2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan

EX-4.3 2 d508713dex43.htm 2013 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan

Exhibit 4.3

AVIV REIT, INC.

2013 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

I. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purposes. The purposes of the Aviv REIT, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) are (i) to align the interests of the Company’s stockholders and the recipients of awards under this Plan by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Company’s growth and success, (ii) to advance the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining Directors and employees and consultants of AAM and its Affiliates and (iii) to motivate such persons to act in the long-term best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

1.2 Certain Definitions.

“AAM” shall mean Aviv Asset Management, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, or any successor thereto, which is a Subsidiary of the Company and which employs the individuals who conduct the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

“Affiliates” shall mean any person (including the Company and its other Subsidiaries) that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, AAM. For purposes of this definition the term “control” with respect to any person means the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies of such person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

“Agreement” shall mean the written or electronic agreement evidencing an award hereunder between the Company and the recipient of such award.

“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Cause” shall mean, unless otherwise provided in the Participant’s Agreement, (i) being convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a charge of commission of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, (ii) engaging in any theft, misappropriation, embezzlement or similar financial fraud or reckless or willful destruction of AAM’s property, or willful or reckless violation of AAM’s insider trading policy, (iii) any willful and continued failure of the Participant to perform substantially the Participant’s duties with AAM (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), (iv) any willful or reckless engaging by the Participant in illegal conduct or misconduct (including but not limited to disruptive behavior or insubordination) that is materially injurious to AAM’s business, financial condition or reputation; (v) any willful or reckless breach of a statutory or common law duty of loyalty to AAM that is materially injurious to AAM’s business, financial condition or reputation; (vi) any willful and material violation of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (or similar policy) or (vii) any material breach of the Participant’s obligations under the Participant’s employment or service agreement (if any) with AAM; provided, however, that

if at any particular time the Participant is subject to an employment or service agreement with AAM, then in lieu of the foregoing definition, “Cause” shall at that time have such meaning as may be specified in such employment or service agreement. For purposes of this definition of “Cause,” (i) no act, or failure to act, shall be considered “willful” if it is done, or omitted to be done, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for AAM and (ii) references to “AAM” shall mean AAM and its Affiliates, as applicable.

“Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(b).

“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, which shall consist of at least three members of the Board and which shall be composed exclusively of independent directors, by reference to the rules, regulations and listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange or, if the Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, within the meaning of the rules, regulations and listing standards of the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded.

“Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company, and all rights appurtenant thereto.

“Company” shall mean Aviv REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation, or any successor thereto.

“Corporate Transaction” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).

“Directors” shall mean each non-employee director of the Company who is a member of the Board.

“Disability” shall mean the Participant’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

“Fair Market Value” shall mean the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if the Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing transaction price of a share of Common Stock on the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded on the date as of which such value is being determined or, if there shall be no reported transactions for such date, on the next preceding date for which transactions were reported; provided, however, that if the Common Stock is not listed on a national stock exchange or if Fair Market Value for any date cannot be so determined, Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee by whatever means or method as the Committee, in the good faith exercise of its discretion, shall at such time deem appropriate in compliance with the Section 409A of the Code.

“Incentive Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, which is intended by the Committee to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.

“Initial Public Offering” means the initial public offering of the Company registered on Form S-1 (or any successor form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).

“Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an option to purchase shares of Common Stock which is not an Incentive Stock Option.

“Participant” a Director or an employee or consultant of AAM or its Affiliates who has been granted an award pursuant to the Plan.

“Performance Measures” shall mean the criteria and objectives, established by the Committee, which shall be satisfied or met (i) as a condition to the grant or exercisability of all or a portion of an option or SAR or (ii) during the applicable Restriction Period or Performance Period as a condition to the vesting of the Participant’s interest, in the case of a Restricted Stock Award, of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award, or, in the case of a Restricted Stock Unit Award or Performance Unit Award, to the Participant’s receipt of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award or of payment with respect to such award.

“Performance Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Performance Measures applicable to an award shall be measured and (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to an award shall remain in effect.

“Performance Share Award” shall mean a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award, the vesting of which is subject to the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.

