Alimera Sciences, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan

Exhibit 10.9

Alimera Sciences, Inc.

2010 Equity Incentive Plan

(As Adopted Effective on the IPO Date)

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page
ARTICLE 1.	INTRODUCTION		1

ARTICLE 2.	ADMINISTRATION		1
2.1	Committee Composition		1
2.2	Committee Responsibilities		1
2.3	Non-Officer Grants		2

ARTICLE 3.	SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANTS		2
3.1	Basic Limitation		2
3.2	Annual Increase in Shares		2
3.3	Shares Returned to Reserve		2
3.4	Dividend Equivalents		3

ARTICLE 4.	ELIGIBILITY		3
4.1	Incentive Stock Options		3
4.2	Other Grants		3

ARTICLE 5.	OPTIONS		3
5.1	Stock Option Agreement		3
5.2	Number of Shares		3
5.3	Exercise Price		3
5.4	Exercisability and Term		3
5.5	Effect of Change in Control		3
5.6	Death of Optionee		4
5.7	Modification or Assumption of Options		4
5.8	Buyout Provisions		4

ARTICLE 6.	PAYMENT FOR OPTION SHARES		4
6.1	General Rule		4
6.2	Surrender of Stock		4
6.3	Exercise/Sale		4
6.4	Promissory Note		5
6.5	Other Forms of Payment		5

ARTICLE 7.	STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS		5
7.1	SAR Agreement		5
7.2	Number of Shares		5
7.3	Exercise Price		5
7.4	Exercisability and Term		5
7.5	Effect of Change in Control		5
7.6	Exercise of SARs		5
7.7	Death of Optionee		6
7.8	Modification or Assumption of SARs		6


		Page
ARTICLE 8.	RESTRICTED SHARES		6
8.1	Restricted Stock Agreement		6
8.2	Payment for Awards		6
8.3	Vesting Conditions		6
8.4	Voting and Dividend Rights		7

ARTICLE 9.	STOCK UNITS		7
9.1	Stock Unit Agreement		7
9.2	Payment for Awards		7
9.3	Vesting Conditions		7
9.4	Voting and Dividend Rights		7
9.5	Form and Time of Settlement of Stock Units		7
9.6	Death of Recipient		8
9.7	Creditors' Rights		8

ARTICLE 10.	OTHER AWARDS		8
10.1	Performance Cash Awards		8
10.2	Awards under Other Plans		8

ARTICLE 11.	PROTECTION AGAINST DILUTION		9
11.1	Adjustments		9
11.2	Dissolution or Liquidation		9
11.3	Reorganizations		9

ARTICLE 12.	PAYMENT OF DIRECTOR'S FEES IN SECURITIES		11
12.1	Effective Date		11
12.2	Elections to Receive NSOs, Restricted Shares or Stock Units		11
12.3	Number and Terms of NSOs, Restricted Shares or Stock Units		11

ARTICLE 13.	LIMITATION ON RIGHTS		11
13.1	Retention Rights		11
13.2	Stockholders' Rights		11
13.3	Regulatory Requirements		11

ARTICLE 14.	WITHHOLDING TAXES		11
14.1	General		11
14.2	Share Withholding		12

ARTICLE 15.	FUTURE OF THE PLAN		12
15.1	Term of the Plan		12
15.2	Amendment or Termination		12
15.3	Stockholder Approval		12

ARTICLE 16.	DEFINITIONS		12

Alimera Sciences, Inc.

2010 Equity Incentive Plan

ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTION.

The Board adopted the Plan effective as of the IPO Date. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of stockholder value by (a) encouraging Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants to focus on critical long-range objectives, (b) encouraging the attraction and retention of Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants with exceptional qualifications and (c) linking Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants directly to stockholder interests through increased stock ownership. The Plan seeks to achieve this purpose by providing for Awards in the form of Options (which may constitute ISOs or NSOs), SARs, Restricted Shares, Stock Units or Performance Cash Awards.

The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (except their choice-of-law provisions).

ARTICLE 2. ADMINISTRATION.

