required to be withheld. In such case, the Company shall issue the net number of Shares to the Optionee by deducting the Shares retained from the Shares issuable upon exercise. 4.5 Issuance of Shares. Provided that the Exercise Agreement and ------------------ payment are in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, the Company shall issue the Shares registered in the name of Optionee, Optionee's authorized assignee, or Optionee's legal representative, and shall deliver certificates representing the Shares with the appropriate legends affixed thereto. 5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The exercise of this Option and ------------------------------------ the issuance and transfer of Shares shall be subject to compliance by the Company and Optionee with all applicable requirements of federal and state securities laws and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange on which the Company's Common Stock may be listed at the time of such issuance or transfer. Optionee understands that the Company is under no obligation
VeriSign, Inc. Non-Plan Stock Option Agreement to register or qualify the Shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission or any stock exchange to effect such compliance. 6. Nontransferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in ---------------------------- any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee. The terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, successors and assigns of Optionee. 7. Tax Consequences. Set forth below is a brief summary of some of the ---------------- federal and California tax consequences of exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISOR BEFORE EXERCISING THE OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. 7.1 Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. There may be a ------------------------------------- regular federal and California income tax liability upon the exercise of this Option. Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. The Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise. 7.2 Disposition of Shares. If the Shares are held for more than --------------------- twelve (12) months after the date of the transfer of the Shares pursuant to the exercise of an NQSO, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain, as the case may be. 8. Privileges of Stock Ownership. Optionee shall not have any of the ----------------------------- rights of a shareholder with respect to any Shares until Optionee exercises this Option and pays the Exercise Price. 9. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this -------------- Agreement shall be submitted by Optionee or the Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on the Company and Optionee. 10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Exercise Agreement ---------------- constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings and agreements with respect to such subject matter. 11. Notices. Any notice required to be given or delivered to the ------- Company under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at its principal corporate offices. Any notice required to be given or delivered to Optionee shall be in writing and addressed to Optionee at the address indicated above or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the Company. All
VeriSign, Inc. Non-Plan Stock Option Agreement notices shall be deemed to have been given or delivered upon: personal delivery; three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail by certified or registered mail (return receipt requested); one (1) business day after deposit with any return receipt express courier (prepaid); or one (1) business day after transmission by rapifax or telecopier. 12. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights ---------------------- under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon Optionee and Optionee's heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns. 13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in ------------- accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to that body of law pertaining to choice of law or conflict of law. 14. Acceptance. Optionee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of this ---------- Agreement. Optionee has read and understands the terms and provisions thereof, and accepts this Option subject to all the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Optionee acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon exercise of this Option or disposition of the Shares and that the Company has advised Optionee to consult a tax advisor prior to such exercise or disposition. 15. Modification, Extension or Renewal. The Committee may modify, extend ---------------------------------- or renew this Option and authorize the grant of new options in substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the written consent of the Optionee, impair any of such Optionee's rights under this Option. The Committee may reduce the Exercise Price of this Option without the consent of the Optionee affected by a written notice to them; provided, however, that the -------- ------- Exercise Price may not be reduced below 85% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. 16. Certificates. All certificates for Shares or other securities ------------ delivered upon exercise of this Option will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable, including restrictions under any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law, or any rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC or any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be listed or quoted. 17. Adjustment of Shares. In the event that the number of outstanding -------------------- shares is changed by a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or similar change in the capital structure of the Company without consideration, then the Exercise Price of and the number of Shares subject to this Option will be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the Optionee and compliance with applicable securities laws; provided, however, that fractions of -------- ------- a Share will not be issued but will either be replaced by a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of such
VeriSign, Inc. Non-Plan Stock Option Agreement fraction of a Share or will be rounded up to the nearest whole Share, as determined by the Committee. 18. Corporate Transactions. ---------------------- 18.1 Assumption or Replacement of Option by Successor. In the ------------------------------------------------ event of (a) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (b) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, a reincorporation of the Company in a different jurisdiction, or other transaction in which there is no substantial change in the stockholders of the Company or their relative stock holdings and this Option is assumed, converted or replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption will be binding on the Optionee), (c) a merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but after which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger (other than any stockholder that merges, or which owns or controls another corporation that merges, with the Company in such merger) cease to own their shares or other equity interest in the Company, (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (e) the acquisition, sale, or transfer of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company by tender offer or similar transaction, this Option may be assumed, converted or replaced by the successor corporation (if any), which assumption, conversion or replacement will be binding on the Optionee. In the alternative, the successor corporation may substitute equivalent options or provide substantially similar consideration to the Optionee as was provided to other stockholders. The successor corporation may also issue, in place of outstanding Shares of the Company held by the Optionee, substantially similar shares or other property subject to repurchase restrictions no less favorable to the Optionee. In the event such successor corporation (if any) refuses to assume or substitute this Option, as provided above, pursuant to a transaction described in this subsection, this Option will expire on such transaction at such time and on such conditions as the Committee will determine; provided, -------- however, that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide that the - ------- vesting of this Option will accelerate. If the Committee exercises such discretion with respect to this Option, this Option will become exercisable in full prior to the consummation of such event at such time and on such conditions as the Committee determines, and if this Option is not exercised prior to the consummation of the corporate transaction, it shall terminate at such time as determined by the Committee. 18.2 Other Treatment of Option. Subject to any greater rights ------------------------- granted to the Optionee under the foregoing provisions of this section, in the event of the occurrence of any transaction described in Section 18.1, this Option will be treated as provided in the applicable agreement or plan of merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, or sale of assets. 19. Amendment or Termination of the Agreement. The Board may at any time ----------------------------------------- terminate or amend this Agreement in any respect; provided, however, that the -------- ------- Board will not, without the approval of the Optionee, amend this Agreement in any manner that requires Optionee's approval.