“Performance Unit” shall mean a right to receive, contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period and the expiration of any applicable Restriction Period, a specified cash amount or, in lieu thereof, shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to such cash amount.

“Performance Unit Award” shall mean an award of Performance Units under this Plan.

“Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

“Restricted Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock which are subject to a Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be subject to the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.

“Restricted Stock Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock under this Plan.

“Restricted Stock Unit” shall mean a right to receive one share of Common Stock or, in lieu thereof, the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock in cash, which shall be contingent upon the expiration of a specified Restriction Period and which may, in addition thereto, be contingent upon the attainment of specified Performance Measures within a specified Performance Period.

“Restricted Stock Unit Award” shall mean an award of Restricted Stock Units under this Plan.

“Restriction Period” shall mean any period designated by the Committee during which (i) the Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as provided in this Plan or the Agreement relating to such award, or (ii) the conditions to vesting applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall remain in effect.

“Restrictive Covenant” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(d).

“SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right.

“Stock Award” shall mean a Restricted Stock Award, Unrestricted Stock Award or a Restricted Stock Unit Award, including any such award which is granted as a Performance Share Award.

“Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or similar entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an equity interest possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the total outstanding equity interests of such entity.

“Substitute Award” shall mean an award granted under this Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, including, without limitation, an Initial Public Offering or a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided, however, that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an option or SAR.

“Tax Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.

“Ten Percent Holder” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

“Termination” shall mean the Participant ceasing (i) to be a Director, (ii) to be employed by AAM and its Affiliates, if the Participant is an employee or (iii) to provide services to AAM and its Affiliates, if the Participant is a consultant, as applicable.

“Unrestricted Stock” shall mean shares of Common Stock which are not subject to a Restriction Period or Performance Measures.

“Unrestricted Stock Award” shall mean an award of Unrestricted Stock under this Plan.

1.3 Administration.

(a) This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Any one or a combination of the following awards may be made under this Plan to eligible persons: (i) options to purchase shares of Common Stock in the form of Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options, (ii) SARs, (iii) Stock Awards in the form of Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units (which may include Performance Share Awards) and (iv) Performance Units. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, select eligible persons for participation in this Plan and determine the form, amount and timing of each award to such persons and, if applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock, the number of SARs, the number of Restricted Stock Units and the number of Performance Units subject to such an award, the exercise price or strike price associated with the award, the time and conditions of exercise or settlement of the award and all other terms and conditions of the award, including, without limitation, the form of the Agreement evidencing the award. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, in connection with a Change in Control or the death or retirement of a Participant, take action such that (i) any or all outstanding options and SARs shall become exercisable in part or in full, (ii) all or a portion of the Restriction Period applicable to any outstanding Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, (iii) all or a portion of the Performance Period applicable to any outstanding Performance Share Award or Performance Units shall lapse and (iv) the Performance Measures (if any) applicable to any outstanding award shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target or any other level. The Committee shall, subject to the terms of this Plan, interpret this Plan and the application thereof, establish rules and regulations it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan and may impose, incidental to the grant of an award, conditions with respect to the award, such as limiting competitive employment or other activities. All such interpretations, rules, regulations and conditions shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.

(b) The Committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority hereunder to the Board or, subject to applicable law, to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or such other executive officer as the Committee deems appropriate; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its power and authority to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or any other executive officer with regard to the selection for participation in this Plan of an officer, director or other person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or decisions concerning the timing, pricing or amount of an award to such an officer, director or other person.

(c) No member of the Board or Committee, and neither the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or any other executive officer to whom the Committee delegates any of its power and authority hereunder, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Plan in good faith, and the members of the Board and the Committee and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer any other executive officer shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law (except as otherwise may be provided in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and/or by-laws) and under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that may be in effect from time to time.

(d) Each member of the Committee shall have one vote. One-third of the members, but not less than two members, shall constitute a quorum. The Committee shall be authorized to

take any permitted action only by (i) the affirmative vote of a majority of the Committee members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, or (ii) by the unanimous written consent of all of the Committee members.