2.1 Committee Composition. The Compensation Committee of the Board shall administer the Plan. The Committee shall consist exclusively of two or more members of the Board, who shall be appointed by the Board. In addition, each member of the Committee shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Any listing standards prescribed by the principal securities market on which the Company’s equity securities are traded;

(b) Such requirements as the Internal Revenue Service may establish for outside directors acting under plans intended to qualify for exemption under section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code;

(c) Such requirements as the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish for administrators acting under plans intended to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3 (or its successor) under the Exchange Act; and

(d) Any other requirements imposed by applicable law, regulations or rules.

2.2 Committee Responsibilities. The Committee shall (a) select the Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants who are to receive Awards under the Plan, (b) determine the type, number, vesting requirements and other features and conditions of such Awards, (c) determine to what extent any Performance Goals have been attained, (d) interpret the Plan, (e) make all other decisions relating to the operation of the Plan and (f) carry out any other duties delegated to it by the Board under the Plan. The Committee may adopt such rules or

guidelines as it deems appropriate to implement the Plan. The Committee’s determinations under the Plan shall be final and binding on all persons.

2.3 Non-Officer Grants. The Board may also appoint a single director or an additional committee of the Board composed of two or more directors of the Company. The single director or the members of the additional committee need not satisfy the requirements of Section 2.1. Such director or committee may (a) administer the Plan with respect to Employees and Consultants who are not Outside Directors and are not considered executive officers of the Company under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, (b) grant Awards under the Plan to such Employees and Consultants and (c) determine all features and conditions of such Awards. Within the limitations of this Section 2.3, any reference in the Plan to the Committee shall include a single director or an additional committee to whom the Board has delegated the required authority under this Section 2.3.

ARTICLE 3. SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANTS.

3.1 Basic Limitation. Common Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. The aggregate number of Common Shares issued under the Plan shall not exceed (a) 1,977,686 Common Shares plus (b) the additional Common Shares described in Sections 3.2 and 3.3. The number of Common Shares that are subject to Awards outstanding at any time under the Plan shall not exceed the number of Common Shares that then remain available for issuance under the Plan. All Common Shares available under the Plan may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs. The limitations of this Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Article 11.

3.2 Annual Increase in Shares. As of the first day of each fiscal year of the Company, commencing on January 1, 2011, the aggregate number of Common Shares that may be issued under the Plan shall automatically increase by a number equal to the lowest of (a) 4% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding, (b) 2,000,000 Common Shares or (c) the number determined by the Board.

3.3 Shares Returned to Reserve. To the extent that Options, SARs or Stock Units are forfeited or expire for any other reason before being exercised or settled in full, then the Common Shares subject to such Options, SARs or Stock Units shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. If SARs are exercised, then only the number of Common Shares (if any) actually issued in settlement of such SARs shall reduce the number available under Section 3.1 and the balance shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. If Stock Units are settled, then only the number of Common Shares (if any) actually issued in settlement of such Stock Units shall reduce the number available under Section 3.1 and the balance shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. If Restricted Shares or Common Shares issued upon the exercise of Options are reacquired by the Company pursuant to a forfeiture provision or for any other reason, then such Common Shares shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. Shares applied to pay the Exercise Price of Options or to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to any Award shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. To the extent that an Award is settled in cash rather than Shares, the cash settlement shall not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.

3.4 Dividend Equivalents. Any dividend equivalents paid or credited under the Plan shall not be applied against the number of Common Shares that may be issued under the Plan, whether or not such dividend equivalents are converted into Stock Units.

ARTICLE 4. ELIGIBILITY.

4.1 Incentive Stock Options. Only Employees who are common-law employees of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary shall be eligible for the grant of ISOs. In addition, an Employee who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company or any of its Parents or Subsidiaries shall not be eligible for the grant of an ISO unless the additional requirements set forth in Section 422(c)(5) of the Code are satisfied.

4.2 Other Grants. Only Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants shall be eligible for the grant of Restricted Shares, Stock Units, NSOs or SARs.

ARTICLE 5. OPTIONS.

5.1 Stock Option Agreement. Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such Option shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The Stock Option Agreement shall specify whether the Option is an ISO or an NSO. The provisions of the various Stock Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. Options may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the Optionee’s other compensation.

5.2 Number of Shares. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the number of Common Shares subject to the Option and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Article 11. Options granted to an Optionee in a single fiscal year of the Company shall not cover more than 50% of the Plan Shares.