VeriSign, Inc. Non-Plan Stock Option Agreement 20. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms will ----------- have the following meanings: "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. "Cause" means the commission of an act of theft, embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty or a breach of fiduciary duty to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board "Disability" means a disability, whether temporary or permanent, partial or total, within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as determined by the Committee. "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company's Common Stock determined as follows: (a) if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, its closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; ----------------------- (b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal; ----------------------- (c) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall -------- Street Journal; or -------------- (d) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Committee in good faith. "Parent" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if each of such corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. "Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
VeriSign, Inc. Non-Plan Stock Option Agreement "Termination" or "Terminated" means, for purposes of this Agreement with respect to the Optionee, that the Optionee has for any reason ceased to provide services as an employee, officer, director, consultant, independent contractor, or advisor to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. An employee will not be deemed to have ceased to provide services in the case of (i) sick leave, (ii) military leave, or (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided, that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute or unless provided otherwise pursuant to formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and promulgated to employees in writing. In the case of the Optionee is on an approved leave of absence, the Committee may make such provisions respecting suspension of vesting of this Option while on leave from the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event may this Option be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in this Agreement. The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether the Optionee has ceased to provide services and the effective date on which the Optionee ceased to provide services (the "Termination Date"). IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in duplicate by its duly authorized representative and Optionee has executed this Agreement in duplicate as of the Date of Grant. VERISIGN, INC. OPTIONEE By: _________________________ ___________________________ (Signature) _____________________________ ___________________________ (Please print name) (Please print name) _____________________________ (Please print title)
EXHIBIT A --------- STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT
Exhibit A --------- VERISIGN, INC. NON-PLAN STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT ---------------------------------------- I hereby elect to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock of VERISIGN, INC. (the "Company") as set forth below: Optionee: ________________________________________________ Number of Shares Purchased: _________________________________ Social Security Number: __________________________________ Purchase Price per Share: ___________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ Aggregate Purchase Price: ___________________________________ Date of Option Agreement: ___________________________________ Type of Option: Nonqualified Stock Option Exact Name of Title to Shares: ______________________________ 1. Delivery of Purchase Price. Optionee hereby delivers to the Company the Aggregate Purchase Price, to the extent permitted in the Option Agreement (the "Option Agreement") as follows (check as applicable and complete): [ ] in cash (by check) in the amount of $_____________________, receipt of which is acknowledged by the Company; [ ] through a "same-day-sale" commitment, delivered herewith, from Optionee and the NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of $_______________________________; or [ ] through a "margin" commitment, delivered herewith from optionee and the NADS dealer named therein, in the amount of $_________________________________________. 2. Market Standoff Agreement. Optionee, if requested by the Company and an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, agrees not to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Optionee during the period requested by the managing underwriter following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the securities act, provided that all officers and directors of the Company are required to enter into similar agreements. Such agreement shall be in writing in a form satisfactory to the Company and such underwriter. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of such period. 3. Tax Consequences. OPTIONEE UNDERSTANDS THAT OPTIONEE MAY SUFFER ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES AS A RESULT OF OPTIONEE'S PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES. OPTIONEE REPRESENTS THAT OPTIONEE HAS CONSULTED WITH ANY TAX CONSULTANT(S) OPTIONEE DEEMS ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES AND THAT OPTIONEE IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY FOR ANY TAX ADVICE. 4. Entire Agreement. The Option Agreement is incorporated herein by reference. This exercise agreement and the Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior understandings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and are governed by California law except for that body of law pertaining to choice of law or conflict of law. Date: _______________________________ _________________________________ Signature of Optionee