1.4 Eligibility. Participants in this Plan shall consist of such Directors or employees or consultants of AAM and its Affiliates as the Committee in its sole discretion may select from time to time. The Committee’s selection of a person to participate in this Plan at any time shall not require the Committee to select such person to participate in this Plan at any other time. The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the extent to which a participant shall be considered employed during any periods during which such participant is on an approved leave of absence.

1.5 Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7, two million (2,000,000) shares of Common Stock shall be available under this Plan, reduced by the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which become subject to outstanding options, outstanding SARs and outstanding Stock Awards and delivered upon the settlement of Performance Units. To the extent that shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding option, SAR or Stock Award granted under the Plan or any predecessor plan are not issued or delivered by reason of (i) the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award or (ii) the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares of Common Stock shall again be available under this Plan.

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 1.5 to the contrary, shares of Common Stock subject to an award under this Plan may not be made available for issuance under this Plan if such shares are: (i) shares that were subject to a stock-settled SAR and were not issued upon the net settlement or net exercise of such SAR; (ii) shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the purchase price or the withholding taxes related to an outstanding option or SAR; or (iii) shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise. Shares delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the withholding taxes for Stock Awards or Performance Awards shall again be available under this Plan.

The number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under this Plan shall not be reduced by (i) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to Substitute Awards or (ii) available shares under a shareholder approved plan of a company or other entity which was a party to a corporate transaction with the Company (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such corporate transaction) which become subject to awards granted under this Plan (subject to applicable stock exchange requirements).

Shares of Common Stock to be delivered under this Plan shall be made available from authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or authorized and issued shares of Common Stock reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise or a combination thereof.

1.6 Award Limits. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.7, no Participant may be granted awards under the Plan during any calendar year that, in the aggregate, may be settled by delivery of more than five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of Common Stock. With respect to awards, the value of which is not based on the Fair Market Value of Common Stock, no individual may receive during any calendar year cash or shares of Common Stock with a Fair Market Value at the date of settlement that, in the aggregate, exceeds four million dollars ($4,000,000).

II. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

2.1 Stock Options. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant options to purchase shares of Common Stock to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. Each option, or portion thereof, that is not an Incentive Stock Option, shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option. Each option shall be granted within 10 years of the effective date of this Plan. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company or any Subsidiary) exceeds the amount (currently $100,000) established by the Code, such options shall constitute Nonqualified Stock Options.

Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:

(a) Number of Shares and Exercise Price. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an option and the exercise price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of the option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the exercise price per share of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of a Nonqualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such option; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such option is granted, owns stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or of any Subsidiary) (a “Ten Percent Holder”), the Incentive Stock Option will be exercised within five years from the time it is granted and the exercise price per share of Common Stock shall not be less than the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an option that is a Substitute Award, the purchase price per share of the shares of Common Stock subject to such option may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate purchase price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate purchase price of such shares.

(b) Option Period and Exercisability. The period during which an option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no option shall be

exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish an applicable Performance Period and Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an option or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an option. The Committee shall determine whether an option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. An exercisable option, or portion thereof, may be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Common Stock.

(c) Method of Exercise. An option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanying such notice with payment therefor in full, and without any extension of credit, either (A) in cash, (B) by delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy such obligation, provided that the Committee determines that such withholding of shares does not cause the Company to recognize an increased compensation expense under applicable accounting principles, (D) except as may be prohibited by applicable law, in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the optionee has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B), (C) and (D), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the option and (ii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to pay such exercise price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the optionee. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until the full exercise price therefor and any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).

2.2 Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant SARs to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. An SAR may only be granted on a stand-alone basis under the Plan and not in connection with the grant of an option.

SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable:

(a) Number of SARs and Strike Price. The number of SARs subject to an award shall be determined by the Committee. The strike price of a SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such strike price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of such SAR.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an SAR that is a Substitute Award, the base price per share of the shares subject to such SAR may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant, provided that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market

Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate base price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Committee) of the shares of the predecessor company or other entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate base price of such shares.

(b) Exercise Period and Exercisability. The Agreement relating to an award of SARs shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof. The period for the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no SAR shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, establish Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant of an SAR or to the exercisability of all or a portion of an SAR. The Committee shall determine whether an SAR may be exercised in cumulative or non-cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. Prior to the exercise of an SAR for shares of Common Stock, as applicable, the Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such SAR.