5.3 Exercise Price. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of grant. The preceding sentence shall not apply to Options granted pursuant to an assumption of, or substitution for, another option in a manner that would satisfy the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code, whether or not such section is applicable.

5.4 Exercisability and Term. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the date or event when all or any installment of the Option is to become exercisable. The Stock Option Agreement shall also specify the term of the Option; provided that the term of an ISO shall in no event exceed 10 years from the date of grant. A Stock Option Agreement may provide for accelerated exercisability in the event of the Optionee’s death, disability or retirement or other events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Service. Options may be awarded in combination with SARs, and such an Award may provide that the Options will not be exercisable unless the related SARs are forfeited.

5.5 Effect of Change in Control. The Committee may determine, at the time of granting an Option or thereafter, that such Option shall become exercisable as to all or part of

the Common Shares subject to such Option in the event that a Change in Control occurs with respect to the Company or in the event that the Optionee is subject to an Involuntary Termination after a Change in Control. However, in the case of an ISO, the acceleration of exercisability shall not occur without the Optionee’s written consent. In addition, acceleration of exercisability may be required under Section 11.3.

5.6 Death of Optionee. After an Optionee’s death, any exercisable Options held by such Optionee may be exercised by his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each Optionee may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Optionee’s death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Optionee, then any exercisable Options held by the Optionee may be exercised by his or her estate.

5.7 Modification or Assumption of Options. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, reprice, extend or assume outstanding options or may accept the cancellation of outstanding options (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new options for the same or a different number of shares and at the same or a different exercise price. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, alter or impair his or her rights or obligations under such Option.

5.8 Buyout Provisions. The Committee may at any time (a) offer to buy out for a payment in cash or cash equivalents an Option previously granted or (b) authorize an Optionee to elect to cash out an Option previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish.

ARTICLE 6. PAYMENT FOR OPTION SHARES.

6.1 General Rule. The entire Exercise Price of Common Shares issued upon exercise of Options shall be payable in cash or cash equivalents at the time when such Common Shares are purchased, except that the Committee at its sole discretion may accept payment of the Exercise Price in any other form(s) described in this Article 6. However, if the Optionee is an Outside Director or executive officer of the Company, he or she may pay the Exercise Price in a form other than cash or cash equivalents only to the extent permitted by Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act.

6.2 Surrender of Stock. With the Committee’s consent, all or any part of the Exercise Price may be paid by surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Common Shares that are already owned by the Optionee. Such Common Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date when the new Common Shares are purchased under the Plan.

6.3 Exercise/Sale. With the Committee’s consent, all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid by delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) an irrevocable direction to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Common Shares being purchased under the Plan and to deliver all or part of the sales proceeds to the Company.

6.4 Promissory Note. With the Committee’s consent, all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid by delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) a full-recourse promissory note.

6.5 Other Forms of Payment. With the Committee’s consent, all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid in any other form that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations and rules.

ARTICLE 7. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

7.1 SAR Agreement. Each grant of an SAR under the Plan shall be evidenced by an SAR Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such SAR shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various SAR Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. SARs may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the Optionee’s other compensation.

7.2 Number of Shares. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the number of Common Shares to which the SAR pertains and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Article 11. SARs granted to an Optionee in a single calendar year shall in no event pertain to more than 50% of the Plan Shares.

7.3 Exercise Price. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall in no event be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of grant. The preceding sentence shall not apply to SARs granted pursuant to an assumption of, or substitution for, another SAR in a manner that would satisfy the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code if such section were applicable.

7.4 Exercisability and Term. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the SAR is to become exercisable. The SAR Agreement shall also specify the term of the SAR. An SAR Agreement may provide for accelerated exercisability in the event of the Optionee’s death, disability or retirement or other events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Service. SARs may be awarded in combination with Options, and such an Award may provide that the SARs will not be exercisable unless the related Options are forfeited. An SAR may be included in an ISO only at the time of grant but may be included in an NSO at the time of grant or thereafter. An SAR granted under the Plan may provide that it will be exercisable only in the event of a Change in Control.

