Notice Regarding the Expansion of Scope for Equity Compensation Trust (J-ESOP)

Background and Purpose of Expanding the Scope of the Equity Compensation Trust (J-ESOP)

Umios Corporation’s board of directors has resolved to expand the scope of the employee equity compensation trust (J-ESOP), introduced in fiscal 2023, to include certain managerial staff (excluding non-resident employees in Japan). This system aims to enhance the linkage between stock price, business performance, and employee treatment, thereby increasing employee motivation and promoting medium- to long-term corporate value improvement. The expansion intends to accelerate efforts toward achieving the Group’s mid-term management plan “For the ocean, for life 2027,” expecting eligible employees to contribute to corporate value improvement from the same perspective as shareholders.

System Overview and Trust Mechanism

This system is a trust-type scheme inspired by the US ESOP system, with Mizuho Trust & Banking as trustee, providing shares and cash to eligible employees. Employees who acquire benefit rights through point allocation receive shares, which are managed separately as trust assets. The trust agreement was concluded on November 13, 2023, and the trust period continues without a specified termination date. Voting rights are exercised by the trust administrator, establishing a mechanism to enhance employees’ awareness of corporate value improvement.