(c) Method of Exercise. An SAR may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the whole number of SARs which are being exercised and (ii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued and no certificate representing Common Stock shall be delivered until any withholding taxes thereon, as described in Section 5.5, have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).

2.3 Termination of Employment or Service.

(a) Death or Disability. Subject to Section 2.3(d) below, and unless otherwise specified in the Agreement relating to an option or SAR, as the case may be, if the Participant’s Termination results from such Participant’s death or Disability, each option and SAR held by such Participant shall be exercisable only to the extent that such option or SAR is exercisable on the effective date of such Termination, and may thereafter be exercised by such Participant (or such Participant’s legal representative or similar person) until and including the earlier to occur of (i) the date which is one year after the effective date of such Termination and (ii) the expiration date of the term of such option or SAR.

(b) Cause. If the Participant’s Termination results from any action or failure to act on the part of the Participant constituting Cause, as applicable, each option and SAR held by such Participant shall be cancelled and cease to be exercisable as of the effective date of such Termination.

(c) Other Termination. Subject to Section 2.3(d) below, and unless otherwise specified in the Agreement relating to an option or SAR, as the case may be, if the Participant’s Termination results for any reason other than as described in Section 2.3(a) or (b), then each option and SAR held by such Participant shall be exercisable only to the extent that such option or SAR is exercisable on the effective date of such Termination, and may thereafter be exercised

by such Participant (or such Participant’s legal representative or similar person) until and including the earlier to occur of (i) the date which is 90 days after the effective date of such Termination and (ii) the expiration date of the term of such option or SAR.

(d) Breach of Restrictive Covenant. Notwithstanding Sections 2.3(a) through (c), and unless otherwise specified in the Agreement relating to an option or SAR, as the case may be, if a Participant breaches his or her obligations to AAM and its Affiliates under a noncompetition, nonsolicitation, confidentiality, intellectual property or other restrictive covenant (a “Restrictive Covenant”), each option and SAR held by such Participant shall be cancelled and cease to be exercisable as of the date on which the Participant first breached such Restrictive Covenant, and the Company thereafter may require the repayment of any amounts received by such Participant in connection with an exercise of such option or SAR following such cancellation date.

2.4 Repricing of Options and SARs. Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares), the terms of outstanding awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of outstanding options or SARs or cancel outstanding options or SARS in exchange for cash, other awards or options or SARs with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original options or SARs without stockholder approval.

III. STOCK AWARDS

3.1 Stock Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. The Agreement relating to a Stock Award shall specify whether the Stock Award is a Restricted Stock Award, Unrestricted Stock or a Restricted Stock Unit Award. The Committee may, in its discretion, determine that a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award is to be granted as a Performance Share Award and may establish an applicable Performance Period and Performance Measures which shall be satisfied or met as a condition to the grant or vesting of all or a portion of such award.

3.2 Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

(a) Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award and the Restriction Period, Performance Period (if any) and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee.

(b) Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, (i) for the vesting of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (A) if the Participant’s Termination does not occur during the specified Restriction Period and (B) in the case of a Performance Share Award, if specified Performance Measures are satisfied or

met during a specified Performance Period, and (ii) for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (A) if the Participant’s Termination occurs due to specified events during the specified Restriction Period and (B) in the case of a Performance Share Award, if specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, the shares subject to such award (i) shall become fully vested on the effective date of the Participant’s Termination by reason of such Participant’s death or Disability and (ii) shall be cancelled to the extent unvested on the effective date of the Participant’s Termination for any reason other than the Participant’s death or Disability.

(c) Stock Issuance. During the Restriction Period, the shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by a custodian in book entry form with restrictions on such shares duly noted or, alternatively, a certificate or certificates representing a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the Participant’s name and may bear a legend, in addition to any legend which may be required pursuant to Section 5.6, indicating that the ownership of the shares of Common Stock represented by such certificate is subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions of this Plan and the Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock Award. All such certificates shall be deposited with the Company, together with stock powers or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award in the event such award is forfeited in whole or in part. Upon termination of any applicable Restriction Period (and the satisfaction or attainment of applicable Performance Measures), subject to the Company’s right to require payment of any taxes in accordance with Section 5.5, the restrictions shall be removed from the requisite number of any shares of Common Stock that are held in book entry form, and all certificates evidencing ownership of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the Participant.