7.5 Effect of Change in Control. The Committee may determine, at the time of granting an SAR or thereafter, that such SAR shall become exercisable as to all or part of the Common Shares subject to such SAR in the event that the Company is subject to a Change in Control or in the event that the Optionee is subject to an Involuntary Termination after a Change in Control. In addition, acceleration of exercisability may be required under Section 11.3.

7.6 Exercise of SARs. Upon exercise of an SAR, the Optionee (or any person having the right to exercise the SAR after his or her death) shall receive from the Company (a) Common Shares, (b) cash or (c) a combination of Common Shares and cash, as the Committee shall determine. The amount of cash and/or the Fair Market Value of Common

Shares received upon exercise of SARs shall, in the aggregate, be equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value (on the date of surrender) of the Common Shares subject to the SARs exceeds the Exercise Price. If, on the date when an SAR expires, the Exercise Price is less than the Fair Market Value on such date but any portion of such SAR has not been exercised or surrendered, then such SAR shall automatically be deemed to be exercised as of such date with respect to such portion. An SAR Agreement may also provide for an automatic exercise of the SAR on an earlier date.

7.7 Death of Optionee. After an Optionee’s death, any exercisable SARs held by such Optionee may be exercised by his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each Optionee may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Optionee’s death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Optionee, then any exercisable SARs held by the Optionee may be exercised by his or her estate.

7.8 Modification or Assumption of SARs. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, reprice, extend or assume outstanding SARs or may accept the cancellation of outstanding SARs (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new SARs for the same or a different number of shares and at the same or a different exercise price. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an SAR shall, without the consent of the Optionee, alter or impair his or her rights or obligations under such SAR.

ARTICLE 8. RESTRICTED SHARES.

8.1 Restricted Stock Agreement. Each grant of Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Such Restricted Shares shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Stock Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

8.2 Payment for Awards. Restricted Shares may be sold or awarded under the Plan for such consideration as the Committee may determine, including (without limitation) cash, cash equivalents, property, full-recourse promissory notes, past services and future services. If the Participant is an Outside Director or executive officer of the Company, he or she may pay for Restricted Shares with a promissory note only to the extent permitted by Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may accept the cancellation of outstanding options in return for the grant of Restricted Shares.

8.3 Vesting Conditions. Each Award of Restricted Shares may or may not be subject to vesting. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Restricted Stock Agreement. Such conditions, at the Committee’s discretion, may include one or more Performance Goals. In no event shall more than 50% of the Plan Shares be granted to any Participant in a single fiscal year of the Company as Restricted Shares subject to performance-based vesting conditions. A Restricted Stock Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, disability or retirement or other events. The Committee may determine, at the time of granting Restricted Shares or

thereafter, that all or part of such Restricted Shares shall become vested in the event that a Change in Control occurs with respect to the Company or in the event that the Participant is subject to an Involuntary Termination after a Change in Control.

8.4 Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Restricted Shares awarded under the Plan shall have the same voting, dividend and other rights as the Company’s other stockholders. A Restricted Stock Agreement, however, may require that any cash dividends paid on Restricted Shares (a) be accumulated and paid when such Restricted Shares vest or (b) be invested in additional Restricted Shares. Such additional Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Award with respect to which the dividends were paid.

ARTICLE 9. STOCK UNITS.

9.1 Stock Unit Agreement. Each grant of Stock Units under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Unit Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Such Stock Units shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Stock Unit Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. Stock Units may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the recipient’s other compensation.

9.2 Payment for Awards. To the extent that an Award is granted in the form of Stock Units, no cash consideration shall be required of the Award recipients.

9.3 Vesting Conditions. Each Award of Stock Units may or may not be subject to vesting. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Stock Unit Agreement. Such conditions, at the Committee’s discretion, may include one or more Performance Goals. In no event shall more than 50% of the Plan Shares be granted to any Participant in a single fiscal year of the Company as Stock Units subject to performance-based vesting conditions. A Stock Unit Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, disability or retirement or other events. The Committee may determine, at the time of granting Stock Units or thereafter, that all or part of such Stock Units shall become vested in the event that the Company is subject to a Change in Control or in the event that the Participant is subject to an Involuntary Termination after a Change in Control. In addition, acceleration of vesting may be required under Section 11.3.