Spousal Consent I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Stock Option Exercise Agreement (the "Agreement") and that I know its contents. I hereby consent to and approve all the provisions of the Agreement, and agree that the shares of the Common Stock of VeriSign, Inc. purchased thereunder (the "Shares") and any interest I may have in such Shares are subject to all the provisions of the Agreement. I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the Agreement on these Shares or any interest I may have in or to them. __________________________________ Date:__________________ Signature of Optionee's Spouse __________________________________ Spouse's Name - Typed or Printed ___________________________________ Optionee's Name - Typed or Printed
EXHIBIT 5.01 July 12,1999 VeriSign, Inc. 1350 Charleston Road Mountain View, California 94043-1331 Gentlemen/Ladies: At your request, we have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about July 14, 1999 in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of an aggregate of 4,900,000 shares of your Common Stock (the "Stock") subject to issuance by you upon exercise of options granted or to be granted under your 1998 Equity Incentive Plan, 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Non-Plan Option Agreements (collectively, the "Plans") In rendering this opinion, we have examined the following: (1) your registration statement on Form S-1 (File Number 333-40789), filed with the Commission and declared effective on January 29, 1998 (the "Form S-1"), together with the Exhibits filed as a part thereof, including without limitation the Plans and related grant and exercise form agreements; (2) your registration statement on Form 8-A (File Number 000-23593) filed with Commission on January 6, 1998, which we understand was declared effective on January 29, 1998; (3) the Registration Statement, together with the Exhibits filed as a part thereof; (4) the Prospectus prepared in connection with the Registration Statement; (5) the minutes of meetings and actions by written consent of your stockholders and Board of Directors that are contained in your minute books that are in our possession; (6) [a certificate from your transfer agent dated July 8, 1999 / verbal confirmation from the transfer agent] regarding the number of shares outstanding, and a list prepared by [you/Sharedata, Inc.] identifying all outstanding options, warrants and other rights to acquire your capital stock and (7) a Management Certificate addressed to us and dated of even date herewith executed by the Company containing certain factual and other representations. We have also confirmed the continued effectiveness of your registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by telephone call to the offices of the Commission and have confirmed your eligibility to use Form S-8. In our examination of documents for purposes of this opinion, we have assumed, and express no opinion as to, the genuineness of all signatures on original documents, the authenticity and completeness of
all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals and completeness of all documents submitted to us as copies, the legal capacity of all natural persons executing the same, the lack of any undisclosed termination, modification, waiver or amendment to any document reviewed by us and the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents where due authorization, execution and delivery are prerequisites to the effectiveness thereof. As to matters of fact relevant to this opinion, we have relied solely upon our examination of the documents referred to above and have assumed the current accuracy and completeness of the information included in the documents referred to above. We have made no independent investigation or other attempt to verify the accuracy of any of such information or to determine the existence or non- existence of any other factual matters; however, we are not aware of any facts that would lead us to believe that the opinion expressed herein is not accurate. We are admitted to practice law in the State of California, and we express no opinion herein with respect to the application or effect of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the existing laws of the United States of America and the State of California and (without reference to case law or secondary sources) the existing Delaware General Corporation Law. Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the 4,900,000 shares of Stock that may be issued and sold by you upon the exercise of options granted or to be granted under the Plans, or purchase rights pursuant to the Plans when issued and sold in accordance with the respective Plan and purchase agreements to be entered into thereunder, and in the manner referred to in the Prospectus associated with the Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and further consent to all references to us, if any, in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus prepared in connection therewith and any amendments thereto. This opinion speaks only as of its date and we assume no obligation to update this opinion should circumstances change after the date hereof. This opinion is intended solely for your use as an exhibit to the Registration Statement for the purpose of the above sale of the Stock and is not to be relied upon for any other purpose. Very truly yours, FENWICK & WEST LLP
Exhibit 23.02 Consent of Independent Auditors The Board of Directors VeriSign, Inc. We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement dated on or about July 9, 1999, on Form S-8 of VeriSign, Inc., of our report dated January 15, 1999, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of VeriSign, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998, which report appears in the December 31, 1998, annual report on Form 10-K of VeriSign, Inc. Mountain View, California July 9, 1999