(d) Rights with Respect to Restricted Stock Awards. Unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Award, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award, the Participant shall have all rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, but not limited to, voting rights, the right to receive dividends and the right to participate in any capital adjustment applicable to all holders of Common Stock; provided, however, that a distribution with respect to shares of Common Stock, other than a regular cash dividend, shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the shares of Common Stock with respect to which such distribution was made.

3.3 Terms of Unrestricted Stock Awards. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Unrestricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee. Unrestricted Stock Awards shall not be subject to any Performance Measures or Restriction Periods.

3.4 Terms of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

(a) Number of Shares and Other Terms. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award and the Restriction Period and Performance Measures (if any) applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee.

(b) Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, (i) for the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award (A) if the Participant’s Termination does not occur during the specified Restriction Period and (B) in the case of a Performance Share Award, if specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period, and (ii) for the forfeiture of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award (A) if the Participant’s Termination occurs due to specified events during the specified Restriction Period or (y) in the case of a Performance Share Award, if specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during a specified Performance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the unvested portion of such award shall be cancelled on the effective date of the Participant’s Termination for any reason.

(c) Settlement of Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Agreement relating to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall specify (i) whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof and (ii) whether the Participant shall be entitled to receive, on a current or deferred basis, dividend equivalents and, if determined by the Committee, interest on, or the deemed reinvestment of, any deferred dividend equivalents, with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award. Prior to the settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit Award in Common Stock, as applicable, the Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to such award.

3.5 Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Restriction Period or Performance Period relating to a Stock Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award upon the Participant’s Termination, whether by reason of Disability, death or any other reason, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement.

IV. PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARDS

4.1 Performance Unit Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Performance Unit Awards to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee.

4.2 Terms of Performance Unit Awards. Performance Unit Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

(a) Number of Performance Units and Performance Measures. The number of Performance Units subject to a Performance Unit Award and the Performance Measures and Performance Period applicable to a Performance Unit Award shall be determined by the Committee.

(b) Vesting and Forfeiture. The Agreement relating to a Performance Unit Award shall provide, in the manner determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and subject to the provisions of this Plan, for the vesting of such Performance Unit Award if the specified Performance Measures are satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period and for the forfeiture of such award if the specified Performance Measures are not satisfied or met during the specified Performance Period.

(c) Settlement of Vested Performance Unit Awards. The Agreement relating to a Performance Unit Award shall specify whether such award may be settled in shares of Common Stock or cash or a combination thereof. Prior to the settlement of a Performance Unit Award in shares of Common Stock, the Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company.

4.3 Termination of Employment or Service. All of the terms relating to the satisfaction of Performance Measures and the termination of the Performance Period relating to a Performance Unit Award, or any forfeiture and cancellation of such award upon the Participant’s Termination, whether by reason of Disability, death or any other reason, shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise set forth in the Agreement relating to a Performance Unit Award, such award shall be cancelled on the effective date of the Participant’s Termination for any reason.

V. GENERAL

5.1 Effective Date and Term of Plan. This Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for approval within 12 months of the date of the Board’s initial adoption of the Plan. This Plan shall terminate ten years after its effective date, unless terminated earlier by the Board. Termination of this Plan shall not affect the terms or conditions of any award granted prior to termination. In the event that this Plan is not approved by the stockholders of the Company, this Plan and any awards hereunder shall be void and of no force or effect.

5.2 Amendments. The Board may amend this Plan and the terms and conditions of any outstanding awards as it shall deem advisable, subject to any requirement of stockholder approval required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including any rule of the New York Stock Exchange, or, if the Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, any rule of the principal national stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then traded; provided, however, that no amendment may impair the rights of a Participant’s outstanding award without the written consent of such Participant.

5.3 Agreement. Each award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to such award. No award shall be valid until an Agreement is executed by the Company and the Participant and, upon execution by each party and delivery of the Agreement to the Company within the time period specified by the Company, such award shall be effective as of the effective date set forth in the Agreement.