9.4 Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Stock Units shall have no voting rights. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, any Stock Unit awarded under the Plan may, at the Committee’s discretion, carry with it a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one Common Share while the Stock Unit is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Stock Units. Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of Common Shares, or in a combination of both. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents that are not paid shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Stock Units to which they attach.

9.5 Form and Time of Settlement of Stock Units. Settlement of vested Stock Units may be made in the form of (a) cash, (b) Common Shares or (c) any combination of both, as determined by the Committee. The actual number of Stock Units eligible for settlement

may be larger or smaller than the number included in the original Award, based on predetermined performance factors. Methods of converting Stock Units into cash may include (without limitation) a method based on the average Fair Market Value of Common Shares over a series of trading days. Vested Stock Units may be settled in a lump sum or in installments. The distribution may occur or commence when all vesting conditions applicable to the Stock Units have been satisfied or have lapsed, or it may be deferred to any later date. The amount of a deferred distribution may be increased by an interest factor or by dividend equivalents. Until an Award of Stock Units is settled, the number of such Stock Units shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Article 11.

9.6 Death of Recipient. Any Stock Units Award that becomes payable after the recipient’s death shall be distributed to the recipient’s beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each recipient of a Stock Units Award under the Plan shall designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Award recipient’s death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Award recipient, then any Stock Units Award that becomes payable after the recipient’s death shall be distributed to the recipient’s estate.

9.7 Creditors’ Rights. A holder of Stock Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Stock Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Stock Unit Agreement.

ARTICLE 10. OTHER AWARDS.

10.1 Performance Cash Awards. A Performance Cash Award is a cash award granted subject to the attainment of specified Performance Goals during a Performance Period. A Performance Cash Award may also require the completion of a specified period of continuous Service. The length of the Performance Period, the Performance Goals to be attained during the Performance Period, and the degree to which the Performance Goals have been attained shall be determined conclusively by the Committee. The aggregate amount that may be paid to any Participant for any fiscal year of the Company as a Performance Cash Award shall not exceed $1,500,000. The Committee may prescribe or may permit a Participant to elect (subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify) that the payment of a Performance Cash Award will be deferred to a specified date or event. The Committee may also specify the form of payment of a Performance Cash Award, including cash or Common Shares, or may permit a Participant to elect the form of payment. Such Common Shares shall be treated for all purposes under the Plan like Common Shares issued in settlement of Stock Units and shall, when issued, reduce the number of Common Shares available under Article 3.

10.2 Awards under Other Plans. The Company may grant awards under other plans or programs. Such awards may be settled in the form of Common Shares issued under this Plan. Such Common Shares shall be treated for all purposes under the Plan like Common Shares issued in settlement of Stock Units and shall, when issued, reduce the number of Common Shares available under Article 3.

ARTICLE 11. PROTECTION AGAINST DILUTION.

11.1 Adjustments. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Common Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in Common Shares or a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise) into a lesser number of Common Shares, corresponding adjustments shall automatically be made in each of the following:

(a) The number of Options, SARs, Restricted Shares and Stock Units available for future Awards under Article 3;

(b) The number of Common Shares covered by each outstanding Option and SAR;

(d) The number of Stock Units included in any prior Award that has not yet been settled.

In the event of a declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than Common Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the price of Common Shares, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence, the Committee shall make such adjustments as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate in one or more of the foregoing. Except as provided in this Article 11, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of any issuance by the Company of stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class, any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any stock dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class.

11.2 Dissolution or Liquidation. To the extent not previously exercised or settled, Options, SARs and Stock Units shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company.

11.3 Reorganizations. In the event that the Company is a party to a merger or consolidation, all outstanding Awards shall be subject to the agreement of merger or consolidation. Such agreement shall provide for one or more of the following:

(a) The continuation of such outstanding Awards by the Company (if the Company is the surviving corporation).

(b) The assumption of such outstanding Awards by the surviving corporation or its parent, provided that the assumption of Options or SARs shall comply with Section 424(a) of the Code (whether or not the Options are ISOs).

(c) The substitution by the surviving corporation or its parent of new awards for such outstanding Awards, provided that the substitution of Options or SARs shall comply with Section 424(a) of the Code (whether or not the Options are ISOs).

(d) Full exercisability of outstanding Options and SARs and full vesting of the Common Shares subject to such Options and SARs, followed by the cancellation of such Options and SARs. The full exercisability of such Options and SARs and full vesting of such Common Shares may be contingent on the closing of such merger or consolidation. The Optionees shall be able to exercise such Options and SARs during a period of not less than five full business days preceding the closing date of such merger or consolidation, unless (i) a shorter period is required to permit a timely closing of such merger or consolidation and (ii) such shorter period still offers the Optionees a reasonable opportunity to exercise such Options and SARs. Any exercise of such Options and SARs during such period may be contingent on the closing of such merger or consolidation.

(e) The cancellation of outstanding Options and SARs and a payment to the Optionees equal to the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of the Common Shares subject to such Options and SARs (whether or not such Options and SARs are then exercisable or such Common Shares are then vested) as of the closing date of such merger or consolidation over (ii) their Exercise Price. Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving corporation or its parent with a Fair Market Value equal to the required amount. Such payment may be made in installments and may be deferred until the date or dates when such Options and SARs would have become exercisable or such Common Shares would have vested. Such payment may be subject to vesting based on the Optionee’s continuing Service, provided that the vesting schedule shall not be less favorable to the Optionee than the schedule under which such Options and SARs would have become exercisable or such Common Shares would have vested. If the Exercise Price of the Common Shares subject to such Options and SARs exceeds the Fair Market Value of such Common Shares, then such Options and SARs may be cancelled without making a payment to the Optionees. For purposes of this Subsection (e), the Fair Market Value of any security shall be determined without regard to any vesting conditions that may apply to such security.

(f) The cancellation of outstanding Stock Units and a payment to the Participants equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Shares subject to such Stock Units (whether or not such Stock Units are then vested) as of the closing date of such merger or consolidation. Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving corporation or its parent with a Fair Market Value equal to the required amount. Such payment may be made in installments and may be deferred until the date or dates when such Stock Units would have vested. Such payment may be subject to vesting based on the Participant’s continuing Service, provided that the vesting schedule shall not be less favorable to the Participant than the schedule under which such Stock Units would have vested. For purposes of this Subsection (f), the Fair Market Value of any security shall be determined without regard to any vesting conditions that may apply to such security.

ARTICLE 12. PAYMENT OF DIRECTOR’S FEES IN SECURITIES.

12.1 Effective Date. No provision of this Article 12 shall be effective unless and until the Board has determined to implement such provision.

12.2 Elections to Receive NSOs, Restricted Shares or Stock Units. An Outside Director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer payments and/or meeting fees from the Company in the form of cash, NSOs, Restricted Shares or Stock Units, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Board. Such NSOs, Restricted Shares and Stock Units shall be issued under the Plan. An election under this Article 12 shall be filed with the Company on the prescribed form.

12.3 Number and Terms of NSOs, Restricted Shares or Stock Units. The number of NSOs, Restricted Shares or Stock Units to be granted to Outside Directors in lieu of annual retainers and meeting fees that would otherwise be paid in cash shall be calculated in a manner determined by the Board. The terms of such NSOs, Restricted Shares or Stock Units shall also be determined by the Board.

ARTICLE 13. LIMITATION ON RIGHTS.

13.1 Retention Rights. Neither the Plan nor any Award granted under the Plan shall be deemed to give any individual a right to remain an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant. The Company and its Parents, Subsidiaries and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate the Service of any Employee, Outside Director or Consultant at any time, with or without cause, subject to applicable laws, the Company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws and a written employment agreement (if any).

13.2 Stockholders’ Rights. A Participant shall have no dividend rights, voting rights or other rights as a stockholder with respect to any Common Shares covered by his or her Award prior to the time when a stock certificate for such Common Shares is issued or, if applicable, the time when he or she becomes entitled to receive such Common Shares by filing any required notice of exercise and paying any required Exercise Price. No adjustment shall be made for cash dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to such time, except as expressly provided in the Plan.

13.3 Regulatory Requirements. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, the obligation of the Company to issue Common Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and such approval by any regulatory body as may be required. The Company reserves the right to restrict, in whole or in part, the delivery of Common Shares pursuant to any Award prior to the satisfaction of all legal requirements relating to the issuance of such Common Shares, to their registration, qualification or listing or to an exemption from registration, qualification or listing.