5.4 Non-Transferability. No award shall be transferable other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to beneficiary designation procedures approved by the Company or, to the extent expressly permitted in the Agreement relating to such award, to the

Participant’s family members, a trust or entity established by the Participant for estate planning purposes or a charitable organization designated by the Participant, in each case, without consideration. Except to the extent permitted by the foregoing sentence or the Agreement relating to an award, each award may be exercised or settled during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative or similar person. Except as permitted by the second preceding sentence, no award may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed of (whether by operation of law or otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to so sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of any award, such award and all rights thereunder shall immediately become null and void.

5.5 Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or the payment of any cash pursuant to an award made hereunder, payment by the Participant of such award of any federal, state, local or other taxes which may be required to be withheld or paid in connection with such award. An Agreement may provide that (i) the Company shall withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered to a Participant, having an aggregate Fair Market Value determined as of the date the obligation to withhold or pay taxes arises in connection with an award (the “Tax Date”), or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a Participant, in the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation or (ii) the Participant may satisfy any such obligation by any of the following means: (A) a cash payment to the Company, (B) delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) to the Company of previously owned whole shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the Tax Date, or withhold an amount of cash which would otherwise be payable to a Participant, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy any such obligation, (D) in the case of the exercise of an option and except as may be prohibited by applicable law, a cash payment by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the optionee has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) any combination of (A), (B), (C) and (D), in each case to the extent set forth in the Agreement relating to the award and subject to the Participant’s execution of such documents as the Company may reasonably request. Shares of Common Stock to be delivered or withheld may not have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of the amount determined by applying the minimum statutory withholding rate. Any fraction of a share of Common Stock which would be required to satisfy such an obligation shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the Participant.

5.6 Restrictions on Shares. Each award made hereunder shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Company determines that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award upon any securities exchange or under any law, or the consent or approval of any governmental body, or the taking of any other action is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the delivery of shares thereunder, such shares shall not be delivered unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or other action shall have been effected or obtained, free of any conditions not

acceptable to the Company. The Company may require that certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to any award made hereunder bear a legend indicating that the sale, transfer or other disposition thereof by the Participant is prohibited except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

5.7 Adjustment. In the event of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation) that causes the per share value of shares of Common Stock to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering or recapitalization through an extraordinary dividend, the number and class of securities available under this Plan, the terms of each outstanding option and SAR (including the number and class of securities subject to each outstanding option or SAR and the purchase price or base price per share), the terms of each outstanding Restricted Stock Award and Restricted Stock Unit Award (including the number and class of securities subject thereto), and the terms of each outstanding Performance Share Award shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, such adjustments to be made in the case of outstanding options and SARs without an increase in the aggregate purchase price or base price and in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. In the event of any other change in corporate capitalization, including a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or partial or complete liquidation of the Company, such equitable adjustments described in the foregoing sentence may be made as determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights of participants. In either case, the decision of the Committee regarding any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive.

5.8 Corporate Transaction; Change in Control.

(a) If the Company shall be a party to a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of more than 50% of the operating assets of the Company (determined on a consolidated basis), other than in connection with a sale-leaseback or other arrangement resulting in the continued utilization of such assets (or the operating products of such assets) (a “Corporate Transaction”), or in the event of a Change in Control, the Board (as constituted prior to any Change in Control resulting from such Corporate Transaction) may, in its discretion:

(i) require, following the Participant’s Termination in connection with a Corporation Transaction or a Change in Control, that (A) some or all outstanding options and SARs shall immediately become exercisable in full or in part, (B) the Restriction Period applicable to some or all outstanding Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall lapse in full or in part, (C) the Performance Period applicable to some or all outstanding Performance Share Awards and Performance Unit Awards shall lapse in full or in part and (D) the Performance Measures applicable to some or all outstanding awards shall be deemed to be satisfied at the target or any other level;

(ii) require outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be assumed by the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction, or a parent corporation thereof;

(iii) require that shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction, or a parent corporation thereof, be substituted for some or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to an outstanding award, with an appropriate and equitable adjustment to such award as determined by the Board in accordance with Section 5.7; and/or