ARTICLE 14. WITHHOLDING TAXES.

14.1 General. To the extent required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, a Participant or his or her successor shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of any withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with the

Plan. The Company shall not be required to issue any Common Shares or make any cash payment under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.

14.2 Share Withholding. To the extent that applicable law subjects a Participant to tax withholding obligations, the Committee may permit such Participant to satisfy all or part of such obligations by having the Company withhold all or a portion of any Common Shares that otherwise would be issued to him or her or by surrendering all or a portion of any Common Shares that he or she previously acquired. Such Common Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date when they are withheld or surrendered. This Section 14.2 shall apply only to the minimum extent required by applicable tax laws.

ARTICLE 15. FUTURE OF THE PLAN.

15.1 Term of the Plan. The Plan, as set forth herein, shall become effective on the IPO Date. The Plan shall remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the date when the Plan is terminated under Section 15.2 or (b) the 10^th anniversary of the date when the Board adopted the Plan.

15.2 Amendment or Termination. The Board may, at any time and for any reason, amend or terminate the Plan. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the termination thereof. The termination of the Plan, or any amendment thereof, shall not affect any Award previously granted under the Plan.

15.3 Stockholder Approval. An amendment of the Plan shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders only to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations or rules. However, Section 162(m) of the Code may require that the Company’s stockholders approve:

(a) The Plan not later than the first regular meeting of stockholders that occurs in the fourth calendar year following the calendar year in which the IPO Date occurred;

(b) The performance criteria set forth in Appendix A not later than the first meeting of stockholders that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the Company’s stockholders previously approved such criteria; and

(c) Any increase in the limitations set forth in Section 5.2, 7.2, 8.3 or 9.3 resulting from an amendment of the Plan that increases the number of Plan Shares.

ARTICLE 16. DEFINITIONS.

16.1 “Affiliate” means any entity other than a Subsidiary, if the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of such entity.

16.2 “Award” means an award of Options, SARs, Restricted Shares or Stock Units or a Performance Cash Award.

16.3 “Board” means the Company’s Board of Directors, as constituted from time to time.

16.4 “Cause” means:

(a) An unauthorized use or disclosure by the Participant of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets, which use or disclosure causes material harm to the Company;

(b) A material breach by the Participant of any agreement between the Participant and the Company;

(d) The Participant’s conviction of, or plea of “guilty” or “no contest” to, a felony under the laws of the United States or any State thereof;

(e) The Participant’s gross negligence or willful misconduct;

(f) A continuing failure by the Participant to perform assigned duties after receiving written notification of such failure from the Board; or

(g) A failure by the Participant to cooperate in good faith with a governmental or internal investigation of the Company or its directors, officers or employees, if the Company has requested the Participant’s cooperation.

16.5 “Change in Control” means:

(a) The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization, if persons who were not stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other reorganization own immediately after such merger, consolidation or other reorganization 50% or more of the voting power of the outstanding securities of each of (i) the continuing or surviving entity and (ii) any direct or indirect parent corporation of such continuing or surviving entity;

(b) The sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets;

(c) A change in the composition of the Board, as a result of which fewer than 50% of the incumbent directors are directors who either:

(i) Had been directors of the Company on the date 24 months prior to the date of such change in the composition of the Board (the “Original Directors”); or

(ii) Were appointed to the Board, or nominated for election to the Board, with the affirmative votes of at least a

majority of the aggregate of (A) the Original Directors who were in office at the time of their appointment or nomination and (B) the directors whose appointment or nomination was previously approved in a manner consistent with this Paragraph (ii); or

(d) Any transaction as a result of which any person is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities. For purposes of this Subsection (d), the term “person” shall have the same meaning as when used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act but shall exclude (i) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary and (ii) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the common stock of the Company.

A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

16.6 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

16.7 “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board, as further described in Article 2.

16.8 “Common Share” means one share of the common stock of the Company.

16.9 “Company” means Alimera Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

16.10 “Consultant” means a consultant or adviser who provides bona fide services to the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate as an independent contractor.

16.11 “Employee” means a common-law employee of the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate.