(iv) require outstanding awards, in whole or in part, to be surrendered to the Company by the Participant, and to be immediately cancelled by the Company, and to provide for the Participant to receive (A) a cash payment in an amount equal to (1) in the case of an option or an SAR, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such option or SAR surrendered, to the extent such option or SAR is then exercisable or becomes exercisable pursuant to clause (i), multiplied by the excess, if any, of the highest per share price offered to holders of Common Stock in any transaction whereby the Corporate Transaction takes place, over the exercise price or strike price per share of Common Stock subject to such option or SAR, (2) in the case of a Stock Award, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the portion of such award surrendered, to the extent the Restriction Period and Performance Period, if any, on such Stock Award has lapsed or will lapse pursuant to clause (i) and to the extent that the Performance Measures, if any, have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to clause (i), multiplied by the highest per share price offered to holders of Common Stock in any transaction whereby the Corporate Transaction takes place, and (3) in the case of a Performance Unit Award, the number of Performance Units then subject to the portion of such award surrendered, to the extent the Performance Period applicable so such award has lapsed or will lapse pursuant to clause (i) and to the extent the Performance Measures applicable to such award have been satisfied or are deemed satisfied pursuant to clause (i); (B) shares of capital stock of the corporation resulting from such Corporate Transaction, or a parent corporation thereof, having a fair market value not less than the amount determined under clause (A) above; or (C) a combination of the payment of cash pursuant to clause (A) above and the issuance of shares pursuant to clause (B) above.

(b) For purposes of Section 1.3 and Section 5.8(a), “Change in Control” shall mean, except as otherwise provided below, the occurrence of a “change in the ownership,” a “change in the effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company. In determining whether an event shall be considered a “change in the ownership,” a “change in the effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company, the following provisions shall apply:

(i) A “change in the ownership” of the Company shall occur on the date on which any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v). If a person or group is considered either to own

more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, or to have effective control of the Company within the meaning of clause (ii) of this Section 3(e), and such person or group acquires additional stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional stock by such person or group shall not be considered to cause a “change in the ownership” of the Company.

(ii) A “change in the effective control” of the Company shall occur on either of the following dates:

(A) The date on which any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi). If a person or group is considered to possess 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, and such person or group acquires additional stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional stock by such person or group shall not be considered to cause a “change in the effective control” of the Company; or

(B) The date on which a majority of the members of the Board is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board before the date of the appointment or election, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi).

(c) A “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company shall occur on the date on which any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii). A transfer of assets shall not be treated as a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” when such transfer is made to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company, as determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii)(B).

Notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the foregoing events, a Change in Control shall not occur with respect to an award if, in advance of such event, the Participant agrees in writing that such event shall not constitute a Change in Control. The Committee may, in its discretion, include any provisions in an Agreement which it may deems desirable regarding the treatment of any award under the Plan in connection with a Change in Control, including but not limited to, providing for the accelerated vesting or payment of such award upon a Change in Control.

Notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the foregoing events, the Initial Public Offering or any bona fide primary or secondary public offering following the occurrence of the Initial Public Offering shall not constitute a Change in Control.

5.9 Market Standoff Agreement. As a condition of receiving any award hereunder, the Participant agrees that in connection with any registration of the Common Stock and upon the request of the Committee or the underwriters managing any public offering of the Common Stock, the Participant will not sell or otherwise dispose of any Common Stock without prior written consent of the Committee or such underwriters, as the case may be, for a period of time (not to exceed 180 days) from the effective date of such registration as the Committee or the underwriters may specify for employee-shareholders generally.

5.10 Deferrals. The Committee may determine that the delivery of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash, or a combination thereof, upon the exercise or settlement of all or a portion of any award (other than awards of Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options and SARs) made hereunder shall be deferred, or the Committee may, in its sole discretion, approve deferral elections made by the Participant. Deferrals shall be for such periods and upon such terms as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

5.11 No Right of Participation or Employment or Service. Unless otherwise set forth in an employment agreement, no person shall have any right to participate in this Plan. Neither this Plan nor any award made hereunder shall confer upon any person any right to continued employment or service with AAM or any of its Affiliates or affect in any manner the right of AAM or any of its Affiliates to terminate the employment or service of any person at any time without liability hereunder.

5.12 Rights as Stockholder. No person shall have any right as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock or other equity security of the Company which is subject to an award hereunder unless and until such person becomes a stockholder of record with respect to such shares of Common Stock or equity security.

5.13 Designation of Beneficiary. A Participant may file with the Committee a written designation of one or more persons as such Participant’s beneficiary or beneficiaries (both primary and contingent) in the event of the Participant’s death or incapacity. To the extent an outstanding option or SAR granted hereunder is exercisable, such beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be entitled to exercise such option or SAR pursuant to procedures prescribed by the Committee. Each beneficiary designation shall become effective only when filed in writing with the Committee during the Participant’s lifetime on a form prescribed by the Committee. The filing with the Committee of a new beneficiary designation shall cancel all previously filed beneficiary designations. If a Participant fails to designate a beneficiary, or if all designated beneficiaries of a Participant predecease the Participant, then each outstanding option and SAR hereunder held by such Participant, to the extent exercisable, may be exercised by such Participant’s executor, administrator, legal representative or similar person.

5.14 Compliance with Laws. Each award made hereunder shall be subject to all laws, rules and regulations, including all applicable federal and state securities laws, and to such approvals by governmental agencies as may be required. The Company shall be under no obligation to offer to sell or to sell any shares of Common Stock pursuant to an award unless such shares have been properly registered for sale pursuant to the Securities Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or unless the Company has received an opinion of counsel, satisfactory to the Company, that such shares may be offered or sold without such registration pursuant to an available exemption. The Company shall be under no obligation to register for sale or resale under the Securities Act any of the shares of Common Stock to be offered or sold under the Plan or any shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of options. If the shares of Common Stock offered for sale or sold under the Plan are offered or sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, the Company may restrict the transfer of such shares and may legend the certificates representing the Common Stock in such manner as it deems advisable to ensure the availability of any such exemption.

5.15 Governing Law. This Plan, each award hereunder and the related Agreement, and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant thereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the Code or the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland and construed in accordance therewith without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.

5.16 Arbitration. Any dispute or controversy between the Company or its respective affiliates (including AAM) on the one hand, and the Participant on the other hand, whether arising out of or relating to this Plan, any Agreement or otherwise, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in Cook County, Illinois administered by the American Arbitration Association, with any such dispute or controversy being so administered in accordance with its Commercial Rules then in effect, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award any remedy or relief that a court of competent jurisdiction could order or grant, including, without limitation, the issuance of an injunction. Except as necessary in court proceedings to enforce this arbitration provision or an award rendered hereunder, or to obtain interim relief, neither a party nor an arbitrator may disclose the existence, content or results of any arbitration hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company and the Participant. The Company and the Participant acknowledge that this Plan and each Agreement evidence transactions involving interstate commerce. Notwithstanding any choice of law provision included in this Plan or any Agreement, the United States Federal Arbitration Act shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this arbitration provision.

5.17 Code Section 409A.

(a) This Plan and each Agreement evidencing an award hereunder are intended to be excepted from the requirements of section 409A of the Code or to avoid accelerated taxation and/or the imposition of any additional tax or penalty under section 409A of the Code, as applicable, and shall be interpreted and construed consistent with that intent. Notwithstanding such intention, the Board may, at any time and in its sole discretion and without a Participant’s prior consent, amend the Plan and/or awards, adopt policies and procedures or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and actions with retroactive effect) as are

necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt the Plan and/or any award from the application of section 409A of the Code, (ii) preserve the intended tax treatment of any such award or (iii) comply with the requirements of section 409A of the Code, including without limitation any such regulations guidance, compliance programs and other interpretive authority that may be issued after the date of grant.

(b) Participants (or their beneficiaries) shall be responsible for all taxes with respect to any awards under the Plan. The Board and the Company make no guarantees to any person regarding the tax treatment of awards or payments made under the Plan. Neither the Board nor the Company has any obligation to take any action to prevent the assessment of any additional tax or penalty on any Participant with respect to any award under section 409A of the Code or otherwise and none of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or any of their employees or representatives shall have any liability to a Participant with respect thereto.