16.12 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

16.13 “Exercise Price,” in the case of an Option, means the amount for which one Common Share may be purchased upon exercise of such Option, as specified in the applicable Stock Option Agreement. “Exercise Price,” in the case of an SAR, means an amount, as specified in the applicable SAR Agreement, which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value of one Common Share in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.

16.14 “Fair Market Value” means the price at which Common Shares were last sold in the principal U.S. market for Common Shares on the applicable date or, if the applicable date was not a trading day, on the last trading day prior to the applicable date. If Common Shares are no longer traded on a public U.S. securities market, the Fair Market Value shall be

determined by the Committee in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate. The Committee’s determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

16.15 “Involuntary Termination” means the termination of the Participant’s Service by reason of:

(a) The involuntary discharge of the Participant by the Company (or the Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing him or her) for reasons other than Cause;

(b) The voluntary resignation of the Participant following (i) a material adverse change in his or her title, stature, authority or responsibilities with the Company (or the Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing him or her), (ii) a material reduction in his or her base salary or (iii) receipt of notice that his or her principal workplace will be relocated by more than 30 miles; or

16.16 “IPO Date” means the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission for its initial offering of Common Shares to the public.

16.17 “ISO” means an incentive stock option described in section 422(b) of the Code.

16.18 “NSO” means a stock option not described in sections 422 or 423 of the Code.

16.19 “Option” means an ISO or NSO granted under the Plan and entitling the holder to purchase Common Shares.

16.20 “Optionee” means an individual or estate holding an Option or SAR.

16.21 “Outside Director” means a member of the Board who is not an Employee.

16.22 “Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the 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. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as of such date.

16.23 “Participant” means an individual or estate holding an Award.

16.24 “Performance Cash Award” means a performance cash award granted under Section 10.1.

16.25 “Performance Goal” means a goal established by the Committee for the applicable Performance Period based on one or more of the performance criteria set forth in Appendix A. Performance Goals may be established either on a Company-wide basis or with respect to one or more business units, divisions, Subsidiaries, Affiliates or business segments and either in absolute terms or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or one or more relevant indices. To the extent consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may adjust the results under any performance criterion to exclude any of the following events that occurs during a Performance Period: (a) asset write-downs, (b) litigation, claims, judgments or settlements, (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles or other laws or provisions affecting reported results, (d) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, (e) extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items, (f) exchange rate effects for non-U.S. dollar denominated net sales and operating earnings or (g) statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates.

16.26 “Performance Period” means a period of time selected by the Committee over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to a Performance Cash Award or an Award of Restricted Shares or Stock Units that vests on the basis of performance. Performance Periods may be of varying and overlapping duration, at the sole discretion of the Committee.

16.27 “Plan” means this Alimera Sciences, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

16.28 “Plan Shares” means the total number of Common Shares available under the Plan, as determined under all provisions of Article 3.

16.29 “Restricted Share” means a Common Share awarded under the Plan.

16.30 “Restricted Stock Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Restricted Share that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Share.

16.31 “SAR” means a stock appreciation right granted under the Plan.

16.32 “SAR Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his or her SAR.

16.33 “Service” means service as an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant.

16.34 “Stock Option Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his or her Option.

16.35 “Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one Common Share, as awarded under the Plan.

16.36 “Stock Unit Agreement” means the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Stock Unit that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Stock Unit.

16.37 “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. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.

Appendix A
Performance Criteria

The Committee may establish Performance Goals derived from one or more of the following criteria when it makes Awards of Restricted Shares or Stock Units that vest entirely or in part on the basis of performance or when it makes Performance Cash Awards:



•	Earnings (before or after taxes)	•	Sales or revenue

•	Earnings per share	•	Expense or cost reduction

•	Earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation	•	Working capital

•	Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization	•	Economic value added (or an equivalent metric)

•	Total stockholder return	•	Market share

•	Return on equity or average stockholders’ equity	•	Cash flow

•	Return on assets, investment or capital employed	•	Operating cash flow

•	Operating income	•	Cash flow per share

•	Gross margin	•	Share price

•	Operating margin	•	Debt reduction

•	Net operating income	•	Customer satisfaction

•	Net operating income after tax	•	Stockholders’ equity

•	Return on operating revenue	•	Contract awards or backlog

•	To the extent that an Award is not intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, other measures of performance selected by the Committee

Alimera Sciences, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